UGOC Spotlight: Winona Omasta Celebrates 15 Years

United Group is thrilled to recognize Winona Omasta, Concierge, at The Lodge at BridgeMill, for reaching her 15-year milestone.
 
Winona began her journey with United Group in 2009 but has worked at The Lodge at BridgeMill since 2008. During her time there, Winona has formed long-lasting relationships with residents that have led to a satisfying living experience for many!
 
Winona's hardworking and caring attitude has made her a valuable asset to The Lodge at BridgeMill team, and the company could not be more appreciative of Winona for all she has done throughout her career.
 
To learn more about Winona and her journey within United Group, read her Q&A below.
 
Congratulations, Winona!
 
Winona’s Questions & Answers:
 
1.) What about United Group keeps you coming back year after year?
 
I keep coming back because I love my job. I love dealing with the seniors. It takes a lot of care and love. Some have just lost a loved one and need to talk and cry to someone. I am here. Some residents have children that don't have enough time for them. I am here. Some have had to get rid of their home of many years. You have to be able to listen and be 100% honest. I try to get them involved in activities like bingo, Pokeno, parties, and dancing. They can be wild. I love it. And I love making them laugh.
 
 
2.) What memories have you cherished the most out of your 15 years with United Group?
 
I have so many memories. I guess the best memories at The Lodge are seeing the residents laugh and be happy.
 
3.) In what ways have you seen the company grow and evolve?
 
I have seen the company grow with new management, like Marc. He is awesome. The residents enjoy seeing a corporate person out talking with them, smiling, laughing.
 
 
4.) What advice would you give your first day of work self after working for United Group for the past 15 years?
 
I started working at the Lodge in January 2008. I was working through a security company Crown Solutions, out of Atlanta. I worked a year through the security company, then United Group bought my contract out, so really, I have been here working 16 years. My first day of work at the Lodge was hilarious. There are two sides of the building. North side goes numbers 1-19 on all 4 floors and south side goes 20-38 all 4 floors. My first night of work, I had a call to go to apartment 4105, so I was trying to hurry and forgot that there was a north side and a south side, so I went hurrying to the fourth floor to assist a resident and went to the wrong side. I could not find the apartment number. I panicked. Called my boss and said I lost an apartment. He said, "You can't lose an apartment." I continued to explain what was going on. He laughed and said, "Go back to the first floor and walk across to the north side apartments."
 
 
5.) What advice do you have for newer UGOC employees?
 
My advice to anyone starting a new job here is you have to care about other people. You have to be able to appreciate and understand their feelings.