Haverhill Crossings’ Dining Services Director Wins Excellence Award from Massachusetts Assisted Living Association

Robert Lapre, dining services director for Benchmark Senior Living at Haverhill Crossings in Haverhill, Mass., an assisted living and memory care community, was named a recipient of the Dining Services Award by the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) at the organization’s annual Excellence Awards Dinner in May. The awards are presented each year to individuals at every level of assisted living who have demonstrated their desire to make a positive difference in the lives of residents and who, in the view of their peers, stand out as role models in the industry.

Lapre not only is known for his culinary talents but also as a thoughtful and observant coworker and employee. He went above and beyond last year, coming to the critical aid of his sister community with other members of the culinary team during the devastating Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster. He prepared and delivered delicious hot meals for residents and associates of Ashland Farm at North Andover in North Andover, Mass., while simultaneously ensuring that his own kitchen didn’t miss a beat. His colleagues say that, “while Lapre’s culinary talent is readily apparent, what sets him apart is his ability to recognize and develop the strengths of his community staff. The investment he makes in his associates transforms lives.”

“Not just in times of crisis but every single day, Robert defines our mission to elevate human connection and helps keep our residents connected to what matters most in their lives,” says Mary Scaccia, executive director of Haverhill Crossings. “From surprising and delighting residents with homemade pecan pie and pistachio ice cream to taking time to do crossword puzzles with them, Robert is an integral part of helping us Be the Benchmark in all that we do.”

The Dining Services Award is presented to an employee of a Mass-ALA provider member organization who provides residents and staff with healthy, beautifully prepared, high-quality meals. This person provides excellent care above and beyond the call of duty and truly exemplifies the ideal of assisted living by treating all residents with dignity, providing privacy and encouraging independence and freedom of choice.

Lapre joined Haverhill Crossings in 2013 and has more than 20 years of experience in health care dining services. He has also been a special needs instructor for Triton High School. He and his wife, Tracey, live in Amesbury with their two pugs.

“We are honored to recognize the amazing employees, caregivers and volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring the highest quality of care for assisted living residents across the Commonwealth,” says Brian Doherty, President and CEO of Mass-ALA. “In their commitment to treating all with dignity and respect, our 2019 award winners embody the values and high standard of care for which the assisted living industry is known.”

About Mass-ALA
The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA, formerly Mass-ALFA) is a non-profit association dedicated to professionally operated assisted living residences in Massachusetts that provide housing and services for individuals with varied needs and income levels. Established in 1990 as a state affiliate of Argentum (formerly ALFA), Mass-ALA has grown to hundreds of members including assisted living providers and associated professionals. Mass-ALA serves as the voice of assisted living in Massachusetts, providing information and education, and advocating on behalf of our members and the seniors they serve.  Mass-ALA promotes a model of care which treats all residents with dignity, provides privacy and encourages independence and freedom of choice.

---

Benchmark Senior Living at Haverhill Crossings