The CFS Workforce Committee is excited to announce the June Employees of the Month: Leslie Colon Rivera, Lillah Extavour, Carmen Alvarez in New York and Josie Alexander in New Jersey. As you can see, we have four amazing individuals who were selected for June’s Employees of the month. They all show the best parts of the organization and are all a joy to work with.
Congratulations to you all!
New York Winners
Leslie Colon Rivera
Leslie Colon Rivera has been part of the agency for more than a year as a Direct Support Specialist and she has had a great impact on the individual she works with. Since Leslie has been working with her individual it has revealed positive changes their life.
Leslie has developed an outstanding relationship with her individual by being respectful, communicating directly with her, and having meaningful conversations on how to increase her independence at home and in the community.
Leslie demonstrates a high level of professionalism when engaging in activities with her individual, family members, supervisor and coworkers.
Leslie always starts her shift on time which helps her individual be committed and motivated. She is flexible and has been able to work extra shifts to assist her individual while engaging in CFS activities on the weekdays and weekends. Overall, Leslie deserves to be named employee of the month due to all the positive outcomes that were seen in the life of the individual she supports.
Leslie added: Since I started working at CFS a year and four months ago, I realized that I was in the right place where I can help individuals with special needs to be independent in their daily lives and being part of our community is a pleasure for me to see. Like every day I am part of seeing Jazmin fulfill her goal of being independent, I really enjoy my work and I ask God to allow me to continue helping everyone who needs me with a lot of love. Thank you CFS for the opportunity to be part of your mission.
Lillah Extavour
Lilliah Extavour embodies the ability to change people in a positive direction. Her efforts benefit the health, lives, and relationships of everyone around her. Although she has only been with CFS for a short while, she has made a major impact in the lives of the people we serve.
Starting back in November of 2023, Lilliah was introduced to a CFS resident who has an extreme phobia of medical doctors. This made going to medical and specialized appointments and staying compliant with doctor’s recommendations very difficult.
Her dedication has been unwavering, and she continues to find innovative and creative ways to meet the need of this person. Just recently her endeavors finally paid off, the service recipient was able to get a CAT Scan done with her help. Overall, her work ethic, her love for the service recipients, and her support is who she is and what she does so well.
When we asked Lillah if she had anything to say about winning Employee of the Month, she said: “Working at CFS has been an amazing journey and I am grateful that my advocacy, support and dedication is making a difference in the people we care for and its being recognized by my team. I look forward to continuing this journey. Thank you.”
Carmen Alvarez
Carmen is the heart and soul of the New York City office. She sets the culture of kindness and compassion for the entire office.
Her office is a revolving door of people looking for information, help, support, or just a kind person to speak to. A lot of times, someone might start their search for information with another person, then it ends in: “Ask Carmen”, who inevitably knows the answer or if not, will find a way to get the answer. She works seamlessly with Board Members, Executives, administrative staff, and program staff. No matter who you are, she will help you and guide you towards the right answer.
About winning Employee of the Month, Carmen said: While I only interact on occasion with our Individuals, I delight in knowing that Staff are implementing CFS’ mission by ensuring they are able to live full and productive lives as everyone else. That makes me proud to be a part of the organization and my heart is happy for them.
New Jersey Winner
Josie Alexander
Josie loves everyone we support. She is very sweet to each and every person she comes across. Josie is eager to help everyone, makes everyone feel comfortable, and always speaks highly of CFS. She is especially gracious with new staff, letting them know they can always reach out to them. Josie cares about her co-workers and everyone around her. She is the type of person that if she sees you need shoes, she will give you the shoes off her own feet.
