Meet Joanna Franco:
Resident Care Manager and Director of Program Services
Languages: English, Spanish
Caring House grew in many ways in 2021 – 77 new residents and families; a dozen new volunteers, including five new or returning Board Members; and six new staff members. Joanna Franco was among those new staff members.
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Joanna joined the Caring House team as Resident Care Manager in June, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience as both a caregiver and a resident/care coordinator and manager. This wealth of experience, along with her positive attitude and compassionate nature has helped Caring House grow its legacy, so we can help more residents, support more families, engage more volunteers, and continue to build a team of compassionate caregivers who make the house feel like home.
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During her first six months, Joanna seamlessly worked to improve the referral and admission process, care professional communications, licensing coordination, caregiver training, and a team-focused environment where everyone supports each other toward a common goal – a peaceful and compassionate environment for all who enter. “The love and care that our caregivers share with every resident, family member and friend who comes through our doors is truly from the heart,” she shared.
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Prior to joining Caring House, Joanna served as Care Coordinator and Office Manager for Always Best Care in Manhattan Beach, an agency providing home care for seniors. In that role, she oversaw approximately 30 caregivers working throughout the South Bay community. Before that, she was Lead Patient Services Representative for T.H.E. Clinic, Inc., a family practice, GYN and pediatric clinic in Los Angeles. She also served as an Administrator Assistant and Resident Services Coordinator for Spring Senior Assisted Living in Torrance, as well as working as a private caregiver for many years.
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“I have always had a passion for serving our senior communities,” Joanna said. “I probably would have become a nurse, but I am not a fan of blood or needles! What I am a fan of is love and compassion – they go a long way in providing comfort and support for those in your care, and I can only hope I make a tiny difference. I am so blessed to be part of the Caring House team.”
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“I feel like we caught lightning in a bottle when Joanna responded to our search for a new Resident Care Manager,” Executive Director Jon Mesko said. “She has the experience we needed to grow Caring House and the heart required for this position. She cares so much, and we are honored she joined our team.”
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Joanna grew up locally in Lawndale, studied at El Camino College and volunteers at her family’s church, so she has deep roots in our community. She has three daughters who are lucky to have such a great role model with her hard work and dedication to helping families experience peace at the end of life.
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