PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Nov. 13, 2025 – The California Assisted Living Association (CALA) recognized Holly Nguyen, medication technician at Glenbrook Assisted Living, with the Outstanding Caregiver Award during an Awards Celebration Luncheon held yesterday at Elevate: CALA’s Fall Conference & Trade Show.
CALA presents its annual Excellence in Service Awards to honor individuals who, on any given day in CALA-member communities across the state, step beyond their job descriptions to uplift residents, support teammates, and lead with strength – challenging all of us to be our best.
For more than 12 years, Nguyen has been a guiding presence at Glenbrook, known for steady devotion to residents and colleagues. Her resilience – shaped by immigrating from Vietnam as a child after more than a year in a Philippine internment camp – shows up in everyday service and in crises alike. During a community outbreak, when several team members were ill and her car broke down, Nguyen – who lives more than 50 miles away – took an Uber to ensure residents and coworkers had the support they needed.
Nguyen is equally known for thoughtful acts that protect dignity and spark joy. She once organized a search for a resident’s missing hearing-aid piece – sifting through trash and even climbing into a dumpster until it was found – and she regularly personalizes moments for residents, from mending a favorite blouse to arranging small cultural celebrations. Colleagues seek her fair, honest feedback; her example has helped strengthen Glenbrook’s hospitality-focused culture, where people feel truly seen.
“Holly turns care into connection – showing residents they are seen, and showing teammates how simple, consistent acts can transform a community,” said CALA President & CEO Heather Harrison.
Watch Vicky’s Outstanding Caregiver Video on YouTube
About CALA: With approximately 660 provider members and 160 associate members, CALA is the only association solely representing the state’s Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, which encompass Assisted Living, Memory Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. CALA provides leadership through advocacy efforts and education to support providers in their efforts to offer the highest quality programs and services to their residents.
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