For 19 Years, Ignacio Has Helped Residents Feel Right at Home

When you visit Holiday Orchid Terrace in St. Louis, Missouri, you might spot Ignacio Correa with a tool belt at his side and a friendly smile on his face. He’s always on the move, making sure everything in the senior living community runs smoothly – from fixing a leaky sink to helping a neighbor get their TV working again.

For nearly 20 years, Ignacio has been the kind of person everyone relies on. His care and commitment were recently recognized in a big way: Ignacio received Atria’s Exceptional Service Award – an honor given to employees who go above and beyond in their roles.

A humble hero behind the scenes

“I’m not the type of person that seeks to be in the spotlight,” Ignacio says. “I tend to be on the quiet side. But it was nice to learn that my manager had nominated me. She thinks I’m a good guy, I guess,” he chuckles.

That humility is just one reason residents and staff are so grateful for him. Ignacio isn’t just great at his job – he brings heart and kindness to everything he does.

More than maintenance – it’s about connection

“On a normal day, you come in the morning and check your work orders to see what needs to be done,” he explains. “If any maintenance emergencies happen, I handle those quickly, too – an overflowing sink or something.”

But Ignacio’s presence in the community goes far beyond tools and repairs. He builds real relationships with the people who live there. After 19 years, Ignacio knows every apartment – and everyone who lives in them.

“I get to spend time with residents all day long,” Ignacio adds. “One resident would repeatedly flag me down between work orders whenever she had issues with her television,” he laughs. “I would always take a quick break and help her fix it.”

These small interactions – a quick fix, a shared laugh, a morning conversation – are the heart of community life. “There’s one resident I see most mornings when I come in. We chat for a few minutes before I start work – it’s a really nice way to start my day.”

Dedication that makes a difference

Ignacio says he’s always been drawn to work that helps others. “I’ve always loved this kind of work. And here, I get to come in, see the residents, and help them.”

Now 66 years old, Ignacio could be thinking about retirement – but he’s not ready to slow down just yet. “My wife asks me when I’m going to retire. I always say, ‘Well, one of these days. But not today.’”

It’s clear that for Ignacio, this is more than a job – it’s a calling. And for the residents of Holiday Orchid Terrace, his dedication helps create a sense of comfort, connection and care that defines life in the community.

The Holiday difference: staff who stay, care that shows

When people like Ignacio choose to stay for nearly two decades, it says a lot about what makes Holiday special. It’s not just a place to work – it’s a place to belong. And for our residents, that kind of dedication turns a place to live into a place to call home. Schedule a tour at your local Holiday community and experience it for yourself.