Today, we celebrate Jeff Edelstein’s milestone of 45 years at Springbrook. Jeff has supported Springbrook’s mission through different roles including his current role as a Medicaid Compliance Specialist. His dedication and contributions have resonated throughout the Springbrook community, from providing compassionate care to families to empowering the people he has served to achieve their personal goals. Over his decades with Springbrook, Jeff has supported many people in different capacities and built a legacy of dedication, compassion, and commitment to our mission.
One of the memories Jeff reflects on fondly is working with a family to accommodate their religious dietary needs. He thoughtfully considered a kosher diet for the person he supported, ensuring their cultural and spiritual needs were met. This kind of thoughtful, person-centered care has been a hallmark of Jeff’s approach in every role he has held at Springbrook.
Jeff also recalls the many times he was able to provide support to families who were facing challenging moments. He remembers having family members thank him for offering them the reassurance and guidance they needed when the road ahead seemed rocky. These moments of empathy and understanding have left a lasting impression on those he has helped.
But perhaps one of the most profound aspects of Jeff’s career has been his connection with his coworkers. Over the years, he has witnessed many of them succeed and grow within the organization, moving on to new roles and positions. Jeff takes pride in seeing his colleagues thrive, and it’s evident that he has been an essential part of their success. For Jeff, the relationships built with coworkers have been a true highlight of his career, and he values the sense of camaraderie that has developed over the years.
In the mid-1980s, when Jeff was managing the Glen Martin residence, he began to see firsthand how working in human services connects people from all backgrounds. He often laughs when recalling the great memories of going out for coffee with the folks he supported. For Jeff, it was never about seeing people through a lens of difference but rather recognizing the shared humanity in everyone. This mindset has remained a cornerstone of his approach to his work.
As he looks back, Jeff also reflects on how his career has shaped his perspective. When he first started, he never imagined the path his career would take. He now appreciates that working in human services exposes you to so many diverse and interesting people. The work is never the same, and every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity for growth.
Jeff’s advice to new employees is simple but valuable: “Explore different locations—each one offers unique experiences and opportunities for growth. Getting involved in committees also helps develop connections across departments and can lead to new opportunities.” His dedication to teamwork and collaboration has left a lasting impression.
As Jeff celebrates his 45th milestone with Springbrook, he expresses his gratitude to everyone who has been part of his journey. “Thank you for putting up with me for 45 years,” Jeff laughs. “I think I’ve held almost every position at Springbrook at one time or another, but I am grateful I started with direct care. It grounded me and showed me what the most important part of the agency is—the people we serve.”
We are grateful for Jeff’s decades of service and the difference he has made in countless lives. Thank you, Jeff, for your unwavering commitment and for being an integral part of the Springbrook community. Here’s to 45 years of making the difference!