Unsung Dedication
Chef Darrius Coleman: The Art of Seva for Seniors
Over the course of my 30 year career in hospitality, I have had the honor of working with some of the most inspiring, dedicated and humble “Seva Leaders”. Some worked in the ‘light’, but most were those who were unsung. Their dedication to their craft happens behind the scenes, out of the ‘light’. Yet, their efforts were (and are still) critical to hospitality service.
Chef Darrius Coleman is one such unsung hero who has devoted his career to serving the needs of the elderly.
A Community Built for Life
Belmont Village Senior Living is thoughtfully designed to emulate the comforts of home and prioritize hospitality. The community fosters a social and active lifestyle, allowing residents to have a say in selecting and organizing activities.
Each day is filled with opportunities to form new friendships, engage in regular workouts, and savor nutritious meals meticulously prepared by skilled chefs.
When considering Senior Living options for your loved ones, it is of utmost importance to prioritize their health, safety, dignity, and individual needs when searching for the right place.
Personalized Care, Staff to Resident Ratio, Amenities and Activities, and Social Connection are vitally important to the well-being of those in an assisted-living setting.
Nourishing Hearts
Nestled between Bistro and Josephine’s Kitchen, The Great Room exudes an inviting ambiance, adorned with a grand piano and a comforting fireplace. The entirety of the space offers a delightful and harmonious experience for all who enter.
Upon meeting Chef Darrius Coleman, it was his vibrant smile and radiant spirit that immediately captured my attention. As our conversation unfolded, I couldn’t help but inquire about his personal hero, a question that felt instinctive in the moment.
His response further solidified my belief, as he revealed that it was his beloved grandmother.
“Undoubtedly, my great grandmother, Madea Susana Toombs, who instilled in me the importance of integrity, even when faced with challenges. Her belief in me has been my guiding light, her strength and wisdom helped shape me into the person I am today”.
Inspired by the sights and smells of his grandmother’s kitchen, Chef Coleman found his passion for the culinary world at a young age.
A pivotal moment arose when Chef accidentally cut his hand in the kitchen, prompting the intervention of a knowledgeable mentor. Felicia Patterson, a seasoned culinarian expert, who not only taught Chef the essential skills of knife handling but also imparted invaluable knowledge on food storage, preventing cross-contamination, understanding cooking temperatures, and practicing food safety.
This encounter deeply influenced his decision to pursue a career as a chef, as he developed a profound appreciation for the culinary arts and the importance of creating safe and nutritious meals.
“What inspires me the most are my children, along with my nephew and niece whom I care for. Despite the early loss of their mother, they continue to amaze me with their resilience, always sporting smiles and excelling in everything they do. Their strength and positivity in the fact of challenges fuel my own determination and inspire me every day.”
Palate Partners: Collaborative Cuisine at its finest.
“My philosophy is simple: being authentic and passionate and enjoy the opportunity to bringing smiles to people’s faces through my work every day”.
Chef Coleman’s eleven-year tenure at Belmont has taught him that engaging with residents can foster a sense of community and enhance cognitive stimulation. Additionally, incorporating nutrition into the lifestyle program aligns with the understanding that a healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining brain function and overall well-being.
Chef and his team take pride in preparing meals from scratch. This approach allows for controlling ingredients and flavors as well a nutritional content of each dish.
Some of the healthy meals offered:
Mediterranean Bowl, Hollywood Salad, Green Tahini Dressing, Shrimp Spinach Tortilla Wrap.
“I want my time here to be spoken of with fondness and admiration, knowing that I contributed to the well-being and joy of those around me.”
There are numerous qualities of the unsung heroes working with seniors. It takes a person with…
Empathy: possessing a deep understanding and compassion to genuinely care about the well-being of the residents.
Patience: approaching challenges with a calm demeanor, flexibility, and accommodating.
Kindness: a gentle disposition treating people with respect, dignity, and warmth.
Positive Attitude: to be able to bring joy and optimism to their interactions, create an uplifting environment.
Resilience: strength in their dedication to make positive impacts.
Dedication: deeply committed, finding fulfillment in bringing joy, comfort, and Seva!
Thank You, Chef Darrius Coleman and your entire team for nourishing the souls of our elders!
Love the vibrant food colors!
The unsung truly are the heroes. Thank you for the reminder and for sharing