Benchmark Senior Living, which operates 21 assisted living communities throughout Connecticut, earned more 2026 Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) Outstanding Employee Service and Outstanding Resident Accomplishment Awards than any other senior living provider in the state, with 13 associates and residents recognized.

Eight associates were honored for exceptional service to residents, including Rebecca Ingoglia, Program Director at Crescent Point at Niantic; Lindsay Ressler, Resident Care Director at Coachman Square at Woodbridge; and Miriam Rivas, Lead Aide at Benchmark at Ridgefield Crossings, among others across the state. The annual CALA awards celebrate individuals who exemplify the best of senior living in Connecticut, and this year's association reported a record number of submissions and recipients.

Tom Grape, founder, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Senior Living, said, "To have so many of our associates and residents recognized across Connecticut is incredibly meaningful. Our communities are built around people and the relationships they create. These associates demonstrate every day what it means to be Called to Care, while our residents continue to inspire us with the ways they contribute, connect and enrich the lives of those around them. We couldn't be prouder of all of them."

Five residents were also honored for their accomplishments, including Tom Petersen of Sturges Ridge of Fairfield, Linda Geremia of The Atrium at Rocky Hill, and David Quinn of The Village at Brookfield Common. The Outstanding Resident Accomplishment Awards celebrate residents whose achievements, talents, service, and involvement have had a positive impact on their communities, the kind of contribution Benchmark has centered for nearly 30 years by building relationships between associates and residents and empowering residents to keep pursuing their interests and life experience.