Our Core Values

The adopted core values serve as guiding principles for associates, residents, and family members to recognize and respect.

Each month, we will highlight a Core Value and provide insights on how Judson is putting it into action.

A note from Kendra Urdzik, President and CEO

Bringing Community to Life


Following a deep dive to gain insight, ideas, and direction, JudsonĀ 
introduces our reinvigorated core values. These values that underpinĀ Judson’s mission of bringing community to life have served as aĀ consistent guidepost as we create an engaging society where olderĀ adults are honored for their experiences and live vibrant lives.

Judson is rooted in high-integrity care, community and transformativeĀ aging. Our premier cultural and educational programming affordsĀ opportunities for members to discover common threads and achieveĀ their personal goals on their terms as they grow older.

We’re aĀ community where every voice matters, ideas are encouraged, inclusionĀ is celebrated and innovation is embraced.Ā Our associates engage with residents daily, supporting them inĀ attaining their health and aging goals. It’s the people servingĀ people who make the difference.

Their voices are overwhelminglyĀ present in these everyday operations at all levels as we move through
our journey, which will continue to shape our legacy and set the toneĀ for tomorrow.

How We Make a Difference — Judson’s Core Values


Our core values are centered on how we make a difference every day, and each of our six values define how we act on strategic goals.

Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions, and following through on commitments.

Belonging: Valuing diverse perspectives and treating everyone with mutual respect.

Collaboration: Engaging with others to achieve shared goals.

Communication: Actively listening to learn and share with clarity and respect.

Innovation: Seeking creativity, curiosity and new ideas.

Integrity: Doing the right thing, every time.

Accountability


Accountability
means taking responsibility for your actions and their impact on those around you. It’s about owning your choices, following through on commitments, and being honest when things don’t go as planned. It shows maturity and a willingness to grow.
In work or in life, accountability builds trust. At Judson, when people know they can count on you to do what you say—and admit when you fall short—it strengthens relationships and helps everyone move forward together.

It encourages teamwork, respect, and better results.
Being accountable doesn’t mean being perfect. It means showing up, being honest, and doing your best—even when it’s hard. It’s how we learn, improve, and build real confidence in ourselves and others.

Click on the thumbnails above or on the links below to hear from Accountability Ambassador, Shannon Shepherd, Honorary Ambassador Jim Calhoun, and Judson Resident Mary Alice Valvoda, sharing their thoughts on what Accountability means
to them at Judson

Shannon Shepherd

Accountability Associate Ambassador, Judson Park

Mary Alice Valvoda

Accountability Resident Ambassador, Judson Manor

Belonging

Ā 

Belonging is at the heart of every thriving senior living community. It’s more than just being in a place – it’s about being part of something meaningful, together. Belonging means connection, purpose, and mutual respect between residents and associates. It creates a sense of emotional well-being, confidence, and happiness, at any age. It reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, bringing more joy, energy, and meaning to each day. In a strong community, everyone feels heard, valued, and included. When people feel safe to be themselves – without judgment – belonging takes root and grows. For associates, a true sense of belonging fosters stronger bonds with residents and builds a culture of care, pride, and teamwork. For residents, it brings peace of mind and a true sense of home, knowing they are surrounded by people who genuinely care. Belonging is more than a feeling—it’s knowing your presence matters.

Click on the thumbnails above or on the links below to hear from Belonging Ambassadors Recardo Sales, and Judson Resident Phyllis Carter, sharing their thoughts on what Belonging means to them at Judson.

Recardo Sales​

Belonging Associate Core Values Ambassador

Phyllis Carter

Belonging Resident
Core Values Ambassador

Collaboration

Ā 

Working together with others is one of the best ways to reach shared goals. When we collaborate, we each bring our own ideas, skills, and experiences to the table – and that can lead to better, more creative results. It’s all about listening, sharing, and supporting one another as a team. By staying open-minded, respectful, and willing to compromise, we can build strong connections and make real progress together. Whether it’s a group project, a team at work, or a community effort, great things happen when people come together with a common purpose. When they unite around a common purpose, their combined efforts can accomplish far more than any individual could alone.

Click on the thumbnails above or on the links below to hear from Collaboration Ambassadors Cathy Lewis, and Judson Resident Edward Kasper, sharing their thoughts on what Collaboration means to them at Judson.

Cathy Lewis

South Franklin Circle Resident and Collaboration Core Value Ambassador

Edward Kasper

South Franklin Circle Associate and Collaboration Core Value Ambassador

Communication

Ā 

Good communication starts with really listening to others—not just hearing their words, but trying to understand their thoughts and feelings. When we listen actively, it shows that we care and helps build trust. At the same time, it’s important to share our own ideas clearly and respectfully, so everyone feels included and understood. Speaking kindly and listening with an open mind helps us learn from each other, work through misunderstandings, and build stronger relationships. Whether we’re working on a team or just having a conversation, good communication brings people together and helps us reach common goals.

Innovation

Ā 

Innovation begins with curiosity—the simple desire to learn, ask questions, and explore new possibilities. No matter where we are in life, staying open to new ideas and thinking creatively helps us grow and find better ways to do things. Sometimes that means trying something different, learning from mistakes, or combining old ideas in new ways. Innovation isn’t just about big breakthroughs—it’s about everyday moments of creativity and problem-solving. When we stay curious and willing to imagine what could be, we open the door to meaningful change and progress for ourselves and the world around us.

Integrity

Ā 

Integrity is about doing the right thing, even when no one’s around to see it. It’s about being honest and kind, and staying true to who we are, even when it’s not easy. Whether it’s standing up for what’s right, keeping a promise, or treating others with respect, those small choices show what kind of person we really are. Acting with integrity builds trust and helps us feel proud of ourselves. It’s a quiet strength that guides us through life and makes the world a little better, one good decision at a time.

Core Values Associates

Kendra Urdzik

President and CEO

Jim Calhoun

Honorary Core Values Associate Ambassador

Shannon Shepherd

Accountability Associate Ambassador, Judson Park

Mary Alice Valvoda

Accountability Resident Ambassador, Judson Manor

Phyllis Carter

Belonging Resident Core Values Ambassador

Recardo Sales

Belonging Associate Core Values Ambassador

Jennie & Trevor Jones

Honorary Core Values Resident Ambassadors

Cathy Lewis

Collaboration Resident Core Value Ambassador

Edward Kasper

Collaboration Associate Core Value Ambassador

Our Featured Blogs

Mary Alice Valvoda: Accountability Is Belonging

Mary Alice Valvoda on trust, presence, and community At Judson Manor, accountability isn’t just a value—it’s something you can feel. Just ask Mary Alice Valvoda, Judson ambassador and founder of MAVZPIX, a photo art studio she runs from her Judson home. With her background in corporate training and her deep

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Shannon Shepherd: Accountability in ActionĀ 

Shannon Shepherd on leading with compassion and consistencyĀ  In a community rooted in trust and understanding, accountability takes shape in everyday actions—both big and small. At Judson Manor, Shannon Shepherd, a supervisor in environmental services, leads a team that lives this value fully. ā€œWe are here as a team, and

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