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, Judson 
introduces our reinvigorated core values. These values that underpin Judson’s mission of bringing community to life have served as a consistent guidepost as we create an engaging society where older adults are honored for their experiences and live vibrant lives.

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

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

Their voices are overwhelmingly present in these everyday operations at all levels as we move through
our journey, which will continue to shape our legacy and set the tone 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

 

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

Check back in October to meet our Belonging Ambassadors

Communication

Check back in November to meet our Belonging Ambassadors

Innovation

Check back in December to meet our Belonging Ambassadors

Integrity

Check back in January to meet our Belonging Ambassadors

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

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 Action 

Shannon Shepherd on leading with compassion and consistency  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. “We are here as a team, and

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Our Featured Media

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