SAN MATEO – Care Indeed, the 24/7 home care specialist, held ribbon-cutting ceremonies at its third and newest office along El Camino Real last February 8.

Wielding a pair of giant scissors was San Mateo Deputy Mayor Rick Bonilla. He was joined by other members of the City Council. Formally opening the door, Bonilla expressed alacrity over Care Indeed’s new laughter yoga program for both their clients and employees.

Care Indeed VP Patient Care & COO Vanessa Valerio explained, “It’s a series of breathing exercises that releases positivity. The endorphins that make you feel good.”

She also said, “Care Indeed has been a month here. Recruitment has gone up 50 percent and our client number is rising.”

She revealed that with their headquarters in Menlo Park and a second office in San Francisco, the strategy is to make the San Mateo operations like the Menlo Park office’s. Vanessa said the family-owned business needed a half-way office for their caregivers and clients who’re too far from Menlo Park and San Francisco. They’re also stepping up with recruitment.

They must be doing something right. Care Indeed was nominated, along with six others, for a JobTrain Economic Opportunity Award this month. Bustos was invited to be with “business leaders responsible for creating innovative career pathways for people in the Bay Area.”

She said, “Win or not, Care Indeed has already won. I am very grateful to everyone who has made this nomination happen.”

Holding the fort at San Mateo are: Staffing Development Manager Jowett Ocampo, Hiring and Recruiting Supervisor Bea Inocentes and Office Assistant Livraj Thandi. CEO Dee Bustos and PR & Marketing Manager Winnie Reyes were also there, along with guests and friends.

Guests waited for the fabulous seafood and vegetarian paella while munching on tapas. As usual, the warm ladies at Care Indeed warded the cold, greeting each guest with a teddy bear and give-away. And there was also a raffle. Care, indeed. (Harvey Barkin)