At the July Omega House board meeting, Brian Geshel was presented with the Jim Vivian, Sr lifetime achievement award. Brian had served on the Omega House board of directors for 18 years in a variety of capacities. He served as treasurer and president, past president and board member at large. His service as an officer in the early days of operation helped guide the organization during its fragile infancy.

In the early years the organization operated on a line of credit and Brian’s experience and skill in human resources and financial management were crucial in keeping the house open and financially viable when expense frequently outweighed income.

His many years as a respiratory therapist along with his business management skills allowed Brian to serve Omega House for many years. His calm nature and ability to talk through complex issues and hear all sides of an issue made Brian an outstanding board member and exemplary volunteer.

This award is named after Jim Vivian, Sr who was a founding member of Omega House and the first chair of the fundraising committee. It was his tireless efforts that helped in raising the funds to build Omega House. Sadly, he passed before he could see the completion of the capital campaign. Because of Jim’s initial efforts, Omega House was completed in June 2005 and the first patient was accepted in September of that year. Since that time, Omega House has cared for over 630 terminally ill community residents.