The Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) is celebrating individuals that are making a difference in the lives of people in their communities. RHF is recognizing Sheryl Jaramillo of Winslow as its 2026 Social Service Coordinator of the Year. The award is part of RHF’s annual Older Americans Month recognition program, celebrating the staff and volunteers whose dedication shapes life for older adults every day.
Jaramillo has spent most of her professional life showing up for people who need someone in their corner.
She started working with children with special needs at 19. Later, she moved to Head Start. Then, more than 13 years ago, she joined Winslow Manor, an affordable senior housing community in Winslow, operated by the Retirement Housing Foundation, as a social service coordinator and never looked back.
“When someone told me that this job was available, I said, ‘Do you know what? That’s something that I would really love to try,'” Jaramillo said.
What followed was a career defined by the quiet, essential work of connecting older adults to the services and support they need to stay in their homes. Mental health referrals, food access, benefits navigation, emergency outreach, Jaramillo handles it all.
“She will do anything for anyone, especially the residents,” said Pearl Anderson, manager of Winslow Manor. “I think she’d come even if she wasn’t being paid.”
For residents, her impact is felt in both the big moments and the day-to-day ones. “She has continually helped every single time that I’ve needed it,” said Butch Nichelson, a resident, who has relied on Jaramillo’s help navigating programs and services over several years. “She is a true asset.”
Resident Becky Graybeal describes a different kind of presence: calm, steady, unshakeable. “I’ve never heard her raise her voice,” Graybeal said. “She never gets excited or overwhelmed.”
Jaramillo’s reach extends beyond the walls of Winslow Manor. Building janitor Lola Ono says Jaramillo regularly helps community members outside the property who come to Ono with questions.
“She doesn’t just help the people here in the community,” Ono said. “She helps even the ones out there.”
Diana Pro, director of social service coordination for RHF, said the award is well deserved. “She brings in so many valuable services to the residents, but above all, she’s very compassionate and empathetic,” Pro said. “Cheryl is always there putting her best foot forward with a smile.”
Founded in 1961, RHF provides affordable housing and supportive services to help older adults, low-income families and people with disabilities live independently with dignity. More than 19,000 residents call RHF home across 184 communities in 28 states, supported by a team of nearly 1,000 people.
