Facilities & Maintenance Fuel Recovery at Caz

When we talk about recovery, our minds often go straight to counseling, group support, and clinical care. But there’s a quieter force at work every single day; one that shapes the physical space where healing happens. At Caz, the facilities, operations, and maintenance team, led by Sam DellaPenta, Maintenance Supervisor, and guided by Susan Phibbs, Director of Operations, ensures that our programs are not just buildings – they are safe, supportive, and dignified spaces where residents can focus on their wellness.

Year One Success

As Sam wraps up his first year at Caz, he reflects on the impact of the work. “I love figuring out problems,” he says. “There’s this deep sense of satisfaction when something is broken, and you can fix it. But it’s even more rewarding when you know it’s making someone’s day just a little better.” Sam came to Caz with years of experience in office facility management, but this role brought new purpose. “These properties almost feel like my kids,” he says with a smile. “When we finish a big repair or make something safer and more beautiful, I’m proud. And I want the team to feel that same ownership.”

One of Sam’s proudest accomplishments was leading a complex HVAC project at Unity House.  The project came with its challenges, including tight timelines and summer heat, but in the end, the updated heating and cooling system delivered a more livable and energy efficient environment and moreover, a place that is comfortable for our residents. “That was my first big project here,” Sam shares. “We finished on schedule, and it just went smoothly. It felt like a win.”

A Dynamic Duo in Operations

Susan and Sam have developed a great working dynamic over this past year. The two have become a powerhouse team, balancing big-picture strategy with on-the-ground execution. “Our vision is aligned,” Susan says. “We both care about preserving the character of these unique properties, while also making sure each facility represents Caz as a professional, welcoming place. Ultimately, everything we do is for the residents.” Susan adds that Sam’s leadership has transformed the facilities and maintenance team. “He’s brought in a new sense of motivation and respect. He gives his team autonomy, and he treats them with the same care and dignity that we offer our residents. That’s rare, and it’s powerful.”

Beyond emergency fixes, the team is now able to think ahead, prioritize safety concerns, and even consider beautification projects that uplift residents’ spirits. Whether it’s repairing a porch railing, planting flowers, or repainting a common area, each detail matters. “You walk up to a clean, well-maintained home, and it changes how you feel,” Sam explains. “It gives you pride. And when residents see that care, they begin to feel it too.” Susan couldn’t agree more. “Caz cares,” she says. “From the leadership team to the frontline staff, we are all here to support our residents in every way including the environments they live in. A leaky basement or flickering light might seem small, but when you’re already facing the challenges of recovery, those things add up. We make sure our spaces feel safe, clean, and restorative.”

Looking Ahead: Prepared and Proactive

As the team looks ahead, their shared focus is on proactive improvements, greater curb appeal, and deeper collaboration with the grants team and program staff. There are still a lot of items that are hoped to be improved upon in the coming years. “We want to be ready,” Sam says. “If there’s funding available, we can show exactly what’s needed, why it matters, and how it improves life for our residents.” And for those who still think of maintenance as something behind the scenes? Sam offers this: “Our residents are our customers. And when we do our job right, they feel it! Not just in a warm room or a working shower, but in the dignity of a space that says, ‘You matter.’”

Casa Di Vita’s Calm Room

Kelsey Lennertz, Casa Di Vita’s Reintegration Manager, had a vision for a Calm Room in the basement of her program. She and our operations and maintenance teams collaborated on the idea for months, and it is now finally realized. With popping colors and a completely refinished concrete floor thanks to MD Newaz, Maintenance Coordinator, the new room is a fantastic and rejuvenating addition to Casa Di Vita!