When I started working here in 2007, one thing was very
evident – people enjoyed working for Shepherds.
The smiles on the staff members’ faces were one giveaway, but it was the
longevity of employment that convinced me I had found a healthy place to work.
My co-workers in the Development office were each going on
their 15th year of employment. Joan, in the Business Office, had 35
years under her belt. Sandy, in Program, was a teacher in the early years of
Shepherds Home & School. The 20-Year Club had around twenty members at
their annual dinners. It was obvious that people were called by God to work,
and remain, at Shepherds.
What happens when a Shepherds employee stays with our
organization for decades?
During that time, her
elbows have worn through the finish on her desk in the spot they've rested every day of every year she’s been here.
His file
cabinets get stuffed to overflowing because all the information on his clients
is too important to throw away.
The residents all know she’s coming before they
can see her in the doorframe because they recognize the sound of her laughter
in the hallway.
His pictures in the employee files include black and white head shots, grainy
Polaroids dating back to plaid pants and sweater vests, and vibrant digital prints that show every laugh line on his face.
She becomes the go-to girl for every question whether it's about client medications, weekend outings or payroll.
And working on Christmas Day is no big
deal because each resident and co-worker becomes just as much a part of her
family as her sons and daughters.
Losing one of these employees hurts. Their years of
employment represent their investment of time in building meaningful
relationships and gaining invaluable knowledge of all things Shepherds. How can
that ever be replaced?
This month, four amazing women retired from Shepherds, and
their co-workers wanted an opportunity to recognize each one:
Nella Aiello
retired from her service in Catalyst, our independent living program, after 8
years.
“I appreciate Nella’s
positive attitude and dedication to the Catalyst Program. She had such care for
the clients and joy in her work. Whenever I think of Nella, I smile!” ~ Lori
“I got to know Nella
really well when our offices were in the
Clark apartments together. We bonded well. She has a very caring and loving
spirit for those she works with and for what she does. She always goes above
and beyond what required of her, giving all of herself in whatever she
does. I grew to love her dearly and will
miss her. She will be remembered for all the wonderful, yummy goodies she made.
She kept me well fed. I wish her good health and a blessed retirement. I hope
she will get to travel and spend time with her family as she wants to do.” ~
Renae
“One memory that
sticks out for me with Nella – I work up in the Clark apartments with the 3rd
year students, and whenever I see Nella, she has baked goods, fruit or some
sort of food that she is always willing to share with me and the students. This
was always a conversation starter, and it was always wonderful to see her.” ~ Andrew
Linda Wood
retired from her volunteer service, most recently in Shepherds Advocates, after
10 years.
“Linda was always busy
helping people both on and off our campus. Shepherds was blessed to have her as
a volunteer for all of these years. In 2013 alone, she volunteered more than
1,000 hours! This was probably a per year average for her, but she wasn’t one
to log her hours – she gave them so freely and fully to serve the people of
Shepherds. She will be missed as a volunteer!” ~ Becci
“Linda was always
willing to share resources and even purchased a few to help Shepherds College.
I love her kind spirit and willingness to help.” ~ Lori
Linda Manlick
retired from her work in the Business Office after 10 years.
“Linda is a very
sweet, kind, dependable woman, and she was always fun to work with. She made
amazing bean dip, enough for many days of sharing with the rest of the office
staff.” ~ Joy
“Linda had the answers
for everything and always had a positive attitude! I appreciated her wisdom
when trying to navigate confusing social security issues. I wish I had just a
portion of her knowledge and experience!” ~ Lori
And then Ruth Bose,
who retired from Program after 32 years of dedicated service to Shepherds.
“While still working full-time
in the units, I had had an unusually bad day. The next day, Ruth came walking
down the hallway toward me only to say, ‘I just want you to know you’re
wonderful.’ She heard about the day I had the day before, and even though we
didn’t know each other very well, she still went out of her way to encourage
me. A month later, I started working in the nursing department, and Ruth became
my boss. She has been a huge blessing to me ever since. She radiates God’s
goodness, grace and mercy to all those around her.” ~ Kaitlin
“I can say that
thirteen year ago, God used Ruth as a life saver in my life. She has been such
a mentor over the years I’ve been at Shepherds. Ruth will be greatly missed by
her Shepherds family, but so deserves to be retired and enjoying her Bose
family.” ~ Sherie
“Ruth was always there
for me with a listening ear and a heart willing to step in and fill the gaps
when we were short. I so appreciate and value her wisdom. I wish her a blessed
retirement – that she can finally travel and spend some much needed time with
all those grandchildren she so dearly loves. Her ministry will continue to grow
in their lives.” ~ Renae
“Ruth has been a
mentor and dear friend ever since I arrived at Shepherds. Shepherds has a
unique culture. Ruth helped me understand the culture, history, and direction
of Shepherds. She allowed me to discuss ideas, and she willingly shared her
perspective. I appreciated her honest and upfront approach. I am so thankful
for her example professionally and spiritually. She cared deeply for the staff
and clients of Shepherds and shows this through personal sacrifice, insistence
on Truth, and genuine love for each person. I consider it a privilege to call
Ruth my friend and am thankful that my path crossed hers eight years ago.”
~ Lori
“For many of the years our daughter Joy was at Shepherds, so was Ruth. We
became friends on our visits to see Joy, when we were home from Brazil. We
realized very soon that this fine lady loved the residents and was actively
engaged in their care. Ruth invited us
for lunch many times at a local restaurant in Union Grove and insisted Joy come
with us. What a gracious person. It was not the easiest chore to take Joy out
because of her difficulty in walking and style of eating. We reciprocated and invited her for lunch
several times as we enjoyed her friendship.
One
time we had Joy come out to Washington State, and Ruth was visiting her
daughter who lives in the same state.
She did the magnanimous gesture of bringing her and taking her back to
Shepherds. Her kindness was beyond the
line of duty and always with a smile.
Ruth’s
never ending love for Joy was manifest in so many ways. At the hospital one time, Joy was obviously
disturbed with the new surroundings, and the hospital staff was uncertain they
could deal with her properly. Ruth,
with grace and expertise, used some sign language, and then placed a magazine
by Joy, indicating she would return. Joy
loved magazines and calmed down instantly.
When
Joy’s residency at Shepherds ended, we boldly asked Ruth if she would be
willing to accompany Joy and bring her to her new facility in Lynden,
Washington, where she had just been admitted.
Typically Ruth agreed and accompanied Joy on her last journey on this
earth, before taking her heavenly trip, just 6 months later. Ruth stayed extra days to instruct the staff
regarding the idiosyncrasies of Joy’s care and how better to communicate with
her.
When
Shepherds could no longer keep Joy because of their inability to provide the
care needed as she aged, we spent weeks trying to find a place that would
accept her. Later on Ruth told Margie
that if we had not found a place to adequately care for Joy’s needs, she personally
would have taken her. We know she really
meant this and are eternally grateful for such a person who loves people with
intellectual disabilities and proves it by her actions. Her daily presence and activity on the campus
of Shepherds will be missed when she retires.
For
this and a myriad other reasons, Ruth has been a precious part of our family
these many years. Her dedication, love,
patience, and energy have endeared her to us and many others. Our hearts are
filled with gratitude for the years she has labored at Shepherds and touched so
many lives. Jesus said something
significant about Mary in the Bible: ………..She
has done a good work for Me. (Mark 14:6) Ruth is a beautiful example of good works as she served the Lord and
Shepherds.” ~ Ralph
& Margie
These women define “compassionate
Christian care.” We are all blessed to have worked with them.
