#50YearsWe’ve been creating opportunities for 50 years and for most of that time Dee Dee has been right alongside us, dedicating herself each day to the individuals we serve!
As a teen, she would visit her sister who worked in the original Avon home. Her Dad, a bricklayer, even helped build the addition to the original home which now serves as our Administrative offices. So, as you can see, Dee Dee has been a part of the Wayside family her whole life. She started her professional journey back in 1981 when she was hired for the night shift. She helped care for 35 kids along with doing the laundry, cleaning, infant feedings and meal preparation. In 1982 she moved over to the day shift at the new Guadalupe facility and worked there as a Direct Care Professional till 1990. Then, after working in the office for 19 years she returned to Direct Care in 2009 when Wayside pioneered the Pathways Program and continues to work at the Westlake facility.
Dee Dee starts each day by transporting individuals from their homes to the Pathways Program. Once they arrive they either go out into the community on outings or engage in learning new skills or crafts onsite. Dee Dee enjoys being back in Direct Care working with clients, some of which she has known since they were kids, and the community integration and learning that the outings encourage. The best thing about working at Pathways? “The positive reactions the participants have from new experiences.” Dee Dee adds that the staff at Pathways works well together and has great coordination which makes each outing and activity smooth and fun for everyone. Throughout the years, her dedication to Wayside’s mission has been an inspiration to everyone!
#50Years50Stories