St. Paul’s Home-Based Services Department, also known as St. Paul’s Without Walls (WOW), is a perfect option for retirees looking for something that offers a unique blend of flexibility and personal fulfillment.
Ken Runge
Ken Runge joined the team during the pandemic after he retired from Hodge Foundry (Elyria Foundry) where he worked for 42 years. He had experience in every position at the foundry with a few exceptions, but most recently served as core maker. Once he retired, he found that he had no one to talk to as his wife was still working at the time.
At the onset of the pandemic Ken recalls, “Everything was shutting down. I was shutting down.” These words proved very insightful as he explained that he was missing the opportunity to engage with others and he found himself lonely and without a purpose. “I was looking for something part-time and my sister-in-law suggested that I give St. Paul’s a try.”
Immediately, Ken found satisfaction in the connections with his clients and their families. He found joy and appreciation! Ken recalls, “I received more thank yous in my first week of work (with WOW) than I had in my career of 42 years.” He was fulfilled by “knowing my work was needed and appreciated.” He also found that his relationship with his supervisor was more like a co-worker than a “boss.” Ken also noted “being able to make my own schedule is a big plus! I can work as many or as few hours as I want.”
Betsy Hunter
Betsy Hunter retired from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Washington state where she had worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for their hospice program. She and her husband moved back to Linesville, Pa., so they could be closer to family. After a gratifying career in hospice care, Betsy realized, “I felt like I still had caregiving left in me.” So she started to look for something to fulfill this desire. “My husband saw an ad in the Area Shopper and told me about it.” Betsy joined the Without Walls team in January and says, “It is an excellent retirement job! I can say what days I am available to work. I can still be a caregiver and be out in the community and I can still do all my retirement stuff – which is hugely important to me!”
Although she had never been to Greenville before, she had heard about the exceptional reputation that St. Paul’s has. “It feels good working for a place that people say good things about. Now I have first hand experience!” Betsy said, “This job gives so much back to me. The interactions I have with the clients – and their stories – I love to hear their stories!”
Betsy also feels that every little gift of time can really be a big change in the lives of the seniors she cares for. “You are giving back and making such a big difference in someone’s life.” Betsy said she is “blown away by how much I am enjoying this job! As I was heading toward 65, I didn’t think I’d find another special job – it really is a highlight – like I found a new friend!” When asked what advice she would give someone considering this line of work, Betsy said, “Give yourself a chance!” Providing services to others may sound intimidating, but WOW has wonderful mentors and our care givers are providing non-medical support. “It may seem like diving in the deep end, but you’ll soon find that you can swim!”
Todd Kather
In July 2021, Todd Kather retired from Greenville School District where he had worked for 21 years. One year into retirement, he was nudged by his wife to explore St. Paul’s Without Walls. “I wasn’t getting bored, but I needed to get out of the house,” Todd recalls. With his experience in food service and delivery, he joined the team to deliver meals for the On-The-Go-Dining program and he also drives clients to doctor appointments. “I enjoy it,” Todd said. “I never feel like I don’t want to come to work!” He finds satisfaction in knowing the clients truly appreciate his service. “There are many people I serve who I’ve known in the community – and I’ve met compassionate individuals who love to help others and nurture meaningful relationships with the clients we care for. A position with St. Paul’s Without Walls Home-Based Services is perfect for parents with schoolage children, college students or retirees. Anyone seeking a role that fits around their life will find this opportunity especially rewarding!
If you are interested in learning more about working with our team at St. Paul’s Without Walls, please contact Michelle O’Malley, Administrator of Home-Based Services at (724) 589-4740.