Deb Wagner and Marka go somewhere every week. Sometimes for two hours, sometimes for an entire day.
“Typically we go to lunch, wherever she wants to go, then maybe shopping at Target or bowling,” says Deb. “On Thursday nights we used to go to a ceramics class. Also, my dog loves her, so they play at a park or in my yard. For me it’s like having a friend to spend time with.”
Deb works full time at Greylock Federal Credit Union in Member Services. When she signed up for a BCArc part-time position, she didn’t expect this kind of experience. “It’s not like having a second job, it’s like having a second family. I enjoy every moment with Marka, she is a very special person.”
“I appreciate how the families need a break. Marka has a lot of love to give, but that doesn’t mean parents don’t deserve a rest every now and then.”
When the Pandemic hit, they were no longer able to plan visits or excursions. “I would drive up with my dog, stay in the car and talk to Marka from her porch. We still wanted to see each other. And it gave the family some time to themselves. It’s an incredibly rewarding job. Recently we made an apple pie together. You had to see the pride in her face. She was so proud of that pie when she showed her family.”
“You had to see the pride in her face. She was so proud of that pie when she showed her family.”
Deb expects to support another family once she retires from the bank in a few years. “I’d like to get more involved now, but I don’t want to take too much on, and I want to do it right.”
“Marka and I have been together for four years. The family includes me in their big days like birthdays and holidays. I thank BCArc for hiring me.”
“I appreciate how the families need a break,” Deb said. “Marka has a lot of love to give, but that doesn’t mean parents don’t deserve a rest every now and then.”
