Rick is retiring after more than 30 years at BCArc.
When Rick started in 1990, BCArc had a total of 14 individuals working in jobs and one primary funding source from the state. Today BCArc serves more than 160 individuals every year who work at dozens of employers using several funding sources.
“I have been a part of some amazing life experiences with individuals through the years,”Rick recalled. “I have seen an entire statewide convention of 600 people rise for a standing ovation to four housekeepers we supported as they received an award. I have seen employees cry on the last day of work for an individual. I have seen individuals given the honor of being pall bearers for a funeral of their supervisor.”
As part of growing the program to its current size before the pandemic, he integrated Employment Services with the business community through presentations, serving on several boards such as the YMCA, the Chamber of Commerce and statewide task forces, as well as conducted national trainings on the successful employment of individuals.
“Helping people succeed in life is what has motivated me in my job,” he said. “I have had an individual’s mother tell me that she ‘never expected to see the day that my son would be able to get up, make his lunch, take the bus, and go to work every day’. That’s why we are all proud to do this work.”
A Drive-By Good-Bye for Rick
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| “But through it all, Rick has been the maestro in the background. Asking folks who would be a good fit and successful at each assignment – so that we have only success or helping me define the job so It could be done correctly. We had a few setbacks over the years, but they have all worked into successes. And to that I attribute Rick’s doggedness to fulfill his mission, which matches the organization’s. Sometimes you get lucky when you hire – and you get a roomful of good employees. Sometimes though, you are blessed.
You get not only a good employee – but you get one who drinks your Kool-Aid and takes on the organization’s mission as their own. Rick drank the Kool-Aid, and because of it, there are dozens (if not more) outside employers who have been able to be changed and who share in the success of the folks brought into their organizations and lives by BCARC. |
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| You don’t just get a worker – you get the opportunity to help the community and enlarge everyone’s exposure to all the community has to offer. Only positive things come from these relationships. The relationships have been mutually beneficial, and in some case the friendships have been deeply rewarding. I’ve been blessed by much of what Rick has brought into my life and I am going to miss him. I’m probably in the last piece of my career as well, so this will be my last run with BCARC as well – but as with Foxhollow and Pittsfield Housing – I hope the relationships created outlast my work as well as Rick’s.
I wish Rick a healthy and long retirement and hope he has been as blessed by the relationships he’s created as those who have benefited.” Dave Pill, Pres./Owner |
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