If anyone is in prime position to explain the “great sense of community” at Woodhaven for individuals who are served and employees who provide that service, it’s Tina Rickard. She says that sense of community also extends to local businesses, shops, and churches.
As Woodhaven’s Human Resources Manager, Tina has 26 years of experience with the organization’s mission of advocating for those with disabilities by enhancing lives, respecting individuality, providing quality opportunities for choice, and promoting community membership.
“We started in 1964, so we’ve built a lot of positive relationships with the community,” Tina explains. “They know what our mission is.”
Tina has worked in an HR capacity for several years and was promoted to manager a year ago. She is among a large group of employees who have been with Woodhaven 20 years or more. Overall, Woodhaven has roughly 300 employees.
“I just love our mission,” she says, offering her reason for such longevity with the organization. “I love what Woodhaven stands for and the pride they take in giving our individuals quality life in the community.”
Tina worked for Woodhaven for one year in 1987, then came back to the organization in 1997. Her first experience was with the campus-based Woodhaven. The second experience began just a few years after Woodhaven transitioned to community-based services. The transition has been significant.
“It just provides our individuals with independence to their make own life choices and be a part of the community, and not have that stereotype” of being housed on a campus, Tina explains. “There’s an institution-based stereotype versus being regular members of our society.”
That’s what Woodhaven provides by enhancing independence and fostering “a well-rounded, positive relationship” with local businesses, schools, and churches, she adds. “We get great support from local business and community members.”
Internally, the employee culture places high value on both the individuals served and the staff members who provide those services.
“We have a lot of longevity with our Direct Support staff and Leadership Team,” Tina says. “We provide a sense of purpose and great benefits and services to employees. We like to be able to show them they are appreciated.”
Woodhaven has over 40 homes in the Columbia area, with two to four individuals in each home. Direct support professionals work with each home and home coordinators supervise two homes. Tina says the staff share the common denominator of having “a passion for helping people.”
“I just think we offer great services to help individuals live an independent life, and our staff are truly members of each individual’s family,” she adds. “We have a great sense of community.”
Full inclusion in the community is not just about making adaptations specifically for those with disabilities; it is about creating an environment that allows all people, regardless of ability, to participate fully and equally in all aspects of community life. Moving to homes in the community was only the beginning of this process. With every relationship fostered through volunteering, working, and being active throughout Columbia, the men and women with disabilities Woodhaven supports are building a community of inclusion.