PETALUMA -- Petaluma People Services Center is a community of caregivers whose sole purpose is to help make people's lives better -- one child, one adult and one senior at a time.
This nonprofit provides adult day care, a senior cafe, Meals on Wheels, case management, transportation, senior counseling and links to other resources.
It also offers counseling for children, teens, families and veterans, housing and employment assistance, and access to sustainable food from Bounty Farm.
"All of our 56 employees work hard to ensure that clients have their needs met. They are very loyal," said Executive Director Elece Hempel. "I plan retirement parties for them. Once here, people tend to work the rest of their careers with our agency."
One employee said, "I answer the phones and am always happy to greet employees and clients. The fact that I am encouraged to make them laugh is important. and what helps to make the agency great."
Other workers feel the same. "We are passionate about serving the community. The center has a wealth of resources, referrals and a network of care for its clients and employees."
Training is continuously provided so employees can grow professionally.
"People here are eager to help each other solve problems and are often told to use their best judgment," an employee said. "This empowers everyone to make decisions."
