Staff Spotlight: Dave Paddock
The Poverello Center often refers to our direct care staff as the “front line” of service providers, because they are the first people to see a guest when they enter the building. If you’ve stopped in for a meal, to drop off a donation, or to volunteer, you might have met Dave P, who has been on staff for a little over 3 years.
Dave says he decided to join the team at the Poverello because he had experienced addiction and homelessness in his life, and wanted to help other people who were struggling.
“This job is like being a quarterback,” he says, “because you have to have the right set of skills – it’s a niche.”
Dave is a self-professed stickler for the rules, but it’s not because he wants to get anyone in trouble. “I want to make sure the building stays as safe as possible,” he says, and “if someone isn’t being respectful, just like any other place that’s open to the public, we’re going to ask them to leave.” Assistant Shelter Manager Jen says that this is a big support to staff and guests: “I think Dave can seem like he’s really tough, but everyone knows that if you ask him for help, he’ll give it to you. He just wants to make sure things run smoothly.”
He loves working with people and giving them a second chance, because he knows how valuable it can be. We are so grateful for all of Dave’s hard work and his care for his community!