We love when our team members share their stories, especially when it shows how much their work means to them. Read about David Rearick and why he has stayed with us for over 5 years.
“Was it just answering an ad? Honestly, that’s how it all started. Was it perhaps the best ad I ever responded to? Most definitely! As a steel worker for 30 years, I finally retired and got the opportunity to become a licensed embalmer/funeral director. In truth that is all I ever wanted to do. For many, working with the deceased in not their idea of a dream job, but for me it was an honor to make the person look their very best for the last time. Working closely with families at the worst time of their lives was challenging, but rewarding knowing you had made the entire process just a bit easier for them. Unfortunately, I had no family in the “business” so the decision was made to move in another direction.
I had some knowledge in various maintenance aspects and SeniorCare Network needed a maintenance technician close to my home. While being a tech allows for some resident contact, I always envied the manager having a closer relationship with residents and their families. That is what I would strive for with SeniorCare Network. I was very fortunate that someone took that chance and promoted me to the assistant manager position where I not only learned the manager’s responsibilities, but had the opportunity to interact with the residents too. Now as a manager, resident interaction and satisfaction keep me coming back for more! I have made many new friends all of which have one common goal: to be a part of a resident’s life as they age in place.”
David started his career with us as a maintenance technician for one and a half years and worked his way up to becoming a property manager at Forward Shady apartments in Squirrel Hill.
He has enjoyed his time as a property manager saying, “There have been many rewarding experiences while working here. Speaking one-on-one with a resident who knows they may need more help performing activities of daily living, and seeing their contentment and happiness when reassuring them they can continue living in their apartment. One of my favorite things is that there is a very diverse group of residents at Forward Shady. I learn something every day about Russia, which is where many of the residents are from, or the Jewish religion or the Holocaust. If you take the time to speak to the residents, they will amaze you with every story they relate to their lives.”
Like David, do you have a story about Presbyterian SeniorCare Network that you would like to share? Share My Story is a fun way for team members, residents, and family members to share their personal experience about a moment with our organization that has touched their heart. To share your story, visit www.srcare.org/moments.