Meet Catherine Tweedie (pictured top left), Delarc’s Community Relations Director. Catherine has been advocating with Delarc for the past 35 years.
Her career began by responding to an ad in the Walton Reporter for the position of Residential Program Assistant. After some time in that role, she was promoted to Executive Assistant. Catherine spent a few more years in that position until she was asked to consider a promotion to the role of House Manager. With much encouragement, she leaped into that leadership role.
“I felt right at home back in the Residential environment. Unfortunately, after some time, the demands of the schedule and being on call proved too much for my young family to endure. My supervisor and other leaders in the agency were very helpful in assisting me in the transition to a different role.” Catherine explained.
There was an opening for an Administrative Assistant in the Transportation Department, which she happily accepted. She continued to expand her knowledge and experiences in that role, obtaining her CDL license, something she never pictured herself doing. She explained that much to her surprise, she enjoyed driving the bus when she was needed to fill in, greeting families at bus stops and help to start everyone’s day with a warm welcome and smile as they boarded the bus.
While in the Transportation Admin Assistant role, a new position was created within the agency for a Community Relations Assistant. When she read the job description, she recalled being very excited. She explained,
“At Delarc, we talk about finding the ‘right seat on the bus’ (aka the right job fit). After about 10 years of being with Delarc at this point and enjoying all the different experiences I had, the excitement that I felt when reading the job description told me this could be my seat. Although I didn’t have a formal education or background in Public Relations, I supported the Community Relations Director when I was in the Executive Secretary position so I was somewhat familiar with what the role would entail, like coordinating internal and community events, and most importantly, spreading the message of Delarc’s mission, which I was very passionate about. I decided to take a chance and apply. I was thrilled to receive an interview and even more excited when I was offered the position!”
After gaining several years of on-the-job experience and tapping into the knowledge of some amazing mentors, Catherine was promoted from Assistant to Director when that position became vacant.
When asked what her favorite parts of her current role are she replied,
“Spreading the message of our person centered, proactive philosophy and positive approach, supporting our mission, and promoting cultural integrity within Delarc. I also enjoy the variety and flexibility the role offers. And of course, working with such an amazing team.”
When asked, what played a major role in your decision to stay with Delarc for 35 years, Catherine stated,
“Two Years into my employment with Delarc, I became a mom. I didn’t know it at the time, but my son would soon become my primary reason for staying. He was less than 2 years old when we were introduced to the world of early intervention, OT (Occupational Therapy), PT (Physical Therapy) and speech therapies. I received firsthand experience with Delarc’s Carousel Children’s Service Program, and I was in awe.”
As her son transitioned from CCS to public school she learned to become a powerful advocate, tapping into the vast amount of knowledge and expertise of the professionals she was surrounded by at Delarc and the resources available (including Beverly Tuthill, aka Miss Honey-Bee). Thirty years later, her son is a thriving self-advocate and she couldn’t be prouder of him.
“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to advocate not just for my son, but for others as well. One of my favorite memories with Delarc has to be the time I spent facilitating a Parent Support Group for families of school age children with I/DD; we brought in speakers on a wide variety of topics, shared resources, and formed lifelong connections. Today, my advocacy encompasses a much broader message, The Arc’s message of promoting and protecting civil liberties of people with disabilities and supporting their full inclusion and participation in our communities.”
Delarc also advocates prioritizing your mental health. When asked why it is imperative to take care of your mental health, Catherine explained that none of us go through life without some kind of difficulty or challenge, and if we take care of our mental health and focus on self-care on a regular basis, we are in a much better position to respond to the situation and show up in life in a healthier way. To take care of her mental health and unwind after a busy day, Catherine most enjoys just being at home and spending time with her family. She will often cozy up on the recliner with her dog, Josie, perhaps watch TV, read, journal, or just listen to music or a podcast. She enjoys having those quiet times where she is able to decompress and become refreshed for a new day.
Catherine has had an impressive 35 years at Delarc. Delarc appreciates Catherine’s hard work and dedication, and her advocacy efforts have made a positive impact on Delarc. If you or someone you know are looking for a rewarding career in the Human Service field, click the link below and apply today to try and find ‘your seat on the bus’ with the Delarc team!
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