MEET THE STAFF

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I would like to take a bit of time and introduce the staff at CORD.  As you have already been sort of introduced in the previous blog to Mike and Tim I'll start with them.  Mike is our senior case manager and fills in when "the boss" is gone.  He has proven to be not only a very reliable "assistant program manager" when called upon, but an excellent mediator in the day to day workings of the program.  I asked each of the staff to give me a short bio to post and Mike submitted this to me.

"I am a 53 year old Viet Nam era veteran who has used drugs and alcohol the majority of my adult life.  I became addicted to Meth in 1990 after a very messy divorce.  I became homeless in 1994.  I spent close to 11 years on the streets or in jail.  I accumulated a large criminal record during those years.  In 2005, a Superior Court Judge gave me one last chance to change my life.  I came to the Walla Walla V.A. hospital to enter drug/alcohol treatment.  After completing treatment I entered the CORD program.  While in the program I learned a great deal about myself and what I needed to change to become a functional person again.  I graduated from CORD in '07.  I started to Case Manage for CORD that same year and have been working there since.  I love doing what I do.  Although very stressful at times, it's very rewarding as well.  It's never to late to change your life..."

Our other intrepid traveler is Tim D.  Tim does duty as a Case Manager, Community Relations Contact person and Recreation Coordinator.  As the program grows, so does Tim's job, especially in the field of community relations.  In a small community like Walla Walla, we feel it is imperative for CORD to work closely with other agencies to give the best service to our residents and other members of our community.  Here's a short bio in his words.

"I am a 42 year old formerly homeless Army veteran.  after a long struggle with active addiction and a seemingly never ending cycle of homelessness I finally found my bottom.  That was the point in my life I had to throw down the shovel I was digging the hole with.  3 1/2 years later with the help of the V. A. and the CORD transitional housing program for homeless veterans, I am now back on my feet, working in the field as a case manager for the same program that helped get me off the street.  I am now married and going to school working toward my goal of a degree in Social Work.  A complete and successful turn around.  It can be done when people who care come together and make it happen.  Life is good!"

This is just a short introduction to two of the key players in our organization.  I will be introducing the rest of the team shortly.