Celebrating Winter Weather Heroes
Winter storms can bring challenges, but they also reveal the heart, dedication, and resilience of our Evergreen Life Services team. During recent winter storms that tried to cripple a large portion of our service areas, our staff stepped up to ensure the safety, care, and comfort of the individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) we support.
Oklahoma: Going Above and Beyond
In the recent snowstorm across Oklahoma, our team showed incredible dedication: A heartfelt thank you to Ngoc Tran, Aysha Travis, and Olivia Anderson, who worked over 24 hours during the winter storm to ensure the individuals we support were safe, supported, and cared for. Your dedication and commitment do not go unnoticed.
Whitney Bradley went above and beyond throughout the weekend, delivering essential items to multiple homes and assisting with errands to ensure safety, comfort, and continuity of care. Mcricklace Dribo completed a 16-hour shift and then selflessly volunteered additional time to assist teammates with transportation, helping staff safely arrive for their scheduled shifts.
Their actions reflect the compassion, teamwork, and commitment that define our mission to serve, provide for, and champion individuals with I/DD. We are truly grateful for their willingness to step up for both our individuals and their fellow staff during challenging conditions.
Louisiana: Dedication in Action
In Springhill, Louisiana, Linda Jones demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism by remaining on site during the storm. She ensured continuity of care, offered reassurance, and responded thoughtfully to each individual’s unique needs during a highly stressful situation.
Linda’s calm presence and dedication contributed significantly to the safety and well-being of those in her care. We are grateful not only for her efforts during the storm but for being her loving, caring, and outgoing self every day she comes to work.
Tennessee: Braving the Storm
In Greeneville, Tennessee, our team showed courage, creativity, and grit during severe winter weather:
Crystal Weems, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, braved the storm to personally pick up staff members Acelan West and Nick Myrick, keeping Abundant Healthcare Clinic fully staffed and operational. Amanda Johnson pushed through dangerous conditions, even after her car became stuck,
demonstrating true dedication.
Beth Hayes and Amanda Johnson provided critical dispatch support for staff transportation.
Special thanks to our staff transportation support, Rusty and Jessica Holtsclaw, Heather Hyatt, Crystal Jones, and Crystal Weems.
Many home managers and direct support professionals worked shifts ranging from 18 to 36 hours, ensuring safety, care, and continuity.
Extra shout-outs go to Wendy Greene, Program Coordinator, who braved icy roads to get her staff to their shifts, and Beth Hayes, who faced a unique challenge: a cat stuck in an icy tree! The Fire Department was contacted to assist. We hope the cat decided to cooperate and there was a happy reunion!
Great teamwork by all!
Texarkana, Texas: The ICE Queen
Meet Rose Marksmeier, Texarkana’s ICE Queen. Coming to Evergreen from Minnesota, Rose was undaunted by winter weather. She worked tirelessly to ensure staff could safely reach and leave group homes throughout the storm.
Pictured with her trusty four-wheel-drive truck, Trusty Rusty, Rose exemplifies dedication, skill, and heart, truly a Winter Weather Hero.
Courage, Compassion and Commitment on the Frontlines
Across states and roles, our Winter Weather Heroes showed up when it mattered most. Their actions exemplify Love in Action: courage, compassion, and commitment in the face of adversity.
To all our team members who went above and beyond this winter: thank you. You are the heart of Evergreen Life Services.