VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: BEV DEARDEN
Posted Sep 6, 2018 by Jacquie Robison
The time and talent our volunteers dedicate to creating personality-forward walker capes as part of our WAWOS Wear program is part of the magic that keeps our 100% volunteer non profit going. These capes are donated for free to amazing kiddos so that they can express their interests, encourage stepping and be seen beyond their diagnosis.
I'm thrilled to introduce you to one of the incredible volunteers in our WAWOS Guild -- Bev Dearden.
Bev lives in California and answered our Q&A in order to share a little about herself:
1. What's your favorite childhood memory and why did it make such an impression?
A. Family camping trips. They brought us all together doing something we all liked. When I was in 5th grade, my brother was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn's disease and instead of camping trips we spent a great deal of time visiting him in the hospital. Both experiences taught me the value of coming together in good and bad times.
2. You recently retired; what was your career?
A. I retired last year after 38 years in the CCS (California Children's Services) program. Working with families dealing with disabilities of all kinds and severity was so rewarding in many ways. The last 7 years in my job was spent in case management and authorizing or denying requested services.
3. Beyond sewing, what else do you like to create?
A. I do lots of knitting and crocheting of afghans for church, and also enjoy cross stitch pictures for wedding presents and baby gifts. My husband and I are currently restoring a 1950 car -- we've already completed a complete restoration of a 1957 Chevy truck!
4. Describe a perfect day for you.
A. For me, it's just having uninterrupted time to work on projects. Quiet, focus and really being present and engaged in what I'm doing is a delight.
5. What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
A. I'd have to say that I would tell myself to not get caught up or bothered by rumors or bullying. The stories and falsehoods that went around about my brother were difficult to hear.
6. What song makes you want to dance?
A. Well, this one is a bit of a trick question, as I don't really dance. I listen to a lot of gospel music and I enjoy anything with a good toe-tapping beat. That's the extent of my dancing!
7. What is a skill you would like to master?
A. I'd like to be open to learning from my "creative mistakes" and want to push myself to be more creative. And, I have to add that I'd like to be more comfortable speaking in front of a group. Hey, we're all working on something, right?
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