New staff members at Ada Jenkins Center, from left, Julie Elliott, Natisha Rivera, Tamara Roach, and Pamela Ploger.
By CATHRYN WESTRA
DavidsonNews.net
“The Ada Jenkins Center is always looking for ways to say yes,” said Natisha Rivera, the new development director of the regional community services center on Davidson’s West Side. Ms. Rivera remembers hearing that from Ada Jenkins’ executive director Georgia Krueger during her job interview. It was one of the many things that inspired her to pursue the new job “feverishly.”
Ms. Rivera is one of four new staff members to join Ada Jenkins within the past two months. The center also has added Julie Eliott as the new community health nurse, Pamela Ploger as business support project manager, and Tamara Roach as the new volunteer manager and volunteer coordinator.
Ada Jenkins Center, housed in a former school at 212 Gamble St., provides a variety of community, medical and nutritional services. Altogether it has 19 programs, ranging from the Loaves & Fishes food pantry to free medical and dental clinics to social work and crisis assistance.
All four new staffers talked recently about what it’s like to become part of the Ada Jenkins family.
“My first month has been very busy,” Ms. Roach said. “There’s so much that get’s accomplished here at the center that what goes on blends together. I can’t remember it all but I’ve really gained an appreciation for what gets done here each and every solitary day. People are amazed by the needs that get met.”
Ms. Roach worked previously with the Mooresville-Lake Norman United Way. She is filling the position of Melissa Simpson, who is moving to Florida with her family.
Ms. Elliott is not new to Ada Jenkins (she has volunteered at the Health Clinic for three years) but she is new to the position as head nurse. She said she is excited about continuing her opportunity to give back to the Davidson Community.
Ms. Rivera previously worked for the United Negro College Fund. As development director at Ada Jenkins, she is the voice that builds awareness about Ada Jenkins. “I often wear my Ada Jenkins’ name tag outside of work,” she said. “It gives me an opportunity to talk to others about what Ada Jenkins does and who we serve.”
Ms. Ploger is filling a new position at Ada Jenkins as information technology business support project manager. Her experience in IT service and software management make her the much needed go-to person for the center’s technology support. Ms. Ploger came from the corporate world and joined Ada Jenkins because she decided it was time for a change. She lives in Davidson and wanted to contribute to and spend more time in the community.
All four women appeared fulfilled by their new jobs, and praised the generous support that pours into Ada Jenkins each day from the surrounding community.
Said Ms. Roach: “The Ada Jenkins Center is like its own little miracle.”
LINK
More information about Ada Jenkins Center is on the web at adajenkins.org
