Employment Highlights

John Starke
Nominated by: Pam Soper

Turnover is something very difficult on everyone. It affects so many people, not to mention the difficulty in rebuilding trust. John Starke made all these fears go away when he began supporting a gentleman named Rick. Not only was John a perfect match, but he has proven his commitment ever since. John started supporting Rick in 2002 while he was attending college. The connection between John and Rick was unbelievable. They both shared the same interests and John had a personality that fit Rick’s needs perfectly. John has shown such commitment to Rick. Rick has experienced a lot of turnover due to his need of having someone with a lot of patience and understanding. When Rick goes to the grocery store it literally can take hours for him to shop because decision making has always been a struggle for Rick. Besides looking at the prices, he likes to read and compare labels to make sure he is getting the most nutritious items in the store and deciding on a few items can be very difficult and time consuming. Many staff like to hurry Rick along while he is grocery shopping, but John has learned that this approach doesn’t work and he will patiently wait for him while he makes his own decisions. John initiated healthy living to Rick. These two healthy guys now enjoy working out together at the gym. John introduced weightlifting to Rick and he now shows off the “guns” proudly. When John ran Rick always wanted to bike ride along side him. A healthy lifestyle is something Rick will always be thankful to John for taking the time to establish in his life. There have been numerous life changes for John, that for many employees would cause them to move on. John graduated in May 2005 with a Construction Management Degree and had a great job lined up when school was done. Everyone anticipated that John would be quitting when he graduated from college, leaving a great void in Rick’s life. As it turned out, John decided to stay on as a DSP, working both jobs. Then in April 2008, John and his wife had their first baby. John tried to keep working with Rick, despite having a full-time job and the added responsibility of a new baby, not to mention being a support to his wife while she was still finishing up her degree. John reluctantly decided to resign, but before his position was filled, he decided he just couldn’t leave Rick. Rick hasn’t stopped smiling since “Johnny Boy” decided to keep working with him. John has shown such commitment to Rick and has been such a positive role model in his life. John illustrates through his commitment on a daily basis that your word is who you are. He has created a level of trust while being credible and dependable. Rick knows that he has a great gentleman that he can rely on and will be there for him now and in the future.