Our organization is blessed to have a wonderful staff of Direct Support Professionals who provide guidance to our participants. This month, we are highlighting Melody Downey who joined VV in 2014. Melody is Supervisor for our Clubhouse program. Let's learn more about Melody in our Q & A below.
Question: How did you first find out about VV?
Answer: I was working at a local elementary school with Debbie Watkins, who had been a VV employee for more than 10 years at that time, and she asked if I wanted to work at the clubhouse doing craft projects. That's where it all began.
Question: If someone you know or just met has never heard of VV, what would you share with them to help them to understand what VV is about?
Answer: I would tell them about Clubhouse and how much fun it is. I honesty have the best job ever! We have themed parties each weekend and who does not like a good party with over 50 of their awesome friends?
Question: What is your favorite part of your job at VV?
Answer: I love my Clubhouse family. We are a close bunch of friends who love to dance, sing karaoke, make crafts and hang out. We have so much fun together. It never feels like work for me.
Here are a couple of pictures of me with some of my Clubhouse family (Shannon, Christina and Frank).
Question: What is something that could be added, removed or changed to make VV better?
Answer: I think Vocational Visions is an amazing place and the only thing I can think of to make it better would be to find more sponsors so we can continue to grow and do good things.
Question: Did you volunteer or work with people who are uniquely abled before working at VV?
Answer: Yes, I did. I worked on the playground and volunteered for 12 years Saddleback Valley USD. I was running Art Masters, class parties and other fun projects for K - 6 grade students with disabilities.
Question: Are there any interesting, unique or fun facts about you that you would like to share with us?
Answer: I have been married for 23 years. I have two fantastic boys and a two year old Corgi. I love making crafts. One of my favorite things to do is cross stitch. Here's one of my cross stitch projects:
I also enjoy reading and have read over 56 books just this year. One more fact is that I have been cancer free for 12 years now.
Question: What is your motto for life or a quote that really resonates with you?
Answer: My favorite quote would be from J.R.R. Tolkien - “All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost”.
Clubhouse is reopening Saturday, June 19. Good luck Melody with the reopening. We hear you have a lot of wonderful things scheduled for participants including a pizza meet and greet, movie nights, a BBQ, a karaoke party and a visit from OC Elvis and that is all in the second half of this month. We sure do value your remarkable creativity and organizational skills. For anyone who is interested in learning more about our Clubhouse program, please click here.
