Opinion: Compassion produces caring actions

After I moved here in 2000, I quickly perceived that Springfield was a community that cared for others. Here are a few of those stories.

Person who exemplifies “caring” at work: Stephanie Fortney

Company, title: Creekside at Elfindale, beautician

Submitted by: Bob Jefferson

How does Stephanie Fortney exemplify caring? Stephanie has worked in this position for more than 15 years and does a fantastic job keeping all of our ladies looking just fine. Stephanie is one of the most positive, happy and caring individuals I know. She always makes everyone feel right at home, she is a great listener, and makes every customer feel better being in the beauty shop. Countless times when someone has been too ill to come for an appointment, Stephanie has gone out to them. She has made trips to a nursing home or hospital to make sure the lady can at least look good, which in turn seems to help greatly in their outlook and recovery.

Person who exemplifies “caring” at work: Tim Connell

Company, title: Connell Insurance, president

Submitted by: Jack Burke

How does Tim Connell exemplify caring? Tim Connell serves on the Taney County Developmental Connections Board, which, via Tantone Industries sheltered workshop, provides employment opportunities to disabled members of the community and much more, including housing and support.

During various holidays throughout the year, Connell hosts holiday dinners for everyone at the workshop. Tantone workers pick out the style of food for the celebration (last year they wanted Chinese for Thanksgiving). Tim and volunteer Connell staff arrive at the facility with the food and the fixings, then they serve it to the Tantone people. I believe this man and this agency are truly a symbol of caring.

Person who exemplifies “caring” at work: Little Angels Learning Academy students and staff

Company, title: The Education Institute Inc., employees

Submitted by: Ruth Ann Wood-Humiston

How do the students and staff exemplify caring? I know that this section is for an employee who has shown the character trait of caring, but I would like to share how our employees inspire and facilitate their lessons for our little ones at Little Angels Learning Academy to serve their community and show caring through their various community service projects. Little Angels Learning Academy is a professional child-care and preschool program serving 127 children and families. We have created an ongoing Community Service Project program in our LALA curriculum to meet several learning goals that we have for our children who attend LALA. 

Examples of different caring projects during the past year: collecting baby items for the Pregnancy Care Center; collecting food and supplies for the Humane Society; children have brought in their old, well-conditioned shoes for children in Africa (a parent helped to coordinate this effort after a mission trip visit); bringing in used and new coats for children who receive services through The Kitchen; adopting families for Christmas; and raising more than $1,500 in a Trike-a-Thon for St. Jude’s.

These children may be young, but they are learning how to give and care for others who are less fortunate than they are. I believe they should be recognized for their caring work. 

Person who exemplifies “caring” at work: Glenda Wilcox

Company, title: Professional Weight Management, owner

Submitted by: Theresa Pollard

How does Glenda Wilcox exemplify caring? I feel that she puts her heart and soul into every single client. She is one of the most caring, passionate and devoted business owners that I know. She is truly concerned for every client’s health and well-being. She helps them to achieve their goals to have a better quality of life and become more healthy.

SBJ Salutes Character Ed

The Character Ed word for December is “honesty.” Who in your workplace best exemplifies this quality character trait? Send an e-mail to eolson@sbj.net with the person’s name, title, employer and a brief example of the trait at work. Responses will be published in upcoming Opinion pages.

Eric Olson, Springfield Business Journal Editor, can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.