Wednesday, November 5th was 5 months to the day I made my retirement official on June 5th being my final day working for “PEP”!!  “People Enhancing People,” as its proper name is a nonprofit organization, assisting others having various disabilities to obtain quality personal care assistants.This unique organization was started by a physically disabled couple very close to me.  I watched and assisted in its creation, with Jim and Claudia Carlisle being awarded a nice grant, allowing their dream to become a reality in July of 2003. Susan Beaulieu, a former “PCA” for the Carlisles was the 3rd original person to help develop this dream.  Susan is also a good friend to me, as her mom remains one of my long-time and very dear friends from high school!!I have talked about “friendship” from time to time, and the importance it stands for.  The Carlisle’s had given me the chance to continue working when I faced a devastating down-sizing and lay-off in 2000 from a health care facility which I was employed for over 22 years.  It is difficult to even imagine a person having a physical disability would find herself living a nightmare of being let go after working for so long.  Stress hit me with all the worries of: “What now?” “How do I survive?” “What about my house mortgage?”Well, I did survive!  Though - another full time, competitive job was not meant to be!  I was blessed with many friends and family with many good suggestions! One, being to pursue the early retirement possibility!  However, I sure faced opposition ~ let me tell ya!  I ended up writing letters, appearing before the “Board” of the Retirement System, and finally speaking on my own behalf before the Legislature. You can only imagine how nerve-wracking that was!  But guess what?  Fourteen months after being on this long, agonizing road, I won!

Jim and Claudia Carlisle have been good friends for such a long time, and asked me to assist with typing for Jim; he has had his accounting business for 40+ years; plus working towards to create a nonprofit organization to assist others having disabilities needing quality assistance to live independently.

Working on that dream for them required one-on-one typing for Jim.  I volunteered at first.  I loved helping out.  The grant proposal took extensive time to be developed.  Finally Jim was pleased with it, and he submitted the proposal.  They received word they would be awarded the grant!  What a very happy day that was!  I continued helping and eventually was offered a part-time position!I experienced the rewarding feeling of helping others receive quality care…  PEP is PCA Choice Provider also known as a Fiscal Intermediary. I was given the opportunity of working in the payroll department and knowing many of the incredible office staff.PEP has grown from the small dream to a very successful company since the day it began its operation in July, 2003!  My respect and best wishes for PEP will always remain in my heart!

The photo is of Dana, PEP’s Billing and Payroll Manager and myself at my retirement picnic held this past July.

PEP has been a big supporter of the greeting cards; for this I am extremely grateful! Thanks, “PEP” for everything!

My retirement has now given me the time to do what I love best! Writing is my passion.  I have written a “Computer Help Guide Book” as well as other material.    Sharing a business partnership with Sandy is fabulous!  Our Blog continues to grow.  It’s my hope you are are able to see my desire to touch so many of you with our cards.  This is why I continue to show some of my favorite custom cards.

It IS all about friendship and wanting to give to others.  I am blessed with the cards and remain thankful Sandy kept nudging me to try it.  I urge you to give it a test drive at http://www.sendoutcards.com/3721

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