For many companies, developing economic empowerment may be a second thought. For those working with Opportunity Village however, it’s a source of daily inspiration. Helping fulfil the OV mission and embrace the inspiration that comes from seeing the personal and professional growth of people with disabilities, is Patricia Glover-Smith, an OV service contracts manager with the nonprofit’s AbitlityOne program partnership.
While Patricia’s day-to-day tasks are described by her as “excitedly different” there are some consistencies she experiences throughout the work week; enjoying the beauty of the city and its surroundings and seeing the progress that can be made for people when proper resources are in place to help them flourish.
Regular daily contract site visits and employee check-ins help serve as an opportunity to identify productivity levels and discuss contract necessities regarding OV’s service. While administrative duties follow the daily location checks, one benefit of managing the program contracts is helping fulfil disability service contracts with stunning views. From the gorgeous outskirts of Red Rock Canyon to enjoying the clear skies heading to the Bureau of Reclamation in Boulder City, the day starts with positive scenery and continues with successful contract services.
Over the course of the 15 years that Opportunity Village has offered community roles through the programs provided by AbilityOne and SourceAmerica, Patricia has been serving in contract management for 10 of them, initially starting as a service contract site supervisor in late 2010 before being promoted to her current managerial position.
Having previously worked in large corporations that lacked the community feel, after researching the history of Opportunity Village, Patricia was quickly enticed to the nonprofit and OV community after discovering the organization of the management team and opportunities awarded to assist people with disabilities with personal growth.
“I enjoy working with the SourceAmerica contracts because everyone is involved in all matters of the contract and all voices are heard whether it’s a simple suggestion to change something or making a complex decision of implementing a new game plan,” said Patricia.
Throughout her years working with Opportunity Village on SourceAmerica’s disability service contracts, Patricia has embraced the personal growth that comes with the job.
“I’ve learned how to attentively listen to others and I’ve learned how to use my voice to share my ideas and opinions,” says Patricia. “I’ve gained the knowledge and experience of working in a community that displays loyalty to the organization and to one another. The key is to be patient and understanding of people’s differences and embrace the idea of assisting another person.”
One of the key takeaways Patricia continues to enjoy and share with others unaware of the SourceAmerica and OV relationship is that with proper training and accommodations, people with disabilities are capable of succeeding in the same competitive workforce as anyone else.
“Seeing the social growth of the people we serve has been the most inspiring reward in my role with SourceAmerica contracts.”
Get to Know Patricia:
Q: What is your favorite type of food?
A: Comfort food is my love but I like seafood & casseroles.
Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
A: I love puzzling but some of my other likes are outdoor activities such as bike riding, trail walking and some light sporting activities.
Q: What is a talent you have that not many people know about you?
A: I’m a puzzle fanatic and a personal chef.
Q: Do you follow any sports teams, if so which ones?
A: San Francisco 49ers is my all-time favorite football team.
Q: What movie genre interests you the most?
A: I am a big a fan of sci-fi & action packed movies but coming in a close 2nd place would be westerns and romantic comedies.
Q: What is one thing you can’t live without?
A: The one thing I cannot live without is my FAMILY.
Q: If you could pick one superpower what would it be?
A: My one superpower would be to create kindness in the world.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?
A: I would love to visit the pyramids in Egypt.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
A: My favorite holiday tradition is during the Thanksgiving season. I love decorating for the season and having family come together and let’s not forget the feasting.
