A Tribute to Lester

After 9 years of faithful service as the coordinator of EECM's Drop-In Center, Lester Price is retiring from the position. The Drop-In Center is an afternoon hang-out spot for the homeless in the community. They can come, get a snack, meet with a case manager, receive referrals to other service agencies (like drug and alcohol treatment facilities), and receive a medical checkup from volunteer medical professionals who run a periodic clinic. Everyone who goes to the Drop-In (and many who don't!) know Lester. He was a ubiquitous presence there, demonstrating by his presence his deep commitment to the program and the clients he served.

It seemed like the best way to bid farewell to a valuable staff member would be to share some thoughts from his fellow co-workers.

Kenny Wilmer, Bridge Housing Coordinator -- "I’ll miss him for the interconnections he had with outside agencies. Lester helped me to meet service workers from outside agencies."

Pam Jenkins, PennFree Coordinator -- "I believe that Lester focused more on others and their well-being rather than himself. He was empathetic, caring and really went above and beyond what was required of him as an employee. He was able to relate to the people that he served and he treated them with respect and encouraged them to learn to respect themselves and find a better way to live. He will be very difficult to replace, I really think that."

Bret Cogis, Emergency Homeless Services Supervisor -- "Lester was a tremendous help to the Shelter Guests. The amount of homeless resource information he possesses is amazing. His expertise in this area will be greatly missed."

And, perhaps the most touching of all -- the response of one of our homeless clients to the news that Lester was retiring: "Somebody should have called the press. They should do a story about him because he has served this community for so long and made such a difference."

Good luck, Lester! We'll miss you.