Biographical Portrait
Vicki Walker is a Seven Counties Services (SCS) employee who works in the Developmental Services Division.  She has devoted more than 15 years of her life to caring for adults and children who have developmental and/or mental disabilities.  Five of those years have been on staff at SCS.  In addition to work, Vicki is a single mother of three boys ages 17, 21, and 22.  When she isn’t working or spending time with her boys, she enjoys gardening and doing crafts.

Like many Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Vicki Walker finds deep satisfaction in her work.  She enjoys a sense of accomplishment from making positive impacts in the lives of others.  Whether watching a child with autism reach an unexpected goal or helping an adult with mentally retardation learn a new skill, Vicki has consistently met each new challenge with creative thoughtfulness and tenacious compassion.  For these reasons and more, Vicki has experienced more than one story worth telling.                  

“Zach” is a man labeled mentally retarded who has lived in the same nursing home for the past 20 years.  Due to one too many hurtful comments from others, Zach determined to shut himself up in his room away from the world.  Vicki entered the scene as a DSP two years after Zach made that decision.  Weeks and months passed as Vicki made many sincere attempts at connecting with Zach.  No matter how hard Vicki tried, Zach did not respond as she desired.  With Zach’s high protective walls constructed, it would have been easy for Vicki to throw in her towel of defeat.  Instead, Vicki consistently went above and beyond her assigned responsibilities.  She wrote letters to Zach’s family, she brought in books, videos, music, crafts, and a whole host of other creative ideas, but connecting with Zach seemed as far away as running to the moon.  Each new week seemed to pile defeat upon defeat until Vicki finally uncovered an interest that Zach possessed in birds.  Vicki came back the next week and hung a birdfeeder outside his window.  Ever so slowly, Zach came to understand that Vicki liked him, that she cared about his wellbeing, and that she desired his good.  Although that discovery took well over a year, it paved the way for future progress.  Today, five years later, Vicki knows many of Zach’s interests.  From favorite movies, to favorite foods, to favorite activities, Vicki has made a strong and meaningful connection with Zach.  To see the two of them together leaves no question that Zach trusts Vicki, loves Vicki, and looks forward with great anticipation to her visits each week.  Amazingly, Vicki recently purchased a coat for Zach so that he could sit outside and watch the birds on cool evenings.  Given the fact that Zach had no desire to leave his room 5 years ago, this is no small accomplishment.  It has taken more than five years to build up enough trust to move Zach out of his room.  Realistically, it may take five more years to get Zach out of the nursing home and into the community.  Whatever it takes, Vicki is committed to helping Zach reach his most full potential.  Because of Vicki’s consistent care over the span of several years, Zach is making progress that was thought unlikely, if not impossible a few short years ago.  Vicki continues to look forward to the day when Zach will venture out of the nursing home to once again participate in community activities.  Until that day, one thing is certain.  None of these activities would be possible without the caring work of Vicki Walker in Zach’s life.  To Vicki and others making similar investments across our region, we say, “Thank you!”  Your life and your work write a story worth telling!  For the good of those you support, their families, and your co-workers, keep up the great work!