Bessie

I was born and raised in Sheffield, Alabama and came to live in Newport in 1959. Before coming to Newport, I lived with my brother in Chicago for two years and my sister in Minnesota where I worked  at the Honey Well Factory for the next 10 ½ years. We usually made thermostats, but during WW2 we made hand grenades.  I moved around with different siblings until I came to Newport in 1959. I found out about Brighton Center through my work with Senior Services of Covington as an outreach worker. During my four years as an outreach worker, I got to know about area resources and learned that Brighton Center could help with senior citizen medication. Brighton Center really showed me places to get help so I could help others find needed resources.

For a couple of years I started working at the Cathedral Daycare center until I applied for a housekeeping job with Two Rivers Apartments. The building really needed a manager and I was asked to fulfill both roles: Resident and Property Manager. I started with Two Rivers in 1983 and stayed for the next 15 years. Being the manager, you really have to have guts.

I remember when there was a tornado and I was responsible for getting residents from five floors to the basement for safety.  I also went outside and brought people inside for safety. I prepared a cooler with all the residents who received insulin and made sure residents received medications on time. During the few days there were no lights, I cooked meals for the residents and asked local restaurants to donate food. Burger King donated breakfast three days in a row! I got to know so many people while working there! I loved having dinners for holiday meals and organizing activities for the residents. While working at Two Rivers, a nurse asked me to work a day or two at St. Alliwishes with the Alzheimer folks. Finally, I transitioned over to help with activities at Austinburg Apartments. I still volunteer with RSVP and I have served on the Legal Aid Board. I currently live in the Saratoga Apartments and enjoy my time here!