May 2017

Samantha Bailey – Instructor Ben Holt Program

Samantha Bailey’s introduction to UCP began as a teenager in the Ben Holt program where she volunteered with her mother who worked there at that time.  As a volunteer, Samantha assisted with feeding clients, teaching lessons and taking clients on walking trips in the community.  In 2010, Samantha was hired as an Instructional Assistant in the same program.

While working for UCP, she earned a certificate as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  In 2015, she took on additional work in the SAIL and Respite departments.  In 2016, she was promoted to the Instructor position in the Ben Holt program.  As an Instructor, Samantha is responsible for planning client’s community outings and work activities. Through her tenure at UCP, Samantha has developed greater compassion.  She has learned how to find creative ways for clients to accomplish a task rather than focusing on the limitations of their disabilities.

Samantha’s artistic skills acquired at the Academy of Art University contribute greatly to her latest project – designing a sensory room.  The clients selected ocean scenery for the theme so Samantha is busy painting life under water.  The murals are also textured to replicate coral and shark skins.  Once Samantha has completed the sensory our clients will be able to run their hands along with walls and experience life under the sea.  The color blue, which is known for its calming effect, encompasses the majority of the room to assist when an individual needs time to decompress. The mural will also provide visual stimulation.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys drawing and reading science fiction and fantasy books.  She says, “Could read the same book a hundred times and get different meanings from it.”  She also enjoys music and the emotions that it evokes.

As a member of the Ports City Roller Girls roller derby team, Samantha is known as “Yosemite Sam.”  She loves the camaraderie with her teammates and she finds the endurance drills challenging.

Samantha would love to go sky diving and wing-suit flying, travel to Finland, take dog sleds to see the Northern Lights, and visit Alaska to watch the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.  Her career goal is to become a Program Manager at UCP.

Kenda Eskridge – Job Developer

Supported Employment Program

Kenda began working at UCP as an Administrative Assistant in May 2014.  Her recent promotion to Job Developer in September 2016 has created an explosion in job placements for the Supported Employment Department.  Her primary responsibilities involve intake of new clients, preparing them for employment opportunities, and developing partnerships with employers.  Kenda spends a significant amount of time meeting with new clients to identify their work history, interests, and any obstacles to job placement and retention (e.g. unreliable transportation).   She provides individualized training, as needed, such as using public transportation or a cash register to address grooming and hygiene.  Kenda also accompanies clients to department stores like Ross to ensure they maximize their Department of Rehabilitation stipend purchases of work clothes.  She has a keen eye for sales at the store.

On a weekly basis, Kenda conducts cold calls and goes door to door to businesses to find prospective employers.  Her motto is “Ask everybody and you will get a bite.”  Her record of accomplishments within 7 months is impressive.  Kenda has placed 28 clients throughout Tracy, Manteca, Lodi and Stockton.  Their jobs include Crew Members at Burger King, Loss Prevention at K-Mart, Sales Associates at Home Goods, Courtesy Clerks at Safeway, Fulfillment Specialist at Amazon, and Office Aide at Valley Mountain Regional Center.

Her zeal is truly infectious and her passion is evident when she speaks about her job and the clients.  She cares about each person she works with, recognizes how they can contribute their strengths in the workplace and she celebrates each successful interview and job placement.  Kenda acknowledges that the Supported Employment team is strong because they “never forget why we are here” and they empower her to do her job so well.

Outside of work, Kenda loves spending time with her children and grandparents.  Whether that is “taking care of business” (washing clothes and listening to her children share about their day), watching her son play Itty Bitty sports (soccer, t-ball, and basketball), playing music and dancing with them or going to the Exploratorium.  Her children inspire her to bring her best to each day – her commitment, motivation, and compassion.  Kenda loves to shop online and watch her favorite TV show.  She dreams of attending a Frankie Beverly and Maze concert and taking a vacation to a relaxing and peaceful forest.