By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
ISLAND FALLS — She has been on the job for three months and Jennifer Walker is finding her work at Green Valley Association very rewarding.
“In the non-profit world, I have the ability to spearhead projects and ideas and see them through from start to finish,” she said.
Jennifer Walker
Walker was hired as executive director of Green Valley in April after spending six years, as executive director of the Carleton Project in Houlton.
“I resigned last August from Carleton Project and took some much needed time off,” she said. “But, what drives me to management in a non-profit world is just the fulfilling work. If you could spend one hour with one of the individuals we serve, you’d understand.”
Though there are times when Walker feels the effect of her position, as she is being pulled in different directions and wearing many hats, she looks beyond her needs to those of her clients.
“Though it can be frustrating at times, it also keeps things fresh and keeps me sharp,” she said. “I go home every day knowing that the day-to-day work I’m doing is contributing towards a bigger picture — much larger than myself.”
Green Valley Association is a private, non-profit corporation that assists people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities at home, in the community and at work.
“All people should live a life with the highest degree of independence regardless of their disability,” Walker explained. “We strive to support our individuals not only towards independence but self determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of their life and in the community.
“My goal as the new executive director is to ensure quality care, a variety of services, and support. Strategically looking at where Green Valley Association is headed as an agency; not only for sustainability, but developing and growing appropriately for our communities,” she added.
In 1967, Green Valley opened a school — founded by parents and volunteers to provide advocacy and education — for children with mental retardation. In 1979, the first boarding home was opened on Sewall Street in Island Falls, which housed six men.
Green Valley started as a small, private, non-profit corporation and has since grown to one of the largest employers in southern Aroostook and northern Penobscot counties.
Green Valley currently operates five residential homes with 19 residents and a community support program which provides community integration, volunteer opportunities, and daily living skills and activities to 23 clients.
However, there are many changes on the horizon on the state level for all agencies. An example is a new state assessment that is being launched in January 2015.
“The state will be implementing a new measuring tool; Supporting Individual Success (SIS) which is intended to ensure that individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities get the most appropriate level of support that they need,” Walker said. “As for our agency, it’s still too early to fully understand how these changes will impact our clients. We are hoping these changes will bring a positive impact to our clients & residents in their day-to-day lives.”
There have been many changes over the last 47 years, but what has continued and will continue is Green Valley’s commitment to provide excellent care to their clients and residents.
“Our commitment to support and advocate is our strength,” said Walker. “My specific plans for the communities we serve is to focus on providing excellent care, viable opportunities, working with various agencies to link access to resources and continual work to promote independence to all the individuals we serve. I am equipped with tremendous, hard working and dedicated staff and I couldn’t be happier with my new endeavor.”
Walker has 17 years of business management experience to her new role as the administrator for Green Valley. She holds a bachelor of science in mental health and human services degree from the University of Maine at Augusta and has a certification in non-profit business management. She is married to Scot Walker and the couple has two children Madison, 16, and Ethan, 10. Walker enjoys spending down time with her family, running, boating, hiking and traveling.
For more information about Green Valley Association and services they offer, please contact Jennifer Walker at 207-463-2156.
