Meet a BCFS Hero, Kathy Rice, a Case Manager for BCFS-Kerrville
What is a BCFS Hero?
A BCFS Hero goes above and beyond to help those in need, and exemplifies BCFS’ core values of Leadership, Stewardship and Discipleship.
Meet Kathy
“I am allocated to the Texas Workforce Commission program and PAL Case Management, but since I work in a small center, you can find me all over the place,” said Kathy. “In addition to my case management duties, I work with residents at Our House, our transitional living apartments, sneak in a few PAL Life Skills classes, help any walk-in youth or adults who show up at the BCFS Hill Country Resource Center needing assistance, and represent BCFS-Kerrville at community events, the Homeless Coalition and the Transportation Counsel.”
“I mostly work with foster youth from the three large residential facilities in the area who are still in care, but we also have a small group of young adults who have aged out of care that are involved with our programs. Of course, being located at the BCFS Hill Country Resource Center, I see all ages and populations that come to us in need.”
Q&A with Kathy Rice
What is your favorite part of the job?
Laughing! I love the conversations, the teaching and the relationships; especially when they lead to joy and laughter.
What are some of your hobbies?
When I grow up, I want to be a wildlife rehabilitator in Africa. Until then, I play with whatever animals I can find. I also love to read and build things.
What inspires you?
The absolute beauty and diversity of God’s creations; the people, the wildlife and the environment.
Share a story from your job that made an impact on you as a person or on how you approach your work:
One of the decisions I made while evaluating my career path was to remove everyone elses’ drama from my life. And then I became a Case Manager – silly me. But this decision has been very profound in how I deal with my job. It has allowed me to see through the person’s drama and just see the real person and their needs – to provide for their needs in any way I can. To remind them that everything in their life is a choice; their personal choice. It has allowed me to care very deeply for each person I work with; to give them 110% of me without taking on, or taking home, the evil that we see everyday in our work. It allows me to stay filled with joy and laughter.
“I have worked with Kathy for the past 3 years. She always goes the extra mile for her clients, other staff members and BCFS-Kerrville. She is delightful to work with and an asset to our agency.”
Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie, Interim Director, BCFS-Kerrville