Fast track communicator changes lanes

Communication World, Feb, 1989 by Gillian Silver

"When I was working in New York, every homeless person I saw reminded me of my father," West explains. "We had been estranged for many years but shortly before his death (he was hit by a car) we found each other again.

"While it is too late to help my father whose life was wrenched by alcohol, it's not too late to help others. Every panhandler is someone's father and no one should ever have the coldness to turn away a homeless person."

West immersed herself in several community homeless projects, most notably Phoenix's Andre House operated by St. Vincent de Paul Society. Working with Sister Lawrence, she helped prepare men on their way to job interviews by giving them toiletries and work supplies.

One day, a man she describes as "a cut above the rest" needed a pair of workboots. None were available. While West rushed out to buy a pair, the man left. Shortly after, she was charged with the unpleasant task of going into the rain and turning away people in the food line. Suddenly, from behind her, a raincoat was slipped over her shoulders. The man who had needed the workboots had returned. "He got the job," West beams. "He came back and picked up the boots after all."

Emphasizing that the homeless and out of work need to have their dignity reinforced, West believes with a little support they can do much to improve their situation. "The toughest thing for them is the way others react," she says. "People won't look them in the eye. How can you think much of yourself when no one acknowledges you?"

Calling her work with the homeless the most gratifying experience of her life, West says, "instead of living for tomorrow or sometime in the future, I'm learning to enjoy the passage of time."

Having learned to judge success from a new set of standards--standards that are more flexible and open to new opportunities, West was ready to return to work. Somewhat reluctantly, yet armed with a new dedication to enjoy life, West re-entered the "career carousel."

"You don't take a year off from work unless you can bring back what you've learned, use it and make it a success," she encourages. "You owe it to others to give of yourself. And, you owe it to yourself to have private time. Find time each week and make it your own."