Linda Williams

Assistant General Manager

At what moment did you know DISH was for you?

After learning about DISH’s Values, I knew I was joining a company that cared for people with mental and behavioral issues. I found DISH to be fair and consistent with its policies and procedures. I was with Jon Stewart Company prior to DISH taking over operations here at the Star in 2007. The employees who switched from John Stewart to DISH, including myself, gave DISH a lot of feedback as to how operations were being run at the Star. DISH is very innovative and brought a lot of new things.

What is your first memory of DISH?

I recall going to a site where Star staff met with DISH staff for the first time. Doug and I were the first two people there. I was thinking to myself ‘Oh S%*@’! I did not want new people coming in. I did not know what was going to happen. I was in fear of losing my job. Doug turned out to be very pleasant. He asked a thousand questions and I felt comfortable answering all of them. A little later, Lauren and Kirk arrived. I did not know who Kirk was at the time. He blended in well, as he sat amongst everyone, listening and taking notes. I thought Kirk was an investigator! That is my first memory of DISH.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?

I find this job to be rewarding! We are providing homes and necessary needs to at-risk people. It is most gratifying to be able to provide housing. When I hand a new resident their room key, who is potentially receiving housing for the first time, I can see the joy and sunshine in their faces. It is truly heartwarming.

I appreciate what DISH does, not only for the tenants but for the employees as well. DISH allows us to be open and express our own opinions. DISH has a way of showing its appreciation to its employees. They will do things like give us movie tickets, take us to lunch, fight for funding to better compensate its employees financially, and a host of other things.

Is there anything you'd like to share about your experience at DISH?

We are doing the right thing! We are providing help where it is needed and necessary. When you help someone, you are helping yourself. I believe in planting seeds. Whatever you want, is what you give. When you plant good seeds in life, you plant them for generations. When you do good, good will follow. Be kind and do the right thing. DISH is doing that. I hope that DISH expands because they are doing the right thing.