When Diane first came to Guild 28 years ago, it wasn’t part of some long-term plan. It was simply the next step. “I needed a job,” she said with a laugh.
But something shifted during the hiring process. After meeting staff, going through multiple interviews and, most importantly, connecting with clients, she realized Guild was more than just a workplace.
“When I met some of the clients, I was like yeah, this is a great place to work,” she said.
For Diane, that feeling never really left. Even after briefly stepping away during her career, she found herself drawn back.
“It must be the place for me,” she said. “Because once I came back … it’s like, okay, I’m not going anywhere. Once I leave here, I’ll be retired.”
Today, Diane is a cornerstone of Guild’s Community Support Program (CSP), a place that plays a vital role in the lives of the people it serves. For many members, CSP is far more than a program. It’s a space where they feel safe, understood, and connected.
“First and foremost, it’s a place they can come [to] where nobody’s going to judge them,” Diane explained. “They feel at home here. And they need that.”
During her nearly three decades with Guild, Diane has built something that can’t be taught or easily replaced: trust. In a field where turnover can be high and stability is often hard to come by, her consistency has become part of the foundation for many members. “It’s sort of just knowing that I am going to be there,” she said.
But what makes Diane’s impact so meaningful isn’t just her longevity, it’s how she shows up every day. She understands that small, thoughtful moments can make a big difference. Whether it’s remembering someone’s favorite snack or taking the time to connect beyond task-based support, she brings a personal touch to her work.
“It’s those kinds of things … just letting people know you see them.”
Diane’s role at CSP is rooted in helping people not just access services but build connections and confidence in their everyday lives. That might mean helping someone navigate a challenge, connect to resources, or simply feel supported in a difficult moment. For her, CSP’s importance extends beyond the people inside its walls — it’s about how it strengthens the broader community. Over the years, she’s helped build relationships with neighbors, local businesses, and community partners, creating a sense of shared understanding and belonging.
“We’re part of the community,” she said. “This is where our folks live, where they shop. We want them to feel connected to that.”
Through every change — staff transitions, program shifts, and other evolving needs — Diane has remained focused on one guiding question: How will this impact the people we serve?
“We can handle change as staff,” she explained. “But how is it going to affect the clients? And how can we make that easier for them?”
That perspective has helped ensure continuity and care.
Looking back, Diane describes her time at Guild with a sense of gratitude. “I think I’m blessed to be here,” she said. “It’s been a good place to grow — not just for me, but for the clients and for staff too.”
And for anyone considering stepping into that work, her message is simple: “Go for it.” Because at its core, Diane’s story — and Guild’s mission — is about showing up, building trust, and creating a place where people feel like they belong.
