{"id":7715,"date":"2023-12-22T11:13:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T16:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.epiny.org\/?post_type=spotlight&p=7715"},"modified":"2023-12-22T11:19:15","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T16:19:15","slug":"chris","status":"publish","type":"spotlight","link":"https:\/\/www.epiny.org\/spotlight\/chris\/","title":{"rendered":"Chris\u2019 Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cMy goal is to build trust.\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Chris Hinkley began his career as a graphic designer, a position he held for about 15 years. Eight years ago, he decided that working behind a desk with computers wasn\u2019t the right fit for him, so he started his education to become a physical therapist. During that time, he also joined EPI as a relief worker. \u201cI was volunteering in the PT Department at a hospital for my educational requirements and realized that I wanted to do something that was more meaningful \u2013 and that working at EPI just felt right,\u201d says Chris. He then decided that becoming a full-time employee with EPI was the right career path for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now serving as Broome Community Services Supervisor, Chris explains that working at EPI has presented new and rewarding challenges, such as learning how to support people. \u201cOn a daily basis, I see individuals with developmental disabilities overcome obstacles of their own,\u201d he adds. \u201cIt\u2019s great to witness how the people we support grow and thrive, as well as see the positive impact we have on them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris shares a story about the complex cases EPI brought in after Broome Developmental Center closed. \u201cThese individuals had many different disabilities and needs. We were able to build trust and a rapport with them,\u201d states Chris. \u201cThey\u2019re doing remarkably well and are able to go out into the community. We\u2019re very proud of this and it\u2019s always gratifying to hear comments from outside people about the great job we did. It\u2019s a testament to how EPI makes a difference in people\u2019s lives \u2013 and that the individuals we support can accomplish many things when given the chance and proper guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Chris, \u201cEPI has values and its heart in the right place.\u201d The organization is person-centered and it aims to help the people we care for succeed and live their best possible life. Chris credits Becky Butler, his manager, for helping him at every step. \u201cBecky and I have been together since day one \u2013 we\u2019ve grown together and learn from each other,\u201d he adds. \u201cI\u2019d encourage any EPI employee to \u2018pick the brains\u2019 of the people who have been here the longest and follow their advice. By doing so, you\u2019ll get the most out of your job, advance and grow.\u201d EPI also offers a host of training programs and opportunities to learn within the organization and advance in your career. \u201cEPI seeks out dedicated and motivated individuals,\u201d says Chris. \u201cThey\u2019ve treated me great and enabled me to work my way up to supervisor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris feels that to be successful in this field, a person needs to have an open mind, be flexible and be able to adapt to changes. He also believes in an open-door policy \u2013 employees and individuals EPI supports are always welcome to stop by his office, even if it\u2019s just to say hello. \u201cIn my day-to-day interactions with people, whether it\u2019s my staff or individuals we support, I strongly strive to make a difference in their lives,\u201d explains Chris. \u201cMy goal is to build relationships based on trust and ensure everyone is treated fairly.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Building trust and changing lives \u2013 Chris is a shining example of our mission-driven staff.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7696,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false},"class_list":["post-7715","spotlight","type-spotlight","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nChris\u2019 Story - EPI | Empowering People's Independence<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epiny.org\/spotlight\/chris\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chris\u2019 Story - 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