EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Ken Clinton
Nominated by Amber Estelle, Deputy COO & Clinical Director
“Everyone sees the glory moments, but they don’t see what happens behind the scenes.” – Allyson Felix
Unassuming and steadfast, Kenneth “Ken” Clinton is a constant fixture in the Holyoke Young Parent Program (HYPP), one of four residential programs at the YWCA.
HYPP provides wraparound services to young parents, including case management, parenting/life skills education, as well as continuing educational and vocational support.
A Facilities and Maintenance Worker, Ken has been with the YWCA for 4 years. His responsibilities include monitoring the internal and external conditions of the Holyoke program’s building, cleaning, and repair work, as well as assisting with the maintenance of the YWCA’s two other properties.
“Ken does a lot of work that may get unnoticed or recognized,” said Amber Estelle, Deputy COO & Clinical Director. “He is often behind the scenes and is stationed at HYPP, so most people at Clough (the YWCA’s headquarters) are not aware of the time, work, and effort he puts into keeping that program together and safe. Ken ensures the teens have a safe place to reside with their children and helps provide a comfortable living arrangement.”
No stranger to hard work and a jack of all trades, Ken worked for years in transportation, construction, and maintenance. “I have worked in hospitals, at the May Institute, for MBTA Boston, Mass Transit, as a bus and train driver, and more,” he said. Additionally, together with his wife, Ken raised eight kids, including three bonus children.
While Ken is a man of few words, when he does speak, he is straightforward with a deadpan sense of humor. “I learned that he does like to engage and interact with others,” said Amber, who teaches the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocacy (DV/SA) training. “Ken had no problem asking questions and sharing experiences when he attended DV/SA training.
As to why he wanted to work at the YWCA, Ken said, “I was already retired, but I wanted to work somewhere where I could help out some part of society.”
“You know, I just wanted to give back,” he concluded.
