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Stay Calm and Don’t Scratch

By June 15, 2016June 21st, 2016Employee Stories

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“Worry is like a bug bite. The more you scratch it, the more it itches.” – Anonymous

Though he wears multiple hats and has his hands in numerous projects, Ben Strick keeps his cool. When you meet Ben, you’re immediately ushered into a place of peace. His tone of voice, presence, and humility are otherworldly – infusing the room with acceptance and empathy.

But he wasn’t always that way.

As a young-and-talented professional dancer, Ben found himself pining for answers to the age-old question: “what’s the meaning in my life?” With a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a resume filled with dance experience, he wasn’t sure were to turn.

Then he found Spurwink.

Ben’s career at Spurwink began with helping youth in the Juvenile Justice System. He then transitioned into a position where he helped develop community resources needed to help at-risk kids and families succeed. His dedication, passion, and calming persona led him further into positions of leadership – overseeing Spurwink’s community based programs and becoming the Associate Director of Agency Mobilization.

While he gained more and more experience, Ben found the purpose in his life – helping people. Spurred by this passion, he obtained his Master’s degree in Social Work and fulfilled his internship requirements at Spurwink. In his own words, “I have been incredibly fortunate that Spurwink has worked to create opportunities that fit me.”

After nine years at Spurwink, Ben now splits his time between providing therapy, designing phone systems, and managing Spurwink community programs – all while keeping his calm. His title?

We’ll call him a Bug Spray Specialist.