What started as a last-minute interview has turned into a 19-year career at the Good Samaritan Center for Excelsior Springs, Missouri resident Jennifer “Jen” Chappel.
She was at the right place, at the right time when she took on the job as Case Worker. Hoping for an interview on the last day, the process felt like a “calling” for Chappel.
“I happened to walk in, and they said, ‘Oh, it’s the last day,’” said Chappel. “And God had just called me to it.”
Hired on the spot, Chappel has worked as a caseworker, program coordinator, and much more for the center. With years of versatile life and career skills, she was a fit from the very start.
“All careers kind of roll into each other,” said Chappel. “For this job, I was prepared because of my own personal experiences with poverty and trauma from my parents.”
Growing up in Michigan, Chappel experienced hardships and challenges in her upbringing, which she saw reflected in some of her clients.
“Both of my parents had substance abuse disorders,” said Chappel. “So, I get it. And I know where these people are coming from.”
Pivoting from the Great Lakes State to the Show Me State, Chappel knew she always wanted to make a difference within her community.
“My husband grew up here, and we came here to make a difference in our community,” said Chappel. “You know, when people are younger, they make bad choices too. And so, he wanted to kind of fix the community that he had a hand in breaking.”
Over her 19 years, Chappel has done more than help fix the community. She has also watched the center change, grow, and adapt while also being impacted by others.
“One client in particular still stands out today,” said Chappel. “I remember when I first met him thinking, there’s no hope for this guy. Like, there’s nothing I can do for him. He was just in so much trouble. And I just couldn’t see a way for him. As I got to know him, working alongside him, and especially as a volunteer, I just grew to love him as a person. Like, he taught me how to love in a different way that I didn’t know I was capable of.”
Chappel’s last day at Good Sam was June 28, and moving forward she hopes to spend more time with her family, especially her husband.
“I will say over the last 19 years, he got the short end of the stick because my passion was what I was doing,” said Chappel. “But now it’s his turn.”
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