Contributed STEPPING DOWN – Renee Pastre Hanlin, community employment specialist with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, has impacted hundreds of lives over the past 31 years and will retire on June 1. She fondly looked back on her time helping differently abled individuals gain independence and said it has been a joy to serve them.

STEUBENVILLE — Renee Pastre Hanlin has helped hundreds of differently abled teens and adults take a step toward independence by finding them jobs within the community, and on June 1 she will bid farewell to the program she has helped shape over the past three decades.

Hanlin, of Bloomingdale, has served as a community employment specialist with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Community Employment Services for just more than 31 years and says it has been a true source of joy.

“My main goal has been to support individuals with diverse abilities by helping them integrate into the community so they can be accepted, work with their peers and earn money. This integration also allows them to benefit from socialization and teamwork,” she said. “There were people employed for 30-plus years whom I’ve had the honor to see retire. These individuals gave it their all and I’ve had the privilege to watch them achieve a part-time job and eventually become full-time employees. I’ve seen them obtain a 401(k), health care and their driver’s license, purchase a car, get married and live the life that they’ve always dreamed of.”

Her career with JCBDD began at the School of Bright Promise, but she approached then-Superintendent Michael Mehalik when she learned of an opening in the CES program. She made it her mission to secure work for individuals with disabilities and recalled one of her earliest cases that was particularly challenging.

“I took a young man for a job interview and they were ready to hire him, but he was not willing to work between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. because he liked to do his word search puzzle at 11 and then take a walk around his block,” she smiled. “I knew we needed to focus on flexibility.”

Fortunately, his perspective changed and he managed to maintain employment. Another story involved an individual who was placed in a job right out of high school, and over the following 16 years he secured a full-time position, his driver’s license and a car. He also declined further Social Security benefits in a bold move to live more independently.

“I’m so proud of him because he chose to look at himself like anyone else,” she added. “He wants to work until he can retire and does not want to receive government assistance. It took 31 1/2 years for me to hear a story like that one and it’s very rewarding.”

Having partnerships with local businesses such as Kroger, Eat ‘N Park, Rural King and Parkhurst Food Services, among others, has enabled her to match countless individuals with job opportunities, but she also relishes the annual Summer Youth Work Experience Program where teens get a chance to learn entry-level jobs from cleaning local parks to maintaining municipal facilities. Hanlin was thankful to the employers for opening their doors and giving individuals a chance to join the workforce.

She said her job has had its ups and downs, but the difficult times have been equally rewarding because she learned from the individuals she’s served.

“I’ve learned something different from every one of them and they certainly taught me that life can be tough, but with support and proper direction, you can survive.”

She now prepares to step aside and enjoy spending time with family and friends, including her husband, Brian, and especially her grandchildren, Sam and Ellie. Hanlin said she has been blessed with great co-workers, including fellow CES employee Elyzabeth Grimm, JCBDD Community and Public Relations Specialist Cookie West, supervisor Randy Cottis and Superintendent Michael Zinno.

“They were more than co-workers; they became family. I will miss our daily conversations, teamwork and the genuine care we shared,” she said of Grimm and West. “I thank Randy for his support, encouragement and leadership, and his guidance has meant a great deal to me. I am also grateful for Mike Zinno’s guidance throughout the years. It’s truly refreshing to work in an environment where you realize that your efforts can change someone’s life.”

Meanwhile, past and present colleagues said she has truly been an asset to the organization.

“I worked with Renee for many years and always appreciated her energy, her communication skills and her ability to talk to employers to place individuals into jobs,” said Michael Mehalik, noting her personality, loyalty and dependability. “Her ability to work with employers in a positive way greatly benefitted her and us in gaining opportunities for the people we serve.”

“Her commitment to individuals, regardless of their disabilities, has truly set her apart,” remarked Conni Giamos, Hanlin’s former supervisor and past director of the Jeffco Training Center. “When working on a placement, she consistently took the time to think creatively and find solutions to any obstacles that arose. Her focus extended beyond just securing a job; she also considered the families involved, weaving everything together to ensure success. She always made the right calls, demonstrating a level of dedication that went above and beyond what is typically expected. Her absence will be felt deeply within the program as she genuinely devoted herself to her work.”

“It is hard to imagine the office without Renee’s bright energy and constant support. Renee and I have shared laughs and mentorship, and she has provided me invaluable guidance over the past few years,” said Elyzabeth Grimm. “Renee’s work as a community employment specialist has truly changed lives, helping to build a wonderful community of belonging here in Jefferson County. Because of her dedication, the individuals she has served have found their footing and a place where they can truly make a difference. She brings immense empathy and warmth to both our team and the community every single day. Renee always leads with compassion, ensuring everyone feels valued.”

“The community employment program at the county board would not be anywhere near its success without her leading the way,” said Randy Cottis. “She has gotten many individuals into meaningful employment and given them the ability to be independent and self-sufficient. We’ll miss her wealth of knowledge and expertise.”

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Renee for more than 20 years, and our collaboration has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life,” said Cookie West. “Renee exemplifies unwavering integrity and genuine compassion, inspiring those around her. She shows deep respect for everyone, whether helping individuals navigate employment challenges or working with employers to enhance job accessibility and diversity. Her commitment to inclusivity positively impacts the broader community. I am grateful for her as a colleague and mentor. While she will be missed at the BDD office, it’s not goodbye but see you later.”

“Renee will be added to our virtual wall of fame, where we list all former employees with 25 years of service or more,” said Michael Zinno, adding that the display can be viewed at www.jcbdd.com. “I cannot thank her enough for her long-term dedication to JCBDD and, more importantly, to those we support and serve. I am proud to have worked alongside her for many years, and I wish her well into retirement. She will be missed.”