RIFFEE

STEUBENVILLE — Residents and staff at the Shaffer Plaza Apartments are bidding farewell to longtime staff member Rebecca Riffee.

A Steubenville resident, Riffee has served the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities for nearly 24 years and retired on Friday. She began as a residential aide in 2006 and has grown to adore the people with whom she works.

“A friend of mine worked in the office at the School of Bright Promise at the time and said they were always hiring at Shaffer Plaza, but I’d never heard of it,” Riffee recalled. “I went to the School of Bright Promise and got an application, and a week later I’d been interviewed and hired.”

From taking care of the clients to sometimes transporting them to doctor’s appointments, Riffee has interacted with the residents on a daily basis and come to know their habits and personalities.

“I love it. I really do,” she added. “I never thought I’d be able to know the clients’ names, but I know them like the back of my hand. I enjoy the smiles on their faces, and I have so many nice co-workers.”

Riffee’s caring nature stems from her own personal ties to her mother, whom she cares for at home with help from her siblings. She plans to continue assisting her mother and enjoying time with her family, which includes twin daughters and four grandchildren. One daughter has already purchased her a ticket to visit her in Florida.

She said while it is tough to say goodbye, she would make sure to visit Shaffer Plaza often.

“I met so many friends. (The residents) are sad and give me hugs, but I say I’ll see them again. It will be nice [to retire], but I will miss everybody,” Riffee continued. “It taught me a lot about being calmer. Compassion means everything to me, and just making a smile on their face helps me through the day.”

She also praised Residential Director Kassey Minor, saying she goes above and beyond for the staff and residents in the complex. Riffee looked back on her time at Shaffer with love and said she will cherish the memories.

“I have a lot of memories of taking them to the parks. We used to go on picnics a lot and church functions and the buddy walks at the Special Olympics were so enjoyable,” she said. “I just knew it was maybe time for me to go.”

Minor was equally grateful for Riffee’s work and said she made an immense impact upon everyone.

“Back in 2004, I had the pleasure of starting my career by working alongside Becky as a direct support professional. I knew then that she would be one of the most dedicated workers I would meet,” Minor said. “She is not only dedicated to those at Home B, but is also an amazing coworker. She takes pride in her work and always goes above and beyond to make sure the residents get the care they deserve. Becky rarely missed a day of work in 23 years and was willing to pick up extra shifts to help out. She will be incredibly missed, and it will be difficult to find someone as dedicated and committed as she was to all of the residents over the years.”