Living her best life now: Bartley paving a new path through program
By D.L Davis
For the Medical Leader
October 5, 2007

"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." — Theodore Roosevelt

PIKEVILLE — For 69-year-old Pike County resident Rose Marie Bartley, those words spoken by President Teddy Roosevelt more than a generation ago have a very special meaning.

While many her age tend to fill their days with leisurely activities, Rose’s mornings are spent preparing for her work at WestCare, a residential substance abuse center at Ashcamp in Pike County.

“That job has saved my life in so many ways,” says Rose. “It gives me something to concentrate on and keep my mind off thoughts that might bring me down.”

Like so many eastern Kentuckians of her generation searching for a better life, Rose and her husband Hollis moved to Michigan where Hollis found work as an electrician with General Motors. With his salary, the couple was able to rear four children and live comfortably. Life in suburbia was close to idyllic.

But while being treated for a medical condition, Hollis had an allergic reaction to a medication, leaving him disabled, and forcing him into early retirement. In 1981, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and the couple decided to move back to Kentucky.

Although he fought a brave fight, Hollis succumbed to the disease in 2004, leaving Rose a widow at the age of 66.

In certain respects, Rose was in fairly good shape: she had her home, she had health insurance through Hollis’ retirement...

...grandchildren to help fill the void left by Hollis’ death.

But misfortune was to strike Rose’s family again, only this time bringing with it the worst nightmare a parent can imagine: Rose’s son was found dead in July 2006.

“It just knocked the wind right out of me,” recalled Rose, understandably finding it difficult to talk about such a painful ordeal. “To lose your husband is one thing, but to lose your child is the worst thing in the world that could happen.

“I needed something to do, something to keep me busy. I never did believe in wasting time, and I’ve always felt the need to see that I’ve accomplished something.”

It was while at the local senior citizens center that Rose learned of a program called the Senior Community Employment Service Program (SCSEP). Available through Big Sandy Area Community Action Program for eligible persons aged 55 and over, the SCSEP offers opportunities for free skills training and extra money through part-time work, while at the same providing a valuable service to the community.

“I decided to contact them and see what they could do for me,” said Rose.

After enrolling Rose, staff arranged for Rose to be interviewed for a receptionist position at WestCare, which was in the process of preparing to accept residents.


“I told them at WestCare right up front that I had no experience in that field, and that I had no idea what to do. But, I told them I was willing to learn.”

Rose’s forthrightness and eager attitude was apparently enough, as the facility agreed to have her train for receptionist duties, including operating a multi-line phone system, filing, directing visitors and fielding inquiries.

“I was there when the first resident walked through the door,” said Rose proudly, referring to Aug. 19, 2005.

In November 2006, Rose officially became a WestCare employee. And while the position may only be part-time, she is a fulltime advocate.

“WestCare helps so many people who need help in getting their life pointed back in the right direction. I love working with the staff and the residents. It’s great seeing their progress. On my days off, I find myself missing the place! A lot of the guys even call me ‘Mom’.

“I’m truly thankful for what this job and the Senior Community Service Employment Program has done for me. I don’t know what I would have done without them!”

If you would like more information about Big Sandy Area Community Action Program’s SCSEP, call the local BSACAP office in your county, or Mike Goble at (606) 789- 3641.

©2005-2006 Pikeville Medical Center