Ginger Kline: Living Life with Passion

When I asked Jennifer “Ginger” Kline if she’d like to be featured in the newsletter, a bright smile erupted on her face and she exclaimed, “Yes.” Her answer reflected the enthusiasm she brings to her job every day.

Ginger presents herself as a professional in the Prevocational Program (the work training program).  She dresses neatly, she takes pride in her work, and she keeps a notebook with the exact totals of her work for the day.

Her supervisor Shannon Swope praises her work ethic, “She wants to do quality work.”  Jay O’Maille, her Program Specialist, describes her as a thoughtful and caring person who works hard.  When asked about her favorite job in the Pre-Vocational Program, she answered, “The fire kits, I like making them for kids.”

It’s been six years since Ginger began at Lighthouse and during that time her work skills have developed
tremendously as well as her ability to connect with others. Program Coordinator Amy Horne remarks: “Ginger has grown in her coping skills and her relationships with her peers.”

In addition to working on site, Ginger occasionally participates in the Small Group Program. She works at Levi’s Building Components where she prepares screws for painting—a task she describes as her dream job.

When asked about her favorite part of coming to Lighthouse, she said without hesitation, “Seeing all my friends.”  She then proceeded to rattle off the names of 12 people.  When reflecting about what she learned at Lighthouse, she responded candidly, “How I got so many friends. I never had that many friends in my life.”

Outside of Lighthouse, Ginger’s social calendar is full of activities ranging from social clubs to music. She presently serves as president in the “Aktion Club”, a community club that meets monthly with activities like bowling and pizza. In her leadership role, she rings the bell to get everyone’s
attention for starting meeting—a job she does with gusto.

As a music enthusiast, she is a member of the “Friendship Choir”, where she sings and signs and performs at local churches.  This past year she sang in a talent show: “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden. She then sang her solo to me during the interview: Her voice was strong and on pitch.

When she’s not singing, Ginger enjoys going to movies, watching game shows, and going on walks.  She also enjoys domestic hobbies like cooking and sewing. Just over a year ago, a staff member at her group home brought her a sewing machine and taught her how to sew.  Since then, she has made pajamas, a green dress for herself, and many outfits for her beloved teddy bears. She has over 20 teddy bears and all of them have names.

While at her group home, Ginger enjoys helping prepare dinner. Her signature dish is Kraft Mac & Cheese. And when it’s time to bake cookies, Ginger helps by putting each cookie on the pan.

When it comes to food, she enjoys roast beef, chili, and stuffed peppers.  “I like all types of food but no broccoli. I hate broccoli,” she says adamantly shaking her head in disgust.

Ginger loves to go out. From shopping at Walmart, Boscov’s or TJMaxx to going out to eat.  “I loooove going out to eat,” she exclaims.   Some of her favorite restaurants are the Brickerville House, Oregon Dairy, or “ordinary places” like Jersey Mikes, Burger King, and Arby’s.

Throughout the interview, Ginger brought candor, laughter, relatability and an honest sense of humor. She has crafted a beautiful life with many hobbies, meaningful work and a community of friends.  When asked if she had any final thoughts, Ginger’s answer was simple yet profound—“Love God and love people.”

~Emily Bauman, Creative Marketing Specialist