At Mainstay, we love seeing the progress and growth of those we support. We also love seeing this same growth in our team members. Nobody represents this personal and professional development better than our longest working employee, Mary Kay Adams. In 2023, Mary Kay received PAR’s We are Worth It longevity award not only for her length of service but also because she is an incredible advocate for each person she works with.
Mary Kay got her start with Mainstay when she was 19 years old and attending Community College of Allegheny County. While studying child development and special education, Mary Kay was able to choose the organization with which she would complete her practicums. She chose Idlewood Center. After completing her classes, she continued to work part-time for Idlewood, and eventually began a full-time role in 1978.
Through her 45+ years with us, Mary Kay has been around to see Idlewood Center and Horizon Homes join to form Mainstay in 1999. She’s watched a four person staff grow to the nearly 400 employee organization it is today. And, of course, she’s had to keep up with the ever-changing technology!
“One of the biggest adjustments over the years has been adapting to the much larger staff and management teams – oh, and the technology! As Mainstay uses even more technology to help people, I am learning it right along with the people I support” Mary Kay says.
A lot has changed, and Mary Kay has too. Through her various positions as an intern, a Program Manager, and now as a Community Living Specialist, she feels she has learned something new in each role. Over the course of her decades with us, there are bound to be ups and downs, and Mary Kay is grateful for the variety of experiences offered to her.
“Though my job can be challenging at times, including supporting people as they age with dignity, there is nothing more rewarding than helping the people we support to lead fulfilling lives,” Mary Kay says. “I enjoy trying to find new ways to adapt my support so we can continue to help people live their life as they choose.”