Meet the Social Development Commission (SDC)’s Residential Services Manager Ron Klafka:
How long have you worked at SDC?
Eight years.
What do you do at SDC?
I manage all the Residential Services grant programs including: Weatherization, Emergency Furnace, Home Energy Plus, Lead Safe Homes Program and the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP).
Tell us how it helps in the war against poverty.
This work helps a family have a home that is warm, dry, and comfortable. It’s also energy efficient. We help reduce utility bills (and expenses) required to make the house a home. We keep the elderly in their homes longer with modifications that assist with any special needs. We marry our programs with other services to offer a complete package when the home and the homeowner/tenant qualify.
What motivates you? Why do you do this work?
I enjoy the challenge and the fact that we are helping people directly. We’re affecting their lives for the better. The results are tangible and every customer is different and has unique requisites.
Describe a time when you felt like your work at SDC made a difference in someone’s life.
You can see it every day a final inspection is completed and we leave a residence with heat that works; hot water that flows; a tighter home and a reduction in the cost of the utilities. I feel like I’ve made a difference in someone’s life when I get a “thank you”.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
I enjoy the water and the environment it brings.
Lighting Round:
Dream vacation?
Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands)
Most recent book read?
Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt
Favorite movie?
I don’t have one.
Favorite song?
Do What You Can by John Bon Jovi
Favorite athlete?
Brian O’Driscoll, Irish Rugby Team
Favorite local restaurant?
The Wicked Hop
Favorite hobby?
Diving (Salvage)
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