Houseparent Testimonies
Leno & Karen Washington
Student Home King
Elementary Division
Before coming to Milton Hershey School, college-educated Karen and Leno Washington worked in administrative and managerial positions in the Harrisburg, PA area. Karen, a Girl Scout Teacher and Sunday School Teacher, and Leno, who formerly worked directly with school students as a behavior management specialist, longed to pursue a life's work where they could have the greatest impact on children in need.
"While the hours are longer and I don't leave my work behind at the end of an eight-hour day, I find this work is easier for me. I thrive helping others. It's rewarding and fulfilling-that's why I do it and that's why I love it," said Karen.
Leno says being a houseparent isn't about choosing a job, it's about choosing a lifestyle. "We're a family," he says of his students, his wife, and their three children. "We treat the Milton Hershey School students as if they were our own. It's a great joy to see them develop in positive ways due to your influence."
Andy & Deanna Slamans
Student Home Harpers
Middle Division
During the five years Deanna Bradley was a Milton Hershey School student, she never thought about coming back to serve as a houseparent. When her fiance Andy, a social worker, wanted to see the place where Deanna spent her high school years, a visit to a student home had him suggesting to Deanna that this is something they should do after they married.
"He told me that we could do this, and it really got me thinking," said Deanna. "I thought of all the wonderful memories that my houseparents made for me and I thought I could do that for others."
As a new married couple living in Philadelphia, Andy and Deanna gained experience mentoring young people though a youth ministry program they volunteered for since their college days.
"We would have kids over our house all the time," Deanna said. "We really enjoyed having them around."
Both Andy and Deanna are glad to be caring for Milton Hershey
"As a social worker, I could only spend a few hours of the day once a week, if that, with a child, and then he or she would be sent home," said Andy. "With this position, I have more time to make an impact, to be there for a child on a daily basis."
Robert and Elisabeth Cayer
Student Home Ridgeview
Senior Division
"There is something about being with these children," said Elisabeth Cayer, who has been a houseparent at MHS with husband Robert for 18 years. "We know we can help them."
The Cayers became acquainted with MHS through a coworker of Robert's who used to be a houseparent. They decided to give houseparenting a try by serving as substitute houseparents. After a year, they knew it was something they wanted to do full-time.
"The best part about being a houseparent is when graduates come back to visit, and you see how successful they've become," said Elisabeth. "You know you had a hand in it all."
