Jackson County DHS Worker Remembers Being a DHS Client

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 The Jackson County office of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) serves hundreds of people every day. Diana Wilson used to be one of the people seeking assistance. Now she seeks to help others.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Jackson County office of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) serves hundreds of people every day. Diana Wilson used to be one of the people seeking assistance. Now she seeks to help others.

A single mother of three, Wilson escaped an abusive relationship. She knew she had to make a better life for her family.

"The day I decided to make a change was stressful," said Wilson. "My first stop was to find a job, then go to the courthouse to get a restraining order, and then to DHS."

That first stop landed her a job at a local grocery store. It gave her unique perspective on how other people sometimes view those who receive government assistance.

"I remember how it felt to go to the grocery store and how the exchange between the cashier and me took an immediate turn when the cashier saw my EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card," she said. "Needing help was one of the worst feelings in the world."

Wilson's faith helped her through her challenges. Her church life was vitally important. Along with attending Sunday services, she taught afterschool children's classes each Wednesday and directed the children's choir.

"I found my church family to be very supportive when I needed help the most," said Wilson. "I also found help from some 'angels' at DHS."

Those 'angels' were her DHS caseworkers, especially two workers in Kiowa County: Mary Lou Perkey and Barbara Heathco. With their guidance, Wilson enrolled at Western Oklahoma State College in Altus. She says she was so scared that first day she almost didn't get out of her car. She credits the emotional support she received from DHS workers for helping her to just keep going.

"I was amazed at how my workers lifted me up with encouragement and praise. This was not 'normal' for me and it made a difference. It made me want to try harder to deserve the encouragement and praise - and they made me realize I was capable of working towards a better future for my children and myself."

Encouraged to join student organizations, Wilson served as president, vice president and secretary for several campus groups and was elected sophomore student senate president. She received her Associate Degree in Information Systems in 1999.

"These may seem like ordinary things for most people," said Wilson, "but I had been so controlled when I was married. When I broke out of my shell, I felt secure enough to seek more and found what I was looking for in my education. I enjoyed it immensely. Being a single mother with three children, attending college full time and working is not an easy task. But it was worth it."

Tonya Worbes, Region 2 Director for Adult and Family Services (AFS), says Wilson is a valued member of the team.

"It's been such a blessing to watch Diana grow and mature as a person and an employee since she joined the Jackson County team," said Worbes. "She's always the first to give praise to others for her success, but the truth is she did all the heavy lifting as a single mom trying to make a better life for her family. We just helped provide the support we could along the way."

That support meant a lot. Wilson will tell you she has come a long way from that stressful day when she decided to make a change in her life.

"We can't change how some people might perceive us; we can only change how we continue with our lives," she said. "I chose to work for DHS. I hope I can give back all they gave to me."

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