Debra Hoover is an integral part of the Weston County community

Hannah Gross
NLJ Correspondent
 
“Deb has dedicated herself for almost 20 years to helping the special needs of our community,” said Gina Knight of her friend and 2019 Person of the Year nominee Debra Hoover. “She always has a soft voice and big smiles and hugs. She is awesome.”
Hoover has been an independent care provider for the state since 2007, and she makes it her mission to help those with special needs to live a normal life. 
“She wants her clients to be treated like everyone else,” said her son, Austen Wells.
Hoover picks up her clients around 9 a.m. before heading out into the community for various activities. She takes them to crafts, movies, football games, the pool, bingo and more. Her clients learn life skills, and through the years, she has seen some of them move out of group homes and into individual apartments.
“I provide services every day,” Hoover said, and she enjoys it. “Every day is a favorite memory.”
Knight said that Hoover makes her clients “feel important, loved and part of our community,” and Hoover is happy to know she’s “making a difference in their lives.”
“It makes my heart sing,” Hoover said.
In 2007, she brought the Special Olympics to Weston County. The games include bowling in the fall and track and field events in the summer. 
People of all disabilities compete, and while some complete a whole mile and others just 10 meters, depending on their ability, she said, they’re both significant achievements. Through the years, Hoover said, she’s been surprised when, through training and discipline, some are able to achieve more than what seems possible. 
“I just love it (Special Olympics),” Hoover said. “You just get this happiness in your heart.” 
Mike Shaw, a client of Hoover’s for approximately 11 years, said the Special Olympics is his favorite activity, adding that he has won gold medals in track and field. Another client, Breann Small, said she enjoys going on “outings” with Hoover, whom she described as “nice,” and likes being more independent. 
“She’s kind and kind-hearted,” Shaw said. “She’s willing to help out.” 
Knight said that Hoover goes “over and beyond” to help those with disabilities in the community, and employee Dakota Nelson said that even on days she’s not working, Hoover still spends time with her clients by going out for coffee and such. 
“She puts all of them before herself,” Nelson said.
Not only does she take care of her clients, but she also keeps in mind the needs of their families, Nelson said, and will even invite them to her home for the holidays. 
“She’s taught me to give it my all,” Wells said, describing his mom as hardworking, always happy and passionate.
Hoover puts her heart into what she does because “she just loves it,” he said, and if it wasn’t for her, he’s not sure who would do it. 
“As a mother of a special needs adult, I have been so blessed by having Deb Hoover in my daughter’s life for (the) last 15 years. She has helped my daughter so much by giving her a voice and letting her know how important she is to our community,” Knight said. 
Hoover said she feels “completely honored” to have been nominated as a Person of the Year, and it’s evident that she loves what she does. 
“I just do what makes my heart happy,” she said.