Bill Jendrey

Sometimes things aren't exactly what they seem and blessings can be wrapped in the disguise of trials and suffering. This is how Bill Jendrey, of New Kensington now looks at the medical problems that he has faced in the past and the ones that he deals with on a daily basis.

When he had his first heart attack sixteen years ago he wasn't expected to live. Then, after another heart attack, he was unable to work and had to retire. His dad had passed away at the age of forty-five and he has passed that up by five years. He thanks God every day that he is still alive. Bill was only forty years old at the time. He had been working six to seven days a week, twelve hours a day as a third shift supervisor at Typecraft in Pittsburgh. Prior to that he was a production manager for a newspaper in Irwin and then North Carolina, and then finally in South Carolina before coming back to the area. He went from an extremely busy schedule to doing nothing at all. This change in lifestyle was a complete shock to him.

After six months of recuperation, he couldn't stand it any more. Bill decided to become a volunteer at the Alle-Kiski Learning Center in Arnold. Now he says that his heart attacks were a blessing in disguise. If he hadn't been forced to slow down life would have passed him by. Now he is able to spend time with his family and be a part of an organization that is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for many.

Bill is a full time volunteer at the center, which works out great for him. His responsibilities there include entering data in the demographics database for the state, answering phones, doing intakes, and filling in as an instructor. His wife, Mary, is the President and Executive Director of the center and his two daughters work there as well. Bill said that the agency kept him alive not feeling sorry for himself-kept him from giving up and quitting. It has been a lot of fun and it has been very rewarding meeting and helping people.

Bill and his wife live in New Kensington. His positive attitude and great outlook on life has made him an inspiration to everyone at the center. He never complains and is always ready to help out in any way that he can. Bill's dedication has not been overlooked. He has been nominated for Volunteer NFL Community Quarterback in Jan of 2002, and was nominated for the JC Penney Golden Rule award twice.