Kirk Ford finds new purpose at Wesley House

When you walk inside Wesley House, Kirk Ford is among the first people you meet. He’s known by staff and guests for his smiling face, kind laugh, and calm demeanor.   

Kirk heard about the opportunity to work at Wesley House through SER’s Senior Community Service Employment Program, a community service and work-based job program for older citizens. Wesley House uses this program to help its older guests find jobs.  

When he was given the list of jobs available in the area and learned that Wesley House was on it, he knew exactly where he wanted to work. It was not only for employment but also an opportunity to give back.  

His son was in an accident and required hospitalization and surgeries.   

“Wesley House was over at our house not too long after his first surgery bringing us groceries, and they kept checking on us and brought more groceries another time,” Kirk shares. “I don’t know where I would’ve been without Wesley House. They made sure food wasn’t one thing we had to worry about. We were dealing with all the medical bills and all his physical therapy. I have never forgotten Wesley House.”  

When he was two, Kirk accidentally overdosed on aspirin. He ended up being in a coma for three months. It also paralyzed his optic nerves, leaving him legally blind.   

“Over time, it’s gotten better,” he says. “There are times I can see the cars going by and buildings, but in the next half hour, it’s gone.”   

As a greeter, Kirk tells you where to go in the building and what services are available that day. He also takes calls and shares about community resources. With the assistance of a braille device, he can receive emails from his manager with important information for Wesley House guests.    

Kirk says the Kansas State School for the Blind, where he lived for nine months out of the school year as a child, instilled in him a strong value of service.  

“They were really good at working with me to help me focus on others,” he says.   

A southeast Kansan, originally from Chanute and later from Weir, Kirk attended Pittsburg State University, where he studied to become a teacher.   

“I thought I was going to be a teacher until I got in the classroom for student teaching when I learned I wasn’t cut out for teaching,” he says with a laugh.  

Kirk worked in Kansas City for several years before returning to the Pittsburg area. He worked for Envision making trash bags. Now, he greets people as they visit Wesley House. As they wait, Kirk has the opportunity to visit with guests.   

“I always try to lift them up,” he says.   

Working at Wesley House has brought a sense of purpose back into Kirk’s life.  

“I’m really grateful that they gave me a chance to be useful again,” he says. “They have really brought me back to life, honestly.”