Maintenance technician Angel Flores was named employee of the month not only for his impressive work ethic, but because he cares so much about the people EDEN serves.
Angel, a graduate of West Side Institute of Technology’s building maintenance program, joined the agency in 2004 and is responsible for maintaining EDEN-owned properties. Angel knows that EDEN tenants rely on the maintenance team to keep their homes in working order. He always takes the time to notice if a tenant seems lonely and needs someone to talk to.
“It’s very rewarding work,” he says. “I like taking on different challenges and making a difference in people’s lives.”
He also has his share of funny moments on the job, like the day he approached a tenant’s door only to see a gust of wind send her wig flying across the room. “She started screaming, ‘My hair! My hair!’” Angel laughs. “But she was laughing about it, too.”
Whether he’s sharing a laugh or lending an ear, Angel always shows compassion for tenants. “I love my tenants,” he says. “They know me and I know them. I take the time to listen to them.”
Working in the Community
Angel’s life changed abruptly in 2000, when he survived an almost fatal accident. Once he recovered, he decided to turn his life around and reach out to others.
“From that point on, I wanted to make a difference in the community,” he says.
Angel decided to work with disadvantaged kids and became a Youth Activities Coach, coaching baseball at the Hispanic Youth Center and basketball at the Clark Recreation Center. His main goal is to make sure these youngsters don’t waste their talent or throw away their dreams.
“The more kids I can keep off the street, the better,” he explains.
Of course, all that coaching makes Angel’s life a bit hectic. He works full time at EDEN and then goes right to practices several days throughout the week. “It’s tiring,” he admits. “But to see their smiles and the way they play – it’s worth it. They know I’m there for them.”
The Personal Touch
While Angel considers EDEN an all-around great place to work, he especially looks forward to the agency’s annual Play Day. Play Day is an agency tradition that usually features a softball game and picnic.
“It’s good to see everyone laughing and smiling together,” he says. “We get to know more about each other.”
That personal touch is part of why he enjoys working for an agency like EDEN. Clearly, the feeling is mutual. Management selected Angel as an employee of the month because of his constructive attitude, his positive effect on other employees, and his concern for tenants’ welfare.
“I appreciate their vote and am honored they voted for me,” Angel says of the award. “I’ll try to live up to it.”
