It was April of 1996 when Jewell Vanfossen started a career with OATS, Inc. Fifteen years later Jewell says it’s the people she helps every day that has kept her there.

After 27 years at the Marshall Rehab Center, Jewell was ready for a change. Her husband, Wallace, was an OATS employee at the time and recommended OATS as an option for her. She began by driving for the Foster Grandparents program in Marshall, Missouri, which took older adults to the schools to work with children who needed extra help with reading and homework. Jewell found the experience very rewarding, and continues driving this route today.

What Jewell likes best about working for OATS is the people, and she says she has always considered getting to hear the stories of everyone she works with the best part of her job. “I like the people I help going to work – I listen to all their stories.”

Midwest Regional Director, Tracy Walkup, says, “Jewell is a pleasure to work with. Her passion for the riders and continuous patience and ability to connect with individuals is a tremendous asset.”

When asked what she would tell someone considering working for OATS, Jewell says she would tell them that the best drivers are friendly and outgoing and can adapt to any situation. “I have a fixed crowd, but many drivers have a variety of riders. You need to be comfortable working with people with disabilities and always have patience.”