Meet Lisa Wilson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Wilson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My grandmother was a very important part of my life. I went and saw her daily in the nursing home she was in. When we lost her in 2017, I was lost. I wanted to go back to school to become a nurse so I could go into a nursing home and make people smile. In the meantime, the position of Director suddenly became available at Centerburg Senior Services. CSS had been a big part of my grandmother’s life so I was excited to be a part of it and touch more seniors’ lives thinking I could help them. What I quickly found out was they helped me just as much as I thought I was helping them! Our clients have become part of my extended family. I absolutely love my job.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Centerburg Senior Services is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps enrich seniors lives and help keep them in their homes as long as possible. We provide warm meals delivered to their homes five days a week. Our senior center is open for activities Monday through Friday from 9am – 3:30pm for those that want to come in. We offer Bingo, card games, movies, crafts, painting classes, multiple exercise classes with live instructors, holiday events, tailgates and cookouts and much more. We are open to adults age 60 and over living in Knox County.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I left a job of 15 years and took a leap of faith changing my profession. Something I want people to know is that it is never too late to follow your dreams and calling. If you are a hard worker, passionate and a go getter in life, you can do anything you put your mind to.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Growing up on a farm, my parents instilled a great work ethic in me. Farm kids are raised different, my husband and I have continued that and have also raised our kids on the farm. My parents set examples for me and my siblings. You found them both in the barns helping during the freezing cold. We didn’t sit down to eat at the table until the cows were cared for. Birthdays, Christmas, any major holidays you still had a job to do. I am blessed to be raised by my parents and have the work ethic I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.centerburgseniorservices.com
• Facebook: Centerburg Senior Services