Fairborn resident honored by Crossroads Hospice

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The American psychologist and philosopher William James once said, “The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.”

Nobody understands the truth of James’ words better than Fairborn resident Debbie Conn. For 12 years, she has been using her life to give the imperishable gift of love, participating in the lives of the elderly as a social worker. Conn’s work received the attention it deserves on Tuesday, Nov. 1, when the Crossroads Hospice honored the Fairborn social worker with the Caring More Award. For Conn, her selection for the award was a surprise.

Conn first wanted to enter social work when she was 21, but her husband at the time dissuaded her, claiming that the field’s monetary reward was lacking. For 11 years, the Fairborn resident worked in hospitals, doing blood work and conducting EKG’s. While it was not Conn’s first choice, hospital work provided the Fairborn resident with several different opportunities to help others.

Determined to move into the realm of social work, Conn eventually returned to school, putting in long hours at Sinclair Community College to earn an associate degree in gerontology. The Fairborn resident successfully obtained the degree in 2000 and moved on to tackling a Bachelor’s degree in social work at Wright State University. In 2002, Conn received her Bachelor’s degree and went to work for Life Essentials, Inc. a Dayton-based organization that helps people who slip through the cracks in community services. Conn serves as a programs director with Life Essentials, Inc.

Read more at FairbornDailyHerald.com