Helen VanSlyke - Quality Assurance

“My name is Helen VanSlyke, she/her/hers.  I moved to Hayward a little over two years ago.  The move was meant to be only temporary.  COVID

And the loss of childcare for my grandchild turned into a decision to make the move permanent.  I worked

In the Accounting Field for thirty years and retired in 2017.  I have a retinal eye disease, RP.  It is a progressive loss of vision that I was diagnosed with as a child.

I went to Guide Dogs of America in 2017.  I am a proud guide dog partner with my first guide dog, Niles.      

 After caring for my mother, from a long illness, as her Advocate and working with AAA, IHSS, Section 8 and the Social Security,  I saw the lack of support Seniors had.  I wanted to be of service, advocate for others.

Through the DOR and the Veterans Administration, I received JAWS (Speech to Text Software) and Braille instruction.  Both were instrumental with my transition back into the work force.  I joined CRIL Hayward in September 2023. I am truly grateful for the supportive staff and administration. My return to work was accomplished with hard work, but, without the help of others and their belief in me, I would not be employed.  They supported me through the two-year journey and continue to be my support today.”