LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jessy Mendez was nominated by a colleague, Ben Gleaton.

"There is a young lady who stands out among her peers as a stellar worker, someone who will help you in your time of need, someone who always has a smile and an encouraging word for others, no matter what she is going through in her personal life. Jessy manages our largest high school of almost 2,000 students and ten subordinate custodians," said Gleaton.

"Jessy does a wiz-bang job for us at KHS. Staff and students are well cared for and love her very much. Jessy is called to the office frequently to interpret for Spanish-speaking parents and students, a valuable service to our office staff. When one of her custodial staff suffers a hardship, Jessy is there to provide support; one of her custodians recently lost her husband and was in danger of losing her home. Jessy was able to help this young lady obtain legal counsel and financial help to save her home," said Gleaton.

"About a year ago, Jessy's younger sister passed away suddenly, and her three children were about to become custody of the state. Jessy would not allow her nieces and nephews to be placed into foster care and took all three of them into her already-packed house. Jessy now manages a household of nine (including her mother); after eight to nine hours of work here in Kuna, she goes home, prepares meals, and takes the children to their sporting events, doctor appointments, and counseling sessions. Recently, Jessy's niece suffered a traumatic and emotional event, and Jessy is providing love and support to her niece to help carry her through this life-changing event," said Gleaton.

"In addition to Jessy's regular household duties, she is taking English and accounting classes to further her education," said Gleaton.