A Lifetime of Connection: Jean & Lisa’s Story
Lisa (on the left) has worked at Bell for 43 years, and her sister Jean (on the right) has attended Bell’s ID evening program for 48 years. Read their story of lifelong connection, support, and belonging.
“I’ve met a lot of good folks since I’ve been at Bell,” Jean says. “That’s why I keep coming back—the people.”
Jean has been part of our evening program within our Intellectual/Developmental Disability Services since graduating high school in 1978. For nearly five decades, Bell has been more than just a place to go for Jean; it’s been a community of support, empowerment, and belonging.
For much of that time, her younger sister, Lisa, has been right there beside her.
“I started volunteering at Bell when I was still in high school—probably right when Jean started,” Lisa says. “I saw Jean having fun, and I was interested.”
That curiosity quickly turned into something more.
What began as a part-time role helping with trips and activities grew into a full-time career for Lisa, supporting individuals in our ID Services—all while staying closely connected to Jean’s own journey at Bell.
Today, Lisa is a Senior Supervisor in our Social Recreation Program, bringing energy and enthusiasm to each day as she plans activities and creates a space where individuals feel supported and seen. This year marks 43 years with Bell.
Lisa always finds ways to show up for others. She puts her heart into her work and when she needed time off, Bell was there for her.
“When my grandson was really sick, I appreciated the flexibility here,” she shares. “When he was in the hospital or having surgeries, I could be there. That meant everything to me.”
Over the years, for Lisa, Bell has become more than a workplace. “I’ve met a lot of friends here—some like family,” she says.
For Jean, Bell has been just as meaningful—a constant source of connection and friendship. “When I first started coming, we would meet at the corner of Philadelphia and Pine Street,” she remembers.
She speaks with sweet nostalgia, holding onto the moments and people that made Bell special from the very beginning. She mentions Ike Hileman, Bell’s previous Executive Director.
At the time, Jean worked full-time as a packer at Martin’s Potato Chips—a job she held for 30 years.
Even while working full-time, Jean made time for Bell in the evenings, attending programs and even going on some amazing trips.
After retiring, she began attending the day and evening program, building on decades of friendships and experiences.
She lights up when she talks about her favorite activities. “I like playing the Wii, shuffleboard, trivia on the TV, and hidden pictures—that’s fun, and it gets you thinking.”
Together, Jean and Lisa share not only years of memories but also a deep bond shaped by shared experiences. They reminisce about trips taken, some through the travel club, with individuals in the service programs.
“We went to the beach in Stone Harbor,” Lisa says with a smile. “Jean went to Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Cancun.” These have been incredible experiences.
When asked what has kept her at Bell for more than four decades, Lisa doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the individuals. I like being with them.”
Jean agrees, turning to her sister with a smile. “I think you like coming here and seeing everyone’s smiling faces.”
“And their different personalities,” Lisa adds. “Just being with the people.”
Jean happily shares, “Everybody loves her here.”
Lisa laughs. “Everybody has different personalities, but we all bond together.”
Their connection extends far beyond Bell.
Today, Jean lives with Lisa in her own apartment within their home. Like any family, they’ve grown together learning to navigate life side by side, both at home and at Bell.
“At first, it was an adjustment,” Lisa says honestly. “But it’s going good and we are always there for each other.”
And in many ways, that says everything.
After all these years, what stands out most isn’t just the time—it’s the heart behind it and the friendships made throughout the decades.
For Lisa, this means being active, showing up, and creating meaningful experiences for others.
For Jean, it’s the people, the memories, and the feeling of belonging that keep her coming back.
And together, it’s more than shared time, it’s a lifetime of connection.