The life of long-time human services worker,
Paula Pehowski, a resident of Montbello for many years, was remembered and celebrated at the first Paula Pehowksi East Human Services giveaway on Sept. 26, 2008.
Over 100 homeless individuals, children and needy families attended the event at the Denver Human Services office located at 2855 Tremont St. They were happy to select from a wide array of clothes, books, toys and shoes, donated by Pehowski's family and several human services employees at the East office. One person received a microwave, another a camera and several other people received a large ticket item through a drawing.
"Many employees were unable to say goodbye to Paula because her funeral was back east," said friend and co-worker
Liz Alley. "We're celebrating her life today."
Pehowski's family donated five truckloads to the Denver Human Services East office. A few of Pehowski's friends, Alley,
Pam Lopez and
Victoria Quintana, picked up the donations, coordinated this event and encouraged other human services staff to donate.
Pam Lopez, East food stamp clerk, was friends with Pehowski for many years. "Paula's passing was unexpected," she said. "When her family came in from the east coast, we (east staff) put a care package together and offered to help."
"I'm here getting clothes for my sister who is homeless," said
Audrey Garcia. "It's great that they are helping our community and helping people in need because our community has lots of homeless."
Employees who knew Pehowski remember her loud infectious laugh, love of the ballet, taste for delicious food, delight in attending art shows and galleries, and obsession with talk radio. "She was always telling me that whatever was happening downtown, she was there," says Lopez.
"We hope this event turns into an annual event where we can give back to the people we serve in the Five-Points and Curtis Park area and remember Paula," says Alley.
Pehowski dedicated 21 years of service to the City and County of Denver. Throughout this time, she worked at Denver Health as a cashier for 13 years and then transferred to Denver Human Services where she served as an Administrative Support Assistant III at both the Richard T. Castro and East Human Services food stamp offices. She will be remembered for years to come.