Care Provider Spotlight:
Pat Cooper

The featured Care Provider has had a life long dedication of service to her community. Not only is she a nurse but has been a foster parent for decades. As one of her foster children became an adult and still needed assistance in her daily life Pat became a Care Provider.

The Care Provider we spotlight in this issue shines like a bright star. Pat Cooper, R.N. started out as a foster parent and has had many foster children over the years and still keeps in contact with many of them. Currently Cindy lives with Pat. Cindy started out as a foster child and as she became an adult and was eligible for MR Waiver services she could continue living with Pat as a client through the Developmental Disabilities Program.

Born in Maryland, the daughter of a minister, Pat was nurtured to display faith, dedication, caring, and a strong work ethic. Her family moved to the Roanoke Valley when Pat was a young child. She has remained in Roanoke to serve our community.

She worked for more than twenty four years as a nurse within the hospital and home health venues. Ms. Cooper states that she has had foster children for three decades and has served with DePaul since 1995. When asked what motivated her to share with others, she replied, " I love children and helping those with medical needs." Cindy was very happy when she heard Pat was going to be featured in this publication. " Ms. Pat is a wonderful foster mother. She takes good care of me. I am very happy here." Ms. Cooper remains active within her church and continues to display the early values that she learned throughout her life.

For those of us who know Pat, we all know that she is well deserving of recognition for her dedication and commitment as a Care Provider. So to all of you who do not know her, allow me to introduce to you Ms. Pat Cooper R.N. Thank you Pat for all the wonderful things you do.

By: Mark Pauley, Developmental Disabilities Social Worker, Roanoke