Amy Hoskins is the new nutrition site director for North Webster’s Senior Primelife Enrichment Center. She serves lunch to senior citizens five days a week. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.
By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews
NORTH WEBSTER – A busy mother of four, Amy Hoskins was looking for a part-time job that would fit around her children’s hectic schedules.
That opportunity came when a position opened at North Webster’s Senior Primelife Enrichment Center, where she now serves as the nutrition site director. Hoskins began the job in January.
Originally from Racine, Wis., Hoskins grew up with four siblings and graduated from high school in 2008. She moved to Indiana shortly after when her parents found jobs in the area. In 2010, she returned to Wisconsin but moved back to Indiana in 2015.
Hoskins was a stay-at-home mom for seven years before re-entering the workforce.
At SPEC, her day begins at 10 a.m. Meals are delivered from REAL Services in South Bend and placed in warmers until lunch is served. Before serving, she checks the food temperature, then prepares the dining area, completes paperwork and checks emails.
“I do puzzles or interact with the people who come to SPEC for a hot meal and socializing,” Hoskins said.
Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Afterward, Hoskins cleans up and heads home for the day.
She said what she enjoys most about the job is not just the people.
“It’s a combination of both. I enjoy the people,” she said. “Everyone is so friendly.”
Hoskins described the job as easygoing, with little stress or pressure. While she is allowed to eat, she prefers to focus on serving meals and socializing. On average, about 12 people attend lunch each day.
“I love the stories they tell about their lives,” Hoskins said. “I like meeting new people.”
She noted that for some attendees, the lunch may be their only meal of the day.
“They get a hot meal and get to socialize,” Hoskins said and gives her satisfaction. “It feels good.”
After work, Hoskins shifts her focus to family life, taking her children to sports practices and other activities.
A Syracuse resident, she and her husband, Sebastian, have been married nearly eight years. They have four children, ages 16 to 7. Most of their children attend Fairfield schools, while one attends school in Goshen. The family attends North Webster Community Church.
Those interested in participating in the lunch program may call SPEC at (574) 834-1600 in advance.