Meet Reggie Smith | Director of Special needs adults and day programs.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reggie Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reggie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Gary, Indiana, just outside of Chicago, Illinois. My hometown is known for its steel industry. I grew up in a gritty and hardworking town. The city had over 350,000 residents and six major high schools at one point in time. Our town was characterized by a strong sense of community centered around the steel mills. Family values included hard work, hustle, and a never-say-die attitude. As kids, we learned from the environment we grew up in and adopted it into our own lives. Even today, we still believe that if you can live and survive in Gary In, you can survive anywhere. Gary entered a new decade as the murder capital for three consecutive years as the 80s came to an end. As a result of the dangers surrounding the city, you had to keep your head up and always be on the alert. The city was my home even though I attended a private school. My work ethic and mentality were developed as well as a strong work ethic. These traits have continued into my adult years. During difficult times, I was able to remember where I came from. No matter what the situation is, I am able to find a solution. As I watched those around me give up and fall by the wayside, I remembered the city I grew up in had a never give up, and die attitude. When Gary challenged me, I learned to “stay the course no matter what.”

Growing up, I lived in a two-family household where both of my parents were hard workers and educated. Our parents made sure we went to the best schools and received the best education. We traveled every year and became well-cultured as a result. Growing up, we were taught to put God first in everything we did, to say please and thank you, and to say yes sir and no mam, because these were the things that got you where you wanted to go. I was taught that, no matter what the color of my skin is, I could sit at the table with the best of them.

I am who I am because of my city and family. My work ethic and tenacity today are a direct result of these entities. They were essential to my survival.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been in Social and Human services for over 20 years primarily in mental health. I am currently the Director for special needs adult and day programs in southern California. It hasn’t been easy, but the reward comes on the back end that you are helping a population that cannot help themselves and needs people who will show them love and compassion and treat them like they are real people. Being in this profession has shown me that life is short and should not be taken for granted. Everyone deserves to be loved regardless of their handicaps, idiosyncrasies, and differences. I have learned to take pleasure in simple things and to count every day as a blessing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The greatest state in the world, with fun and sun, has plenty to do and see. Disney World and Universal Studios are two of the most popular attractions. This event will last for two days. You’ll spend the remainder of the time in San Diego. The itinerary would include a dinner cruise in San Diego, a trip to the gas lamp district, and a trip to Sea World. Have dinner at The Great Oaks Steakhouse and Pechanga casino. Everybody should have the chance to drive Highway 1 up the coast. There is nothing more beautiful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother must be credited with my success first. In many ways, she is Wonder Woman. I consider her one of the strongest women I know. Despite tragedy and hard times, she has still managed to be the woman she is today. Despite my father’s passing, my mother kept the torch going as if he were still alive. It was not easy raising two teenage boys, but she did not let that get in the way of her dream that we would be educated, prosperous, and successful in our communities.

Next would be my children and my wife. My wife supports all of my endeavors and she is my biggest cheerleader. She is the ultimate teammate and makes sure that my success is our success. She is also one of the strongest women that I know. Whatever you throw at her, she throws it back with style, grace, and the most beautiful smile.

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