The Advocacy Center suffered a great loss this week with the passing of David Gallegos. David was a Program Director for three employment programs, and worked for the Advocacy Center for 18 years. In addition to his work securing employment for people with disabilities, David was also deeply involved in the Latinx community, language access, and disaster recovery. His colleagues at the Advocacy Center will miss him dearly.
David was a fierce advocate for employment seekers with disabilities. He believed that everyone had the right to a job, and not just any job, but the job they wanted. He had a high rate of success with his clients, and viewed them holistically, getting them connected to programs and resources that would help them be successful. David communicated honestly and straightforwardly with his clients, and respected their opinions, even when he disagreed with them. David went above and beyond for many clients, making sure that they had transportation, safe environments, and equal access to other programs.
Former Policy Director Stephanie Patrick remembers: “David was a passionate advocate who modeled inclusiveness and integration for everyone, especially people with disabilities, every day. He was always willing to go the extra mile to make everyone feel special, from the people he helped to his colleagues and friends. I’ll always remember David for leadership in employment, his beautifully decorated holiday parties and his friendship. He’ll truly be missed.”
David was admired and respected by his colleagues, and beloved as a supervisor. David always lent a helping hand, often without being asked. He translated for Spanish speaking clients, moved office furniture, tended to the garden, and even refinished the floors in our cottage. David made sure that those he supervised had everything that they needed to succeed, and acted as a mentor, pushing his staff to do all they could and take chances to grow.
David had a warmth and a joie de vivre that will be remembered by everyone he met. He held court in the garden at lunchtime, telling stories, cracking jokes, and generally improving everyone’s day. David would always talk with others about any issue they were having, genuinely listening and giving honest and supportive feedback. He also had unmatched decorating skills, always being the first to help set up for events and the last person cleaning up. David could turn our plain offices into beautiful event spaces and had an eye for detail.
Director of Policy Susan Meyers said “David was, quite simply, extraordinary. He committed his professional life to serving people with disabilities, and believed fiercely in the dignity of every person. He was tireless in his work. He was also devastatingly funny, loyal, generous to a fault, and an all-around hoot.” Please join us in remembering an advocate and our friend, David Gallegos.
