For more than 13 years, Jon Richey has dedicated his life to helping people through his work at Easterseals. What began as a second career has since become a calling. Richey is one built on compassion, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of people.
When asked what other occupation he would like to pursue, he claims that he could see himself being a school counselor. If he had to make the choice, Richey claims, “I like helping people work through their challenges and issues to be successful.”
An anonymous CJHS student claims that she enjoys not having to be scared he will tell her parents small things that don’t make a difference, “It makes it so much easier to trust him.”
When asked what drives him each day, his answer was immediate, “What gets me up in the morning is watching people in my caseload be successful,” he said. “Whatever they need to work through, I want to be there to support them.”
Like anyone committed to growth, he carries a few regrets, moments when he may have misunderstood what someone was going through or encouraged them to take steps they weren’t ready for. “People need to do things in their own time,” he reflected. “Sometimes my job is about patience, even when I want to help right away.”
Looking ahead, his legacy is clear in his own mind. “I want to be remembered as someone who cared about people, who helped people,” he said.
After talking to another student who isn’t on Richey’s casehold, but tends to have a bond with him, claims that he would remember Richey as “kind and caring; he’s also very chill and offers free food.”
At Easterseals, Jon Richey is more than just a counselor. He is a guiding light, a steady presence, and a reminder that success isn’t just about achievements, it’s about knowing someone believes in you every step of the way.
