Paula Sawka-Ferris: Love Your NeighborAll-Star

In recognition of the exceptional care she has provided to clients and colleagues alike for the past 40 years (yes, 40 years!), Paula Sawka-Ferris — a direct service provider with Gallagher Services — has been selected as a Love Your Neighbor All-Star. The award includes two skybox tickets to the Baltimore Ravens’ games versus the Washington Commanders.

Paula joined Catholic Charities in March 1984 to answer her true calling to provide direct service to those in need.

Early in her career, Paula worked at Chimes Maryland, a nonprofit provider of community services for children and adults with special needs. She left after seven years to explore new professional opportunities. But she quickly grew miserable, longing to get back into a role of supporting and caring for others.

“If I get back, I’ll never leave again,” she thought at the time. And that’s exactly what she’s done.

Gallagher hired her four decades ago to serve clients in residential settings, and that’s what she continues to do to this day — always with great joy and energy.

“It’s the best job that anybody could have,” she said. “It’s very fulfilling.”

Residents have similarly strong feelings about Paula. For example, one longtime client joked that she’d happily buy a wheelchair for Paula if one ever became necessary so that Paula could continue to care for her.

The same goes for her colleagues.

For most of her time with Catholic Charities, Paula worked alone. But recent regulatory changes led to the addition of three new staff members. “Paula has embraced each new co-worker, helping them with trainings and providing all needed supports so that care continues to be individualized,” said Donna Bosley, who supervises Paula as manager of community living.

Paula’s support doesn’t end there, either. She also enthusiastically embraces the Baltimore Ravens. How enthusiastic? She named her dog after the team’s star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. As a result, she’s thrilled to be headed, along with her husband Michael, to M&T Bank Stadium to see the hometown team throttle the Commanders.

If you’re wondering, Paula, 68, has no intention of retiring. She finds her work at the Baltimore City group home where she has served for more than 29 years too rewarding to call it quits.

“I get to see people living independently in the group home,” Paula said. “It’s a wonderful thing.”