OGDEN -- Tending the grounds of Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College has been Cynthia Prueitt's job for more than 18 years, but her passion is helping the people who enter her life because of her job.
Prueitt, 51, is frequently asked by the Department of Workforce Services, judges, courts and cities to place men, women and youths in temporary jobs to work off court-ordered community service or gain work experience.
Many of the temporary workers have committed criminal offenses and are just looking for a second chance at a normal life. Many are homeless and have nothing but the clothes they come to work in, Prueitt said.
In order to help their lives blossom, Prueitt is not shy about asking college employees to help by donating clothing, gloves and coats to help these workers.
Prueitt's efforts also extend beyond her co-workers. She regularly checks newspapers for people she can help, such as families in the community who have lost their homes by fire.
This year, she coordinated with welding students and the nursing department to deliver three beds to a mother and her children who had been sleeping on the floor of their home.
The Student Services division chose to forgo giving work gifts this Christmas and instead donated nearly $500 to buy more gloves and other items for Prueitt's people. Inspired students also spearheaded a blanket drive.
But Prueitt isn't looking for any kudos.
"All I do is send out the call," she said. "It's the college employees who step up and make a difference."
Prueitt, a New Mexico native, draws her inspiration for service from her mother, who used to seek out the less fortunate. Her mother liked to cook food for the sick and elderly.
As a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary in Colombia, she witnessed poverty daily. She also experienced it firsthand after she was laid off unexpectedly by a business that was struggling.
"It was a rough patch. I paid my bills and wasn't prepared. I was down to flour, water and salt until a friend gave me some groceries," Prueitt said.
"I know what it's like to be in need and hungry, and I've had people help me out. I just want to do the same for others."
There is nothing more rewarding than seeing people happy, Prueitt said, and she could tell story after story. She works with four to 10 people every day and more than 200 a year.
She recalls one man who came to work off 200 hours of community service for setting his friend on fire while drunk. In the beginning, he was a difficult worker, but over time began to improve his work ethic and his attitude.
Prueitt encouraged him to change his life and be a good example for his daughter. About a year later, the man found Prueitt and excitedly told her how he was serving in the military and had become a Ranger. He returned to thank her.
Another man came to work with no job, no vehicle and no home. Prueitt helped him get on his feet again.
"Some stay for a few hours, some stay for months, but they all need someone to care about them. I just hope this story will inspire others to look for opportunities to help, too."
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