Talent Tribute: Bill Farrell

Our Talent Tribute Monthly Feature is designed to celebrate the phenomenal staff that serve our Members.

When Bill Farrell joined the VALLEYLIFE family as a Senior Program Manager in November of 2023, he brought with him not only a passion for helping others but also a career full of experience in the nonprofit sector. Having worked for nonprofit organizations such as Goodwill and Parents Anonymous for over a decade, Bill has never shied away from an opportunity to give back, having decided early on in his career that he had grown tired of targeting his energy toward making money for individuals and that he would much rather work at a job that would be more purposeful and fulfilling for him. So naturally, when Jennifer Baier, VALLEYLIFE’s Director of Vocational and Employment Services, approached him for the role, there was no hesitation. After all, he was already familiar with the organization, having had two daughters who had worked for VALLEYLIFE.

Outside of his work with VALLEYLIFE Members, the Chicago-born family man enjoys going to church and watching his five grandchildren play sports. Bill is the proud father of four adult children and is a dedicated husband. A hidden talent of Bill’s is his ability to juggle three objects at a time. Prior to becoming an employee, Bill actually got to see VALLEYLIFE’s mission firsthand, having lived next door to the Marconi group home 20 years ago.

We sat down and asked Bill about his VALLEYLIFE experience as a whole, and this is what he had to say.

1. How would you describe your ideal day at VALLEYLIFE?

My perfect Day is any day that I can interact with as many Members as possible. In the Vocational department, we are working to get people jobs, but being on campus also opens up opportunities to interact with all different Members. I enjoy just interacting and helping people know their self-worth.

2. With just over a year of tenure under your belt here at VALLEYLIFE, please share with us what it is about the organization that inspired you to get involved.

There were multiple things that inspired me to get involved with VALLEYLIFE. I’ve had two daughters who have worked here and I have known Jennifer Baier and Lesli Stern for years, and when Lesli left VALLEYLIFE, I knew I wanted to take on the role, give back to the community, and help people.  

I wanted to be able to change someone’s life for the better and help someone find their self-worth, so really it comes back to the people.

3. Can you tell us what you enjoy most about interacting with Members?

What I enjoy most about interacting with Members is how much joy they bring into my day. I normally don’t have any bad days, but if I’m feeling down or if I need a pick-me-up, it’s guaranteed that the Members here are going to bring joy to me. I really feel blessed to work here.

4. What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in your position?

The skills and qualities I think are the most important in my role would be listening, caring, and understanding. I also think helping with direction for people is very important because some people don’t have that direction.

5. Lastly, what do you hope to accomplish or learn in your future at VALLEYLIFE?

I just hope to get as many people jobs and help them know that they can be productive members of society. I don’t think anyone should look down on themselves, every person should be proud of who they are.