Shad Slater is the Assistant Program Manager of CEDARS Emergency Shelter, where homeless youth and youth in crisis are given a temporary place to stay until they can be reunified with their families or placed into a new home. We recently sat down with Shad to learn more about him:
CEDARS: Where did you grow up?
Shad Slater: I grew up all over, as my dad was in the military. I went to schools in Nebraska, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, and a few different schools in Utah. I would identify Utah as having the biggest influence on me growing up and where I went to high school.
CEDARS: What was your family like?
SS: I came from a family with two parents who have now been married 46 years and I have 9 siblings, 8 brothers and a sister.
CEDARS: What is your favorite childhood memory?
SS: I enjoyed just growing up in a big family. I always had someone to play with and my family was very big into sports. It was fun when we would all get together and play a family football game.
CEDARS: How long have you worked at CEDARS?
SS: I have worked at CEDARS for 2 years in September. I was hired as an APM at the shelter, and I am currently in the same position.
CEDARS: Why did you apply at CEDARS?
SS: Prior to coming to CEDARS I worked at DHHS. I had always had a good relationship with CEDARS and felt that it was a very well ran organization that did a lot to benefit the community and especially the youth in the community.
CEDARS: What is your favorite part about your job?
SS: I enjoy being able to interact with the kids at the shelter and know that you are able to make a positive influence in their lives.
CEDARS: What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
SS: I enjoy spending time with my wife and children.
CEDARS: Do you have a ‘CEDARS moment’?
SS: I don’t know if I have experienced a specific moment, but I feel that every time you see a child placed in a caring home, find out they can succeed when all they had was failure in the past, or just tell you that you have made a difference in their life, that is my definition of a “CEDARS moment”.
CEDARS: Is there one particular client that you feel was significantly impacted at CEDARS?
SS: We have had a kid that has stayed with us a few times at the shelter. I was his case worker prior to coming to CEDARS. He has been through a lot in his life and despite all that he has a very infectious smile and personality.
