As they entered the hall, Reese’s eyes immediately began reading all the doors.
“Here’s medical. Every client gets checked out when they first arrive. Some will have to visit for meds every day, while others might only see medical the one time. And this is the conference room. Two counselors share this space with their clients. We’re limited on space, so everyone has a group buddy, for lack of a better term.”
“How large are the caseloads?”
“Each counselor can have up to twelve, so combined group can be up to twenty-four people.”
She winced at the thought of that many people in one group. “Ours were a max of ten.”
“The amount will fluctuate depending on when state grants open up and close.”
“That makes sense.”
They approached a set of closed double doors. “And this is the cafeteria. There’s a group in there, too.”
Just a few feet down on the opposite side was an open door. He knocked on it, then walked in without waiting for a reply. She followed hesitantly.
“Hello, Elaine,” he greeted an older woman with bright white hair and white-and-black polka-dot frames. Her smile instantly put Reese at ease.
“Hey, Tyler, who do we have here?” She stood and extended her hand, which caused the several bracelets on her wrist to jingle. “I’m Elaine Dott.”
“Reese Lloyd.” Elaine’s hand was pleasantly warm and not sweaty like Tyler’s.
“Reese is thinking about joining us here as a counselor.”
“Oh, will you be taking Wilson’s spot at The Church?”
“Um, The Church?”
“That’s our next stop after this. The campus is a collection of houses and one old church that we’ve bought and turned into residential homes and offices for Turtle Grove. We own the houses beside this building and across the street, as well as an old funeral home and hair salon a couple of streets over, plus The Church.”
Her eyebrows raised. “I didn’t realize how large it was.”
“We can house up to 250 clients at a time when fully staffed. Elaine here feeds the majority of them.”
“That must be a large undertaking.”
The woman shrugged. “I suppose so. I’ve gotten used to it by now, but there are times when things get a bit overwhelming. If you decide to take the job, we offer lunch to all staff. You have to let us know by 9:00, though. Oh, here, take a lollipop.”
She opened a large container filled to the brim with them. “The Second Harvest truck had loads of leftover Halloween candy.”
“No, I couldn’t—”
“Go on, we’ve got plenty. You’re never too old for candy.”
Reese smiled politely, unable to refuse. She selected one with a red wrapper. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Do I get one?” asked Tyler.
She held the container back with a serious look on her face. “Only if you take this box up to Kerrie.”
His eyes lit up like an excited child. “Deal.”
Chapter three
Chapter Three
