PAT OLIPHANT
Pat Kelly Oliphant is a “ Difference Maker ,” because she spends 14 hours and more of each day taking care of others and supervising staff that represent Oliphant ’ s philosophy to respect others , be obedient and trust in the Lord .
Oliphant is a Huntsville native , who attended Huntsville High School and took advantage of one of the cooperative work programs , taught by J . I . Woods , to define her future work efforts .
“ Once I came to an understanding that you are only going to get out of life what you put into it and when you put God first , in everything you do , he will make a way for you ,” said Oliphant .
This “ Difference Maker ,” was also influenced by parents Isaiah & Margaret Kelly . Her mother taught her the importance of respecting others , regardless of their needs , conditions or cognitive awareness .
Most of Oliphant ’ s clients are seniors with health conditions , bed ridden , on medication , with symptoms of dementia or alzheimer , and requires 24 hour care .
The most challenging part of her job is being able to adapt to everyones personality and needs in a professional and compassionate manner . Oliphant ’ s typical day is moving in different directions , checking on staff and verifying status of clients , organizing staff schedules , responding to request for services , payroll and invoices .
Pat personally covers any client whose care provider is not available on any given day . She also drops by for unscheduled visits to monitor staff performance and client adjustment .
Oliphant also operates a non-profit , God ’ s Giving Foundation . For the last seven years , she has organized a gathering to spiritually lift individuals from the community who are experiencing challenges . The challenges vary from sickness , death in family , job loss and other crises . This year ’ s assembly was held at a local church , with some of the best local gospel singers in Huntsville , The Willing Workers of Huntsville , Warren Chapel UMC Choir , Nu Focus , Joy of Huntsville , Linda Dickey , and Evangelist Eartha Greenleaf . This spiritual gathering was to bless a group of individuals , selected by the Foundation , and the attendees . The selected individuals each received an envelope with an undisclosed amount of money .
Oliphant has been a blessing to this community for seven years in an organized manner , however she has always been philanthropic to friends and family .
She loves this community and would not want to live anywhere else . For fun and relaxation , Oliphant spends time with family , gardening and shopping .
- Written by Dee Howard Mullins
14 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2022