How Laundry Coordinator Trenida Velasco sees her role as a vital part of something larger.
At Bethany Children’s Health Center, our employees truly are the heartbeat that drives the organization. Every day, through the care and service they provide, they live our mission of maximizing the potential of every child and exemplify our core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, service and stewardship.
We hope you enjoy getting to know our amazing employees through our Heartbeat profiles.
When Trenida Velasco received a job tip from her daughter’s friend in 2010, she was worried about her limited English skills, but decided to apply for the housekeeping position at Bethany Children’s. She was so motivated that she offered Rubia, the housekeeping manager at the time, two unpaid days on the job to see if she’d be a good fit. “Rubia just laughed and said that if I believed in God, the job was mine,” Trenida recalls.
She also admits that on her first day, she misunderstood what she was supposed to accomplish and cleaned all of the large units in just five hours. “Rubia was shocked!”
Trenida showed that she is a powerhouse on the job and became a trainer for the housekeeping staff. She transitioned to the laundry department and now serves as the Laundry Coordinator.
“I firmly believe God put me on this path and I am where I need to be,” Trenida says.
Trenida’s job is so much more than washing, drying and folding.
“I can go home knowing that I’ve done my best to provide clothes and linens for the children at Bethany Children’s,” she shares. “I believe every role at the Hospital is vital. My role, and everyone else’s, is part of something much larger. What we do has a ripple effect, all contributing to the best life possible for the children here and providing peace of mind for their families.”
Trenida immigrated to California from Calvillo, Aquascalientes, Mexico in 1985 and moved to Oklahoma in 1993. She shares her heritage through her cooking expertise, which lies in crafting delicious tacos, tamales, pozole, menudo and birria.
“I am an excellent cook and run my own catering service,” she shares. I initially ventured into food catering as a means to raise funds for those less fortunate. While I continue to cater for charitable events, I’ve also expanded this into a side business.”
Trenida also enjoys cooking for her three children and six grandchildren.
During her 13 years at Bethany Childrens, Trenida has appreciated the community within the Hospital.
“I love forming relationships with the staff and contributing to our mission of helping our children lead healthy and joyful lives.”
FUN FACTS
Something you may not know: “I have chickens, roosters, various birds and a wonderful garden that I tend to every day.”
A recent accomplishment: “I am proud of purchasing my first home a few years ago.”
Three words your best friend would use to describe you: Resilient, reliable, independent
Favorite movie: The Passion of the Christ
Favorite ways to spend free time: “I enjoy watching romantic dramas on TV, spending time with my kids and grandkids and attending and serving at Sain Patrick’s Catholic Church.”
Favorite verse: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
From the Bucket List: See my children realize their dreams, start a foundation in the name of my nephew, who passed away due to renal failure and pneumonia complications, visit the African Savanna.”