Leadership Spotlight - Eric Perry

Please describe your background, and what led you to EA:
I was working with some of California’s most troubled youth at a program in Nevada when I was approached by an EA Social Worker. She felt very strongly that I could operate a home with the agency. I met with the executive team and made the decision to take over the operation that I still oversee today. I was led to EA by the family atmosphere and the autonomy of the homes. The agency trusted the Administrators to do right by the children we serve.


What experiences early in life contributed to your success with EA?
My father was my hero. He was a World War 2 veteran and a prisoner of war that survived unspeakable hardship. He went on to be a school teacher. He was always most popular with the kids that none of the other teachers wanted to teach. I never forgot that. Dad felt that every child deserved a chance. He also had a propensity for defending the defenseless.


What advice would you give to someone interested in working with youth in foster care?
You won’t save every child. However, you will impact every child you work with. You can’t always leave a legacy of financial wealth when you are done on this earth but you can leave a legacy of good. Enjoy the high’s. Minimize the impact that the lows have on you. Also, most importantly, this job is way cooler than anyone else’s. Don’t forget that.


What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?
Fishing, traveling by car, spending time with family and my girlfriend. I also enjoy the elusive quiet solitude.


What's a hidden talent you have, or something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I won a dance competition in 2019 at an event designed to raise money and awareness for victims of domestic violence.

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