Ben Jones works out of all of LifeWorks NW’s locations, traveling between the sites doing anything from filling potholes to making sure the heat is working. “I fix whatever problems occur,” Ben says. His role at LifeWorks NW is one of many hats he wears: Maintenance Tech, dad, and freelance Santa Claus. 

A Santa on a mission

This past holiday season, Ben gave new meaning to the idea of going above and beyond when he took four months to grow out his beard, bleached it snow white, and donned a Santa suit. Ben-turned-Santa was the undeniable star of the holiday party held at one of the LifeWorks NW recovery centers, surprising dozens of kids on Christmas Eve. 

Ben also spread cheer to his family of six children and five grandchildren. After one visit, Ben’s granddaughter truly believed Santa had made an appearance. When Ben changed back to Grandpa mode, she was eager to tell him all about it.   

“She said, 'Grandpa, you missed Santa!’” Ben recalls with a chuckle. “This was probably the best Christmas I have had for a long time.”  

Though he shaved the beard come January, Ben says that if he gets Santa requests again this year, “I’d be right there.” 

Why LifeWorks NW

Ben came to LifeWorks NW while searching for a maintenance position. He focused on agencies that help people with substance use disorder or who are at risk of homelessness.   

“I wanted to be in a field that was helping people with addictions,” he says, bringing with him his own experience with a cousin who struggled with addiction. She’s been sober for two years, thanks in part to LifeWorks NW.   

“It helped her get on the right track,” he says. “I will never say that a person will never clean up. As long as they are breathing, anyone can change their addiction.”  Ben appreciates the opportunity to support the programs and people who make those changes possible.  

“I just love working here,” he adds. “This is the best job I have ever had.”