Becky Pendergest’s journey with Cedar Lake began in 1983 when she started as a house parent at Cedar Lake Lodge, now known as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). However, her connection with Cedar Lake started even earlier. Hailing from Oldham and Henry Counties, Becky spent a summer volunteering with the arts and crafts program at Cedar Lake while studying special education at Eastern Kentucky University. Inspired by her experiences, she joined Cedar Lake full-time after college, working at the Lodge for four years.
In the 1990s, Becky returned to Cedar Lake, balancing full-time and part-time roles. In 2009, a chance encounter with Cedar Lake physical therapy assistant Amy Lawler brought Becky back once more. She rejoined as a DSP at Cedar Lake Lodge and later at Park Place, eventually transitioning to a scheduler role at the Lodge. By 2014, Becky was working with Cedar Lake Residential (CLR) and teaching in a classroom at Cedar Lake Enrichment Center.
In 2022, Becky became a Cedar Lake Family Home Provider while continuing her DSP role in residential care. Her dedication and experience at Cedar Lake made her a natural fit for the Family Home Provider Coordinator position in March 2024, a role Becky had already been assisting with.
In 2023, Becky’s family grew by one when she welcomed Mike into her family, marking a significant and heartfelt milestone for both of them. Mike, who had been a cherished member of the Cedar Lake community for 25 years, had always held onto a dream of being “adopted”—a heartfelt term he used when expressing his desire to transition into the Family Home Provider (FHP) program. This transition meant more than just a change in living arrangements; it represented the fulfillment of a long-held hope for a family connection that Mike yearned for deeply.
Understanding the importance of this decision, Becky and Mike spent considerable time together before making the transition official. They shared meals, engaged in conversations, and participated in various activities to ensure that their match was perfect. This thoughtful approach helped solidify their bond and confirmed that this new chapter was right for both of them.
At 73, Mike now affectionately calls Becky “mom,” a testament to the deep bond they have formed. He has seamlessly integrated into Becky’s extended family, enjoying the warmth and companionship of her grown children and young grandchildren. This new familial connection has brought immense joy to Mike’s life, offering him the love and sense of belonging he always dreamed of.
Together, Becky and Mike have created wonderful memories. This spring, they visited Pigeon Forge, where Mike, a classic car enthusiast, enjoyed a hotrod show and overcame his fear of flying with a helicopter ride. Now confident in his love for flying, they are planning a dream trip to Las Vegas this fall.
From attending an Eagles tribute concert at Belterra to planning visits to the upcoming car club in Oldham County to see classic cars, Becky and Mike’s life together is filled with joy and adventure. Becky’s unwavering commitment to Cedar Lake and the individuals she supports is truly inspiring. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, love, and the transformative impact of a supportive community.
