South West Illinois News

As executive director of nonprofit service organization Western Egyptian for almost two decades, Paulette Hamlin has had the opportunity to help low-income and otherwise disadvantaged residents throughout Jackson, Monroe, Perry and Randolph counties.

“Many times people do not know where to turn for help when a financial crisis hits,” Hamlin told SW Illinois News. “Most people live paycheck to paycheck and when something disrupts that, they are lost. With our programs we can assist them in getting back on their feet again. In other instances, we can assist those living on low incomes due to being on social security or disability.”

Hamlin was hired as executive director of Western Egyptian in April 2001 and is only the second person to hold the title in the agency’s 54-year history. 

“I love working for Western Egyptian,” Hamlin said. “We are able to assist so many persons through rough times and assist them in becoming self-sufficient. My favorite part of the job is helping families to move out of poverty.”

Among the programs offered by Western Egyptian are the weatherization program that reduces energy bills for low-income families by making their homes more energy-efficient, and the home-rehab program that helps low-income homeowners afford costly home repairs. The organization helps individuals of all ages.

“We also have the Head Start Program, which serves children from 3-5 years old,” Hamlin said. “In Head Start we help prepare the young children of low-income families to enter kindergarten. These children do not have the same opportunities as the children from middle-class households. Head Start is able to give them a bit of a boost up. We also have services for senior citizens. These services allow the seniors to maintain their independence and remain in their own homes.”

Hamlin was born in Du Bois and currently lives in Du Quoin. She earned a bachelor’s degree in high school education from Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa. After college she worked at a small workshop for the handicapped for three years and then worked as executive director for The Gold Plate Program of Perry County for over 16 years.

Hamlin is the current chairman of her high school alumni association, which was only established in the last year and a half.

“Tamaroa High School closed in 1988,” she said. “We have researched all the alumni and published an updated alumni directory. We have sponsored an all-school reunion with 500 persons in attendance. The oldest graduate in attendance was from 1937. We are also looking to continue to sponsor reunions every two years”

Hamlin has also been involved with the local youth swim team for over 10 years. She was on the board the majority of that time and treasurer for four years. She was also a Girl Scout leader and county coordinator for 15 years.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Hamlin enjoys gardening, fishing and traveling.