There's no better satisfaction than having a job you enjoy and feel like you are making a difference. That's the way a Petrolia man has been feeling... until his job was cut.

Tex Billington has become a fixture at the Petrolia Senior Citizen's Center.

He started out as a volunteer...getting to know everyone who comes here.... just a few months ago, he managed to turn that volunteerism into a minimum wage job.

Tex cleaned the center, served people and even delivered meals on wheels to residents in petrolia and the surrounding area.
Even though it wasn't much... It was sure a help to him and his wife.

 "...And when this job came along, it gave me some... I guess you could call it, pride. And that could could work somewhere and people appreciated what you were doing," said Billington.
 
Tex worked hard and helped do many things Martha Poyner, the center's director didn't have time to do. But then Tex turned 65....and started receiving Social Security... because of that..the agency funding his job said he could no longer be paid.
 
 "...Losing this job really, really hurt me, because I put so much into it to make this place to where its going to stay here," said Billington.
Most people might just go out and get another job... but due to a closed head injury... Tex can't stand the stress of other jobs.
 
"...Well it makes me feel like I'm somebody again. When you're able to work and wait on others and keep a place clean and watching the elderly smile when you're able to just bring coffee to 'em," said Billington.

I talked with a staff member in u.S. Congressman mac thornberry's office.
He is investigating to see if there is anything that can be done to help find a grant or other funding to help.
He tells me he will contact the center and will give me a progress report early next week. Dan Garcia, KAUZ News.

If you've got a problem or question... Give us a call.
The number IS 687-U-ASK.
That number again... 687-82-75.