A Fond Farewell
Today, we are recognizing Ty Kimble-Ware, our Adult Employment Services Receptionist, who is leaving Holly Ridge Center following her spouse’s military reassignment to a new permanent duty station. Ty’s journey with us has not only enriched our workplace but has also highlighted the importance of supporting military families in our community.
For the last two years, Tyroneisha “Ty” Kimble-Ware has been a welcoming presence at Holly Ridge Center. Whether greeting clients, supporting staff, or helping create a sense of connection in the workplace, Ty brought warmth, strength, and consistency to the people around her. Her kindness and dedication have made a lasting impact on our staff, clients, and community.
As Ty prepares for a transition familiar to many military families — relocating due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders — she reflects on what Holly Ridge Center has meant during a season of constant change:
“For the last two years, Holly Ridge Center has been more than just a workplace to me — it’s been a source of stability, purpose, and community,” Ty shares. “It hasn’t just been a job. It’s been a place where I can show up, be part of something meaningful, and feel like what I do matters.”
Ty also spoke about the realities military spouses often navigate behind the scenes.
“As a military spouse, life is often filled with uncertainty,” she says. “From deployments to sudden PCS orders that require us to pack up and start over with little notice, constant change is just part of the lifestyle. In the middle of that, Holly Ridge Center has been something steady I could hold onto. Working here has given me the opportunity to grow, but more than that, it’s allowed me to build real connections with coworkers and clients. It’s given me a sense of belonging during a time in life that can feel unsettled, and that’s something I’m truly grateful for. Being a military spouse means learning how to adjust quickly and make the best out of situations you didn’t plan for. It also means starting over more often than people realize, not just where you live, but with your career and your sense of routine. That part isn’t always seen, but it’s something so many of us experience.”
“That’s why having a place like Holly Ridge Center has meant so much to me,” Ty continues. “In a life where so much can change at any moment, that kind of stability is everything. This experience has taught me a lot about resilience and about myself. It’s shown me that even when life feels unpredictable, you can still find purpose, connection, and a place where you feel like you belong.”
Ty’s story is one that resonates deeply at Holly Ridge Center. Danette Breeding from Holly Ridge’s Human Resources Department shared her own experience as a military spouse and the lasting connection she found at HRC.
“Like Ty, I was a young military spouse when I first walked through the doors of Holly Ridge Center to begin a new job in a new town,” Danette shares. “I began my journey with Holly Ridge in 1993, having no idea the impact this organization and the people who live and breathe its mission would have on me. Over the next couple of decades, my family would be transferred out of this area twice, first to Italy and later to Hawaii. We were lucky enough to return to Kitsap County after each of those assignments, and I was lucky enough to be welcomed back to Holly Ridge Center each time. Holly Ridge has become my home in a sense, and its people are my people. They inspire and amaze me every day. My wish for Ty is that she can return to us someday and that 30 years from now, she still feels a sense of belonging here and that we are her people.”
Danette adds that military families continue to play an important role throughout the region, “The Kitsap Peninsula is strengthened by the extraordinary talent, resilience, and experience of military spouses and dependents. Holly Ridge Center deeply values this unique community of professionals. While military assignments may take them elsewhere for a time, we know that, like me, they will always have a home at HRC.”
Ty with Dedra Miller, Holly Ridge Center Executive Director
Ty with Ronnie Oswald, Adult Employment Services Program Director
Ty’s willingness to step in wherever needed also left a lasting impression on her coworkers. Adult Employment Services Director Ronnie Oswald shares:
“She would jump in to be a substitute Community Coach when we had trouble with coverage,” she says. “Really, what receptionist initiates that type of assistance? She would also help clients practice job interviewing skills through mock interviews.” Ronnie adds that Ty consistently went above and beyond her role to support both staff and clients.
Kathy Spears, Registered Behavior Technician, reflected on Ty’s broader contributions to Holly Ridge Center’s culture and community: “Your commitment to both the Safety and DEIA committees truly set you apart,” she says.”You didn’t just participate — you showed up with intention, consistency, and heart. Your curiosity about social issues, combined with the grace you bring to every conversation, has helped shape a more thoughtful and inclusive workplace. You’ve created a space where voices are heard, differences are respected, and everyone feels a stronger sense of belonging. That kind of presence is rare, and it has made a meaningful difference in our community. You will be greatly missed, but the culture you’ve helped foster will continue to benefit us all.”
Dedra Miller, Holly Ridge Center Executive Director, says this: “One of the things I admire most about Ty is her natural leadership. She brings people together without needing a title to do it. I also believe her experience as a military spouse has helped shape the adaptability, resilience, and relationship-building skills that made her such a steady and valued presence at Holly Ridge Center.”
Ty’s story reflects the dedication, perspective, and strength that military spouses bring to workplaces throughout Kitsap County. Holly Ridge Center is proud to support military families and grateful for the many ways they continue to strengthen our organization and community.
Thank you, Ty. You will always be part of the Holly Ridge family. 💙