Geneva Brown joined the staff of Martha Cook as a custodian in 1987 and – despite her 78 years – says she has no plans to retire.

"You know, I’ve been here for so long but it doesn’t feel like it. I think it’s because I love my job. And it’s just…like home.

I always sing when I go to clean the bathroom. Let ‘em know it’s me. You know, it’s my voice. And they don’t have to be afraid, and they like that too. And one of the girls told me that it makes them feel more at home. They respect me and I respect them. If they saw my load was too heavy, sometimes they’d come talk to me and they’d start dusting and this, that, and the other, which is sweet.

I try to do my best. And each and every day, even if I’m feeling bad, I would never let the girls know, because they’re here to learn. If I’m hurting or this, that, and the other, or feeling bad, I wouldn’t dare show it to them because I wouldn’t want my kids to see it. And that’s the way I look at these girls, as my kids."

As long as she’s able, Geneva plans to continue making the @Martha_Cook_Building a home for the next generation of women residents.