Date: April 11, 2010
About: Kristi Schlegl Hosea - Class of 1996

Working at MADD is a mission for former QHS, QU graduate

Source: Quincy Herald-Whig
Author: Rodney Hart

WORKING for Mothers Against Drunk Driving is more than just a job for Quincy native Kristi Schlegl Hosea.

The Quincy High School and Quincy University graduate was working in public relations and marketing for a long-term care facility near Springfiel ...




WORKING for Mothers Against Drunk Driving is more than just a job for Quincy native Kristi Schlegl Hosea.

The Quincy High School and Quincy University graduate was working in public relations and marketing for a long-term care facility near Springfield. The job paid well, but it wasn't what Hosea wanted to do with her life.

About 2 1/2 years ago, she saw an opening at MADD in Springfield for a victim services specialist.

"I had to take a big pay cut to come here," Hosea says. "But I'm so much happier and the job is so much more fulfilling ... I think I have found my calling."

When she thinks about it, irony seeps through her decision to change careers. Before joining MADD, she didn't have children and never lost a family member to an alcohol-related vehicle crash.

Now she and her husband, Paul, have a 9-month-old son, Jonah. And not long ago Hosea's cousin was killed while riding in a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver, who crashed the car into a tree in Georgia.

"I feel like I can relate to victims," she says. "People thought I wouldn't last in this job because I was too tender-hearted ... You just have to be balanced with your work and your personality."

Hosea, the daughter of Quincy residents Bill and Eleanor Schlegl, works with families who have lost loved ones in alcohol-related vehicle crashes. Families must contact her, but once she's on board, she'll help guide them through tough times, including legal and civil court procedures.

She covers the entire state below I-80 -- "I spend a lot of quality time in my car," she says -- and has learned quickly that the criminal justice system is much different than she thought.

"It's not like you see on television," Hosea says. "The waiting, that's the hardest part for the families.

"If I ever have another pet, I might name it 'Continuance.' "

Hosea serves as the media spokesperson for families going through the often wrenching court process. Before and after hearings, Hosea will spread MADD's message about the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

One of the most over-looked things about MADD is that Hosea offers her victim-assistance services for no charge.

"You are with the families at their darkest hours, and sometimes you stay with them long enough for them to see the sun come out," she says.

Hosea was in Quincy this week, meeting with the local court system staff. Then it was off to Quincy University and Judge Mark Schuering's victimology class. Hosea graduated from QU in 2000.

"I have warm memories of QU. It was a good time in my life, and I'm happy to be back," she said.

-- rhart@whig.com/221-3370