“Working at Caring House is something like being a part of a family,” Oliver shares, “I love meeting new guests and the returning guests know me.”

Oliver Ebao, head of Housekeeping and Facility Maintenance, is one of seven staff members at Caring House and plays a key role in making the House a “home away from home” for our guests.

Oliver grew up in the Philippines and moved to the United States in 2010. He lived in multiple cities before settling in Durham and joining the Caring House team in 2014. Earlier this year Oliver celebrated a huge milestone when he gained his American citizenship. When asked how this accomplishment makes him feel, he explained he finally feels “comfortable.” We, on the other hand, could not be more ecstatic for his accomplishment. 

Oliver’s role at Caring House is a physically demanding one. It’s a job that takes a lot of heart and patience. Every staff member, guest, and volunteer can attest that Oliver is essential to the complete picture of the House. Without his hard work and dedication, we would not be able to make Caring House the healing environment that it is. 

Therefore, Oliver knows that when a guest returns from a long day of treatment at Duke Cancer Institute, all they want to do is return to a place that feels safe and comfortable. On any given day, you can find him bustling around the house or gardens, performing a myriad of tasks – anything from helping guests with their luggage, tending to the vegetable garden, or expertly cleaning 1 of our 18 guest bedrooms. In addition to his daily assignments, Oliver played vital roles in the 2013 house renovation, the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant apartment renovation, and replacing all of the carpet in the house with a cleaner alternative. 

“Oftentimes, a guest will ask if they can take Oliver home with them! So far, no fellow team member has allowed it, and there’s not much chance that they ever will,” joked Sheridan van Wagenburg, Executive Director. “But seriously, Oliver is a reliable and compassionate team member. He is invaluable to Caring House.” We are so lucky to have him!