"Staff just need to be patient and understanding enough to spend some time getting to know the individuals. And then you'll know just from watching them on a daily basis
what they're trying to tell. you. That's really all you have to do. Just be observant."
Name: Cris
Role: Direct Support Professional, Mentor Community Services, PA
Tenure: ~3 years
Why do you love this work?
I can't really explain it. When I first started, I didn't want to do this work because of the stories I’d heard. I was scared, and I didn't want to go through what people told me they went through working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Then I got a job in New York at an agency and I just fell in love with the individuals. It was nothing like the stories I heard. They were just so cool... Cooler than people that I chill with on a daily basis. You understand what I'm saying?
So I just fel lin love with the job and I've been doing it ever since.
What motivates you to stay in this role with Sevita?
The impact that I see that I have on certain individuals, even individuals that I don't work with directly. They enjoy my company. I enjoy their company. It's a learning experience for both of us.
I can't really explain it. When I first started, I didn't want to do this work because of the stories I’d heard. I was scared, and I didn't want to go through what people told me they went through working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Then I got a job in New York at an agency and I just fell in love with the individuals. It was nothing like the stories I heard. They were just so cool... Cooler than people that I chill with on a daily basis. You understand what I'm saying?
So I just fel lin love with the job and I've been doing it ever since.
What motivates you to stay in this role with Sevita?
The impact that I see that I have on certain individuals, even individuals that I don't work with directly. They enjoy my company. I enjoy their company. It's a learning experience for both of us.
"Honestly, it feels like I'm home. This is a great place to work."
What do you want people to know about working in this industry, in this type of role?
I would tell people coming into the field, make sure it's something you really want to do. We don't need people coming in here just for the paycheck, that's not helping anybody, especially the individual. If you feel like you won't have the time or the patience to deal with the people we support, consider another line of work
What do you most look forward to about coming to work?
Well, I work with an individual named Cody. Full disclosure, I ended up working with him because I was told that he was transgender and I myself am transgender. So I thought it would be a learning experience for both of us. Hey, I can help you out. Let me show you what things you can do and vice versa. Turns out he wasn't transgender. He's just a gay man. Sometimes people think it's all the same and it's not. So, he's a lot of fun.
I like coming to work with him because every day is something new. One day I came in and he wanted to paint nails. Another day we might go out and try new food. He tells me he likes to look at dresses. So I'll take him to the mall, to the prom store and we do some window shopping. I love going in the thrift store and so does he. Every summer we go to the free concerts in the park and just be jamming out. And I like working with him. He's cool.
When thinking about your work here at Sevita, what are you most proud of?
Well, when I first got here, Cody had hygiene problems. He's a hairy dude. And he didn't really know how to shave. I am proud of him wanting to shave and wanting to be better with his hygiene. I'll tell him, “You got to straighten that up if you want some attention. You know what saying?” Just playful, not serious. And he makes it a point of shaving and cleaning up. He wasn't doing that when I got here. So I'm really proud of that.
What will a career well lived like look or feel like for you?
Seeing the people that I work with be independent, being able to count their own money, make their own purchases, maybe even learn how to drive, who knows? I’ve helped an individual that I worked with get their GED. If I was to leave here, let's say 10 years from now, and during those 10 years Cody got his own apartment. He got a job. That's enough for me.
I believe he can because he's a really smart guy. So I think that would be very rewarding to see him do that. Or anybody that I work with.
What's a 'fun fact' about you?
I love anime and I'm a gamer. I play games.