Our DSP this week is Abiola, and she has been with Living Well for over a decade. She works at our Schletty home and is part of an incredible team of DSPs. Abiola is kind, generous and manages to always show up to work with a smile. She was born for the work, and is very in tune with the needs and desires of the people she cares for at Schletty.
Program Manager, Blessing Juetten has this to say to Abiola, “Your hard work and dedication truly inspire us all! You consistently take responsibility for your work and always aim to do it well and on time. Thank you for bringing your best self each day! It’s such a joy for any leader to have someone like you on the team who knows how to manage their tasks. Your efforts mean so much to us, and we appreciate everything you do!”
Abiola, we are delighted you made a career out of caring 10 years ago and cannot thank you enough for your hard work.
ABOUT ABIOLA
Number Of Years: 10 years 5 months
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy dancing and biking.
Education: Student at Century College
Job Experience/History: In my role as Assistant Program Manager, I work closely with the staff and encourage teamwork and taking turns when helping people served so they can create relationships with everyone.
Favorite part of the job: Caring for the people served and seeing them smiling when I am done makes me joyful.
Favorite work story: I used to work the overnight shift and one day picked up a 2-10pm shift. When I got to work, I noticed one of the people we serve was quiet, which was unusual. I asked the staff if he was quiet like this in the morning, and the staff said yes, but within me I knew something was not right. I started singing his favorite song and they were still quiet. I went straight to the manager and said that something felt wrong, so we called the ambulance, and they were taken to the emergency room while my manager followed them. The manager came back to the house and said the doctor told her that assuming they waited, that person might not be alive. Since then, that day always reminds me to pay close attention and believe in my instincts.
What is your motivation for coming to work: Spending time with people served and helping them.
What made you apply: Back home when my father was old and sick I was the one taking care of him, doing all the direct care for him. The day my father passed away he held my two hands with his hands, holding them for minutes smiling, then closed his eyes and passed away. Then one of the elders said, “Daughter there is a blessing when helping people that cannot help themselves, with all your heart your father is happy with you.”
What makes you stay: I love helping people in need.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I would tell them Living Well is a great place to be.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I like to cook and go to church.
Do you volunteer in the community or school: I volunteer in my church.
Want to nominate a DSP? Please email jessica.maurer@livingwell.org to nominate a Living Well DSP. Special thanks to Miles and Cheri Cohen for their support of DSP of Week. Want to join them in underwriting our DSP Shoutout Program? Please contact Jamee Yung for sponsorship opportunities.