Our DSP this week is Donna. She works at our Maryland home and has been Living Well a whopping 46 years!!!! You read that right, over four decades. Over the years, Donna has built incredible relationships with people she supports, as well as their families. She is a dedicated employee, and in this market having a nearly five-decade career is impressive beyond belief. We are thrilled her mom found an ad in the newspaper back in 1978 and told her she should apply.
Julie Jacob, Therapy Services Coordinator, says, “Donna has more energy than anyone I know! She’s the glue that holds us together, keeping everything running smoothly at Maryland even when we are in transition between managers. Donna cares for everyone at Maryland but has a special bond with Elise, making sure they can have their special outing shopping and for lunch when they can! The guardians trust and rely on Donna. We are so lucky to have Donna as part of our TEAM!”
MaryLynn Nelson, Regional Director, says, “I had a conversation with a guardian yesterday to talk about the PM change happening at Maryland. The guardian said, ‘Oh I know we’re in good hands with Donna. We know her so well and know that everything will be just fine.’ This wasn’t news to me. Before I was a part of region 5, I had known who Donna was. She’s a highly respected part of Living Well’s history. She has 46 years with us! Which is so amazing! But now that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her in action directly, I have a better sense of how truly amazing she is. She’s dedicated, compassionate, and truly cares about everyone who lives and works at Maryland. I’m so honored to be a part of that house, knowing that she’s there and giving everything she gives, every day.”
Donna, we are so grateful you found us all those years ago. Thank you for showing so much dedication, compassion and kindness during your time with Dakota’s Children, now Living Well. We appreciate you!
ABOUT DONNA
Number of years/months with Living Well: 46 years 2 months
Hobbies/Interests: I like gardening, walking, biking and spending time with my family. I also enjoy reading, especially mysteries and rom com type books.
Education: I went to vocational school for child development. I wanted to work in day care center
Job Experience/History: I was 19 when I started, worked at a nursing home through high school and babysat and did some housecleaning.
Favorite part of the job: I like helping people, coming in and putting a smile on their faces and seeing them walk out the door happy. And all the fun stuff we get to do is nice. It’s not just care, I’ve taken people on vacations. Making the best life for people, it’s a second family to me.
Favorite or craziest work story: Some of my favorite stories are from back in the day at the big house when we were taking everybody up to Camp Confidence outside of Brainerd. It was a lot of work, but it was a blast. After we moved into the smaller homes, I took people on several vacations which was really fun.
What is your motivation for coming to work: Knowing that I am helping the people here, I like seeing them happy, and smiling.
What made you apply: My mom found an ad in the paper for Dakota’s Children. I was only going to work until I found a real job, and here I am all these years later. I started part time mornings, and it quickly went into split shift, then day hours, and lead staff.
What makes you stay: This is my second family, and their families are my family, too. I probably spent more holidays here than with my family, I like spending time with them.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: Well, I would probably say you can make it fun, or you can make it not fun. It’s a lot of work, but the feelings of happiness and gratitude that you are making people’s lives better is well worth it.
Look at this cutie, meet Jovey!
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Spend time with my new puppy, a black lab named Jovey. And being outside in my yard with my kids and my family.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: At my church I serve pizza after school on confirmation night, and in the past I helped with bible school. When my kids were younger, I also used to read books at the elementary school. And I am on the Cemetery Board at the church I grew up with in Afton.
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.