Edmond with CEO, Tom Gillespie, at the Employee Recognition Event in October.
Our DSP this week is Edmond, who also goes by Eddie. He works at our Douglas house up in Buffalo and recently celebrated his 15-year work anniversary at our Employee Recognition event back in October. He started full-time and moved to overnights a few years ago.
As an overnight employee, four nights a week he works 10PM-6AM during the week or 10PM-8AM on weekends. He often stays a little late to make sure the people supported at the home have what they need upon waking. A couple of people at the house are up and down all night long. So, he soothes them and uses redirection to get them to go back to bed. It’s a totally different job when working overnight shifts, and he does it beautifully.
Eddie gets a little more one on one time on weekends as he is around a little later in the morning. He helps get people up and moving and is a relaxing presence. He has a way of regulating the mood of the house by just being there. When the people at the house see him, they know there is structure.
Kristna Backman, Program Manager, says, “He looks out for safety first, which means he is consistent with the way he handles certain behavior, but is gentle and kind about it. People will push the boundaries with new staff, but not Eddie. They know they are safe with him, and he will take care of them.” When asked what makes him so good at his job, she says, “Why is he so good? I think he is so great at his job because he had a strong role model with his mother, who used to work at Living Well. I have heard so many wonderful things about her. I apprecaite Edmond so much. I joke that I want to go with him to Chicago to meet his family one day!” Kristina thinks Eddie is an incredibly compassionate man who truly cares about his job. She knows that he is not here for the money, but to put the needs of others before his.
At Living Well, we rely on staff to care for the people we serve 24/7, 365 days a year. We cannot close early or take a day off. Without kind, compassionate, and caring people like Eddie who are open to working nights shifts, we simply cannot provide services or create safe places for people to live. We literally cannot do what we do without our DSP staff.
Congrats, Eddie, we are grateful for your dedication and willingness to spend your nights caring for others. Thank you for being so amazing, we appreciate you.
ABOUT EDDIE
Number of years/months with Living Well: 15 years 6 Months
Hobbies/Interests: I like reading, crafts, and thrift shopping.
Favorite part of the job: Working with the people and building meaningful relationships.
Favorite or craziest work story: When I took one person to camp, and we went tubing.
What is your motivation for coming to work: The people.
What made you apply: I had just moved to Minnesota and needed a new job.
What makes you stay: The people I work with.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: Always keep your heart open.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Normal things like movies hanging out with one of 28 siblings.
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 Devan Heinsen for sponsorship opportunities.