Our DSP for this week is Francis. He works at our Diane Road home in Mendota Heights and has been with Living Well for 15 years. He is a tenderhearted man with a kind smile and deep dedication to the work of caring for others.
Jill Tollefson, Program Manager, says, “Francis consistently goes above and beyond—whether it’s patiently helping someone master a new skill, diffusing a stressful situation with calm and empathy, or collaborating with families and teams to ensure the best possible outcomes. Francis leads with his heart, making a meaningful difference in the lives of people supported at Diane Road every single day.” Adding, “For Francis, this work is not just a job—it’s a calling. Francis advocates fiercely for the rights and dignity of every person they support, and he approaches each day with patience, compassion, and integrity. He is a crucial member of the Diane Road family.”
Kathy Anderson, Volunteer Program Manager, says, “”I always love to see Francis when I go to Diane Road. He makes me feel like all is right with the world. You can tell he genuinely cares about everyone in the home, whether they live there or just stopping by. His calm presence and sense of well-being along with his ability to get things done makes for a happy, stable home life.”
Francis, we appreciate you! Thank you for making a career out of caring.
ABOUT FRANCIS
Number of years/months with Living Well: 15 years 2 months
Hobbies/Interests: I like to garden; it is one of my favorite things to do. I also like road trips and seeing nature. My wife and I went to Niagara Falls a year and a half ago. We also went to see Crazy Horse in South Dakota. I was interested in monitoring the progress, to see how far they got.
Education: I have a degree in accounting back home, in Uganda. Once I got to the US I started in the care field.
Job Experience/History: I have worked at another organization as a DSP for 25 years, and 15 years ago started at Living Well as well.
Favorite part of the job: I do many things. I make meals, and I always love to see people enjoy the food I prepare. My favorite part of the job is to see somebody’s inner fulfillment. You know you had a good day when they have a good Day. When you can help someone settle down, when they feel at home, and they feel complete, it feels good to know you helped. I also thrive well with people who are nonverbal. I can have a great conversation without words, and that is nice.
Favorite or craziest work story: Elaine and I like to get out, and we don’t care if we get home late. We went to Duluth one time for the music festival and came back the same day, it was a blast.
What is your motivation for coming to work: It is important to know that this is their home. If you only identify what people cannot do, and don’t acknowledge this is their home, you are missing point. What motivates me is to see the smile of fulfillment on a person. When I go with Elaine to a concert I can see the joy on her face. She knows the music, and I enjoy seeing the music and her connection with it. That is what motivates me, seeing joy and fulfillment. Giving them fulfillment.
What made you apply: I knew somebody who was working for Living Well, and she said I was a good fit.
What makes you stay: What makes you stay is, asking what it would be without you there to help? During low staffing, what would happen if I left, what would that mean for people. It is important work.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I have referred many people to work here, the ones I think would be a good fit. If you were the kind to be on the phone, I wouldn’t. If somebody is a good fit, you can tell they have the qualities. The problem with me is I have very high standards and very high expectations for giving the care required. So, I won’t refer just anyone.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Travel is my thing. And I like to go places with good food. I like restaurants like Mancini’s, where you know when you go you won’t doubt the food you are going to get. I don’t care about the price, I like good food!
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I volunteer at church; I am a church elder. Been there more than five years.
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.