Our DSP for this week is Grace, and she works at our Upper 55th home in Inver Grove Heights. She is relatively new to the team but is a born caregiver who fit in immediately. She has a true passion for helping people. Why? Because It makes her happy to help others as she he has benefited from help and support in her life as well.
Adophus Kesseh, Program Manager, says, “Her name is not just Grace. She is inquisitive and backs up the care she provides with passion. Grace is always willing to help and not shy to ask questions about making the life of the individuals fun. She is all about teamwork. Kudos to you and I’m happy to call you my teammate.”
Grace is a full-time nursing student who makes time to care for others at Upper 55th. Her kindness, tender heart and gentle smile make her a great caregiver. No doubt she will be in incredible nurse one day soon.
Grace, we appreciate you!
ABOUT GRACE
Hobbies/Interests: I like to relax when I can. I cook and I read when I am less busy. When I was a teen, I read a lot, but now I don’t have much time.
Education: I got my CNA here in Minnesota at St. Paul College and am now a full-time nursing student there. Back in Cameroon, I completed high school and graduated there. I also have a college degree back home and was in law school.
Job Experience/History: When I moved here three years ago, I started as a CNA at a nursing home. Back home I did health work, where I would go out into the field and assist with first aid, help set up clinics, and work as part of a team providing health counseling and legal counseling
Favorite part of the job: The activities are not too demanding, and people are cooperative and appreciative of your time. When you talk to them, they respond even without words. You follow their cues, not the words. I appreciate being around people who appreciate the efforts and the work I do. When I come in, I flow into the house. I cook, help out and pitch in when needed. I really enjoy helping and diving into the work.
Getting to know them has also been great. One guy here does not usually like new people. Since I came, he has let me help and take care of him from the start. He liked me immediately, and the staff were delighted to see that he did not resist me.
Favorite or craziest work story: I am relatively new but I enjoy having dinner with people here, and BBQs have been fun. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations here.
What is your motivation for coming to work: I have a passion for helping people and am encouraged by their appreciation of my work. When you work in an environment where you feel at home, it feels good.
What made you apply: A friend of mine told me about it so I applied because it was a nice organization. I soon realized I used to drive around the area and had no idea this home was even here.
What makes you stay: The environment and the people are not combative, everyone is nice. It is peaceful here, and I enjoy that. I like the people who live and work here.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: That this is a nice place and the people are good. Sometimes where you work is not always about money. As a student, I can stay focused here peacefully. I can concentrate on schoolwork at home, come here, do a good job, and be appreciated.
When not at work, what do you like to do for fun: I like jogging, concerts, Gospel music, and shopping for clothes and groceries.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: Yes, I do at church. In the Social Department, we visit groups that need people to help organize food and clothing drives.
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@livingwell.org for sponsorship opportunities.