Our DSP Shoutout for this week is John. He works at our Casey Court home and has been with Living Well for over 12 years. He came to us when he was raising a young family and stayed on board because of the relationships he developed over time, as well as and the job satisfaction.
Carrie Jensen, Program Manager at Casey Court says, “John is a dedicated part of our Team, and he TRULY cares for the Individual’s we serve. I know this because I see John show it every day.” Carrie adds, “He has been such an asset to Casey Court for a long time. We cannot thank John enough for all of his hard work over the years!!”
John’s sister, Beth Ryan, who has been with living Well for 35 years has this to say about John, “Our brother Michael calls him the most kindhearted man on earth. And while he is not a chatty person like me, he just has an incredible way of connecting with people.” Beth says John is always willing to show up and help others, and that he is just a great family man and all-around wonderful person.
John, we hear you crush everyone at Wordle, and can tell from the good things people say about you, that we are lucky you have you on the Living Well team. Thank you, John! And thank you to everyone who shows up and does the heavy lifting every day. We appreciate our staff!!!
ABOUT JOHN:
Name: John
Number of years/months with Living Well: 12 years, 4 months
Hobbies/Interests: The outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, reading, puzzles and word games, movies, and spending time with my wife, three grown sons, and dog Luna.
Education: University of Minnesota, BA in English.
Job Experience/History: I worked 26 years as an IT Operations Manager. I also worked for one year at the Dakota Communities Marie Avenue location for parts of 1994 and 1995.
Favorite part of the job: My favorite part of the job is the great relationships I have developed with the people we serve and with co-workers.
Favorite or craziest work story: The five thousand times my heart was warmed by a smile, a laugh, or a hug from a client.
What is your motivation for coming to work: I have been so thoroughly blessed in my life and I get a real sense of joy and satisfaction from sharing those blessings with others.
What made you apply: I initially applied to earn extra income while raising a young family.
What made you stay: The relationships I have developed and the satisfaction I get from this job.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I would tell them of the outstanding culture in place here at Living Well, in that it is such a friendly and positive place to work.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I am a real geek about history and enjoy reading about ancient cultures.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: Not so much these days but I did work overseas for a relief organization when I was fresh out of college. I also volunteered as a little league baseball coach when my kids were young.
Want to nominate a DSP? Please email jessica.maurer@livingwell.org to nominate a Living Well Disability Service DSP. Thank you!
Want to underwrite our DSP Shoutout Program? Please contact Devan Heinsen at devan.heinsen@livingwell.org for sponsorship opportunities.