Disabilities Day a the Capitol, March 2023.
Our DSP this week is Ken, who works at our Elgin home. Ken is a dedicated employee who has a great relationship with the staff and people served, as well as their families. He is always willing to get out and advocate for our mission and is fixture at Living Well events, including Day at the Capitol last March. Last week he joined over 100 other staff at the employee recognition event as he recently celebrated seven years with Living Well. Anyone over five years gets invited and we hope he had fun.
Employee Recognition Party with Chinatu..
Chinatu Ejodamen, Program Manager, says, “Ken is a very good at his job and is a total team player. He is the only male staff among nine employees, and he works well with everyone. Ken is very flexible with his schedule and tries to pick up shifts or cover co-workers shifts when requested and able.” Adding, “He is very committed to this job, and the people we support love seeing him at work. He is always willing to take Jeff to all his special Olympics practices and meets, driving him to and from camp in Annandale. He will always tell me, ‘If you need anything let me know.’ Ken is part of the team that makes my job easy, and I am lucky to have him on the Elgin team.”
Jan Niederer, sister and guardian of one of the people who live at Elgin, says, “Ken is very good. He knows a lot about the people he supports and tries to provide accommodations to assist the parents as needed. He does things in the best interest of the people supported and is aware of the individual needs of the people. He understands how to best assist them and is compassionate about their needs.”
Congrats, Ken, you are an incredible part of the Living Well team and we are grateful for your amazing work. Thank you for all you do, we appreciate you.
Thank you to everyone who chooses to make a career out of caring.
ABOUT KEN
Number of years with Living Well: 7yrs
Hobbies and interests: I like movies, music, and stargazing.
Job Experience: I previously worked in sales and retail type positions.
Favorite part of the job: Working for the clients.
What is your motivation to come to work: Enjoy the clients so much that it’s a joy to work.
What made you apply: I applied to try something different, and I liked it so much I stayed.
What makes you stay: Diversity in the company and the positive ways the company accommodates the staff to better serve the clients.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: The people—great staff and clients.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: Watching movies plus binging on series and listening to music.
Do you volunteer in your community: Not at this time, too busy.
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.