Our DSP this week is Larry, and he works at our Central home up in Cambridge. He started back in 1989 to earn extra money for Christmas presents and stayed ever since. Back in July he celebrated 35 years with Living Well, and on Thursday will be honored at the employee recognition party where long-term staff will be lauded for their incredible tenure.
Deb Krienitz, Program Manager, says, “Larry is one of the kindest most genuine men! He loves the guys, and they love him! Some of the guys even call him Dad! He has a very strong work ethic, and even though he’s not big on change he rolls with it when it is necessary. Central is very lucky to have Larry as part of the team!”
Long time coworker Twyla Black, who started at Living Well almost 10 years ago, adores Larry. She says, “To me, Larry is the heart of Living Well. The “Silver Stallion of Central.” He is my best friend and most of why I have stayed here for so long. Larry started working for Living Well the year I was born, he hates when I tell people that. I tell new hires that he came with the place. Larry is the hardest worker I have ever met, but it is not just about the ‘work’ with Larry. Larry trained me in when I started 10 years ago, and he still starts his training the same. Yes, there is work to be done, cares and charting and all that, but then there’s when you get to spend time with the people we support. That is always the importance he tries to convey to others, and I love that about him. He has so many stories about the people we support because he has been there since their beginning with us. Our people have so much trust for him that we have had to call Larry when he’s working at his state job or at home to come in to help calm someone. One of our guys calls him Dad and another calls him Papa. A woman we support can say about three words, of course, one is, Larry. If you knew this man, you’d know he could be out there conquering the world. Instead, he chooses to be here, and I can’t thank him enough for that. I cannot imagine Central without him.”
Larry, you are a rockstar, and we appreciate you and your dedication to the work. Thank you for staying the course and doing such incredible work for 35 amazing years.!!
ABOUT LARRY
Number of years/months with Living Well: 35 years
Job Experience/History: I was in the military, stationed in Germany for three years as military police, then I worked at a grain elevator in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Next, I worked at the Cambridge State Hospital as a human services technician. I am currently working at the Department of Employment and Economic Development in the labor market as a classification system coder, where I collect data for the feds. I have worked at the Central house for 35 years now.
Favorite part of the job: The people that live and work here.
Favorite work story: (This is submitted by his teammates, Deb and Kari, on why they consider him a favorite). The guy would do absolutely anything for the crew here, he is very genuine and helpful. He walks the women to their cars at night. And will stand there until the car is started and they are safe to go. He will brush cars off and check tire pressure. He is the dad of the house and takes care of everyone.
What made you apply: To make extra money for Christmas.
What makes you stay: I have stayed because of the people that live at Central and the great staff that work here!
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I would tell people interested in applying that it is a great place to work, you make a real connection with the people that live here and work here.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: When I am not at work I spend my time with family and play bass guitar in the band at church.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I volunteer at my church.
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.