Our DSP this week is Lumona. He has been with Living Well just five months and was referred by his teacher. In a short time, he has already made an indelible mark on the Thompson house, and we probably owe his teacher a thank you note!
In the elevator with Breyden.
Lumona is always singing, always happy, and always grateful. He expects nothing and appreciates everything even if it’s small. Program Manager, Cynthia Hinojosa, says, “Lumona is a joy. The house lights up when he is around. He brings playfulness and his love for music, and that is contagious.” Adding, “I notice that Breyden spends more time upstairs when Lumona is here, and I really believe it’s because he enjoys watching him sing along and dance while cleaning. I love seeing him be hands on with people and so interested in wanting to learn other life skills.”
Grillin’ with David.
One of Cynthia’s favorite things to do is cook and share a meal with others, so getting to share her hobby with Lumona brings her extra joy. She says, “Lumona has had one lesson in how to grill out and make a whole meal, and you can tell how appreciative and excited he was. People served came out and were watching him grill. Thompson is joy because of all of them.”
Peggy, who lives there, thinks Lumona is a sweetheart, and says, “He is funny. I enjoy spending time with him.”
2023 Gala!
Since he started in March Lumona has learned valuable life skills like cooking and cleaning, how to use a grill, and how to navigate taking care of others in a personalized approach. He and Cynthia brought some of the Thompson crew to the gala, and Lumona has taken an obvious shine to the role of caring for others.
Congrats, Lumona, we appreciate you! Thank you for joining the team.
ABOUT LUMONA
Number of years/months with Living Well: 5 months
Hobbies/Interests: Singing and learning to play guitar.
Education: I am studying computer science.
Favorite part of the job: I enjoy making people laugh and smile, that’s the goal every day.
Favorite or craziest work story: I loved Family Fun Day because I got to see David dance for the first time. I also had never seen him that happy—dancing and singing to Elvis music with others.
What is your motivation for coming to work: At first, I thought ‘it’s just a job.’ But when I got here, I realized it was more than just a job. It does not feel like work but more like a family (people served and staff) and I get to take care of them.
What made you apply: I asked my teacher to help me find a job and she referred me to Living Well.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I would tell people that this work is easy but that does not mean you get to be lazy, that you have to work hard. The people need us, so we have to work hard for them.
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 at devan.heinsen@livingwell.org for sponsorship opportunities.