Our DSP Shoutout for this week is Ruth, who works in Customized Services. In her role she helps people who live in their own homes and need occasional supports, but not 24/7 care. She has been with Living Well ten years, and is an incredible part of the team. Ruth is always up for an adventure and just this week was in the main office helping a person she supports bake granola. We can confirm, it smelled delicious!
Brenda Mohrland, Customized Services Program Manager, thinks Ruth is fantastic! She says, “Ruth is patient, creative and kind. For a while Ruth has been patiently working with an individual who deals with anxiety to help her become comfortable with camping. Often, they practice putting up a tent, and just spending time inside the tent in order for her to become more comfortable with closed in spaces!’ Adding, “They also enjoy volunteering at Feed My Starving Children and taking her to see her grandpa at his assisted living facility where they play cards and enjoy each other’s company.” Benda notes that Ruth supports another person who has Autism while he volunteers at the local library. Together they alphabetize and shelve returned books. “Ruth encourages him to be as independent as possible in placing books in their correct locations. She also takes him to his piano lessons and recently a dance with his peers,” says Brenda.
MaryLynn Nelson, another Customized Services Program Manager, says, “Ruth loves to find engaging activities for people. She’s creative, mindful, and positive in all her experiences with people. She brings joy to everyone she works with!” That right there is pretty amazing—to bring joy to others is pretty impressive.
We love sharing these incredible stories and giving accolades to the people we serve. Congrats, Ruth! We appreciate your hard work and dedication.
ABOUT RUTH:
Number of years/months with Living Well: 10 years this October!
Hobbies/Interests: I like to take pictures, knit, swim, and bike.
Education: BA in Social Work from Augsburg
Job Experience/History: When state institutions were just breaking up and people were moving out on their own in the late 70s, I started working with people who needed supports. I’ve been supporting people since then!
Favorite part of the job: My favorite part is going out and having fun. If they want to do it, we get to do it!
Favorite or craziest work story: It’s our normal! I can’t think of just one favorite or crazy part.
What is your motivation for coming to work: All the people we support.
What made you apply: A guardian recruited me to work with someone in Customized Services.
What made you stay: The people I supported – I’m still working with a few of them that I started with almost 10 years ago.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: You gotta have a good time and then everything works around that!
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I like working on my house, spending time with my 4 kids, and 4 grandchildren with 1 on the way!
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.