Our DSP for this week is Safiatou. She works at our 75th home and has been with Living Well for two years as of March 5. She is a hard worker who is always up for an adventure and she is also deeply interested in helping the people she supports learn and grow.
Mikki Reed, Program Manager, says, “Safiatou takes folks to everything and always has lots of activities on the calendar. And she is very creative, finding unique ways to help, like supporting them with math skills while purchasing items of their choosing. She is well versed on the needs, interests, and goals of those in her care.” Adding, “We can often find her laughing and joking with those at 75th. Did I mention what a fantastic cook she is! All the people in our home love her chicken and veggies. She has been a dedicated employee since early 2024 and she is dedicated to her family and community, too, volunteering at her mosque and lifting the spirits of others.”
Safiatou, we appreciate you! Thank you for making a career out of caring.
ABOUT SAFIATOU
Number of Years with Living Well: 2 years
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and shopping for clothes. I also love to cook, especially African food from Guinea. One of my favorite dishes to make is peanut butter soup—I’ve made it for the house before and everyone really liked it.
Education: High school diploma from Guinea, West Africa. I moved to the United States in 2012.
Job Experience/History: I worked in warehouse jobs for a while, but I’ve always loved being around people and helping others so ended up in caregiving.
Favorite Part of the Job: I love working with the people. Every morning when one individual wakes up, I look forward to seeing her smile and hearing her call my name to help her. We enjoy coloring together—she has a big collection of books—and we like to watch TV. She especially enjoys The Boss Baby movies and series.
Favorite or Craziest Work Story: One Christmas, I took someone to McDonald’s because their family couldn’t make it to the house. We ended up having a fun celebration together with two others.
What Motivates You to Come to Work: My grandma had a stroke back in Guinea, and our family helped take care of her. I’ve been a caregiver for about 20 years, and that experience continues to motivate me.
What Made You Apply: Caring for my grandmother back home inspired me to help people who cannot help themselves. I found the job posted on Indeed and applied because I love taking care of people. I earned my CNA in 2021.
What Makes You Stay: The people. In this house, everyone gets along well. We know each other, respect boundaries, and work as a strong team. That includes both the staff and the people who live here.
What Would You Tell Someone Interested in Joining the Team: It’s a better place to work than most. Communication is a priority, and everyone is respectful. There aren’t many issues, and that feels good as an employee.
What Do You Like to Do for Fun Outside of Work: I enjoy spending time with my family. I have four kids—ages 13, 11, 6, and 4, and they keep me busy.
Do You Volunteer in Your Community or School: Yes, I stay busy with work and family, but we also go to the mosque and help out by cleaning and cooking.
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.