Here are the thoughts and reflections of a handful of the caring, dedicated Direct Support staff at The Arc:

Linda Duryea
Production Supervisor
Hilltop Industries
(Arc employee since 2003)

What were the reasons you chose to work with consumers at Hilltop?
I had previously worked with people with disabilities, and enjoyed it.  Now I have worked here for seven years, and I love it.

What are your daily duties?
We make sure that we have work for consumers, take care of their time and pay, and make sure that they have what they need to do the job safely, and with the support they need.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is to watch people who could previously only do 1-2 piece assembly jobs enthusiastically take on new responsibilities.

What is the most challenging part?
When you have people who can only do certain jobs, and you just can't find work for them.

What do you like most about working at The Arc?
I genuinely like all of the people who I work with, including consumers and staff.  We have a great team!

What would you like to be doing in 5 years?
It's not "what I'd like to be doing," it's what I WILL be doing.  I will be retired in 5 years.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
My interests are my three grandchildren and my animals.  I also work with animal rescue.

Scott Jaggard
Senior Aide
KidStart
(Arc employee since 1992)

What were the reasons you chose to work with kids?
To make a difference in their lives, and I get to be a BIG five year old.

What are your daily duties at KidStart?
Too many to list, but mainly to be there to support the children.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?
Hugs and smiles and the things that kids say sometimes!

What is the most challenging part?
Behaviors–—sometimes it can be challenging to deal with children...and adults.

What do you like most about working at KidStart?
The people I work with and the benefits.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years?
Working for the D.E.C.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Hiking, and carving and painting artist fungus.

Gloria Soto
Life Skills Assistant/AMAP
Day Habilitation
(Arc employee since 2008)
Pictured with Ricky Hatfield

What were the reasons you chose to work in the Direct Support field?
It was calling me.  I used to do nurse's aide work and home care.  Whenever I would drive by one of The Arc residences, I would say, "That would be a good place to work."  It's a good way to give back to the community.

What are your daily duties at work?
My daily duties are to provide a safe and happy environment for consumers.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the good feeling you get from knowing that you help put a smile on someone's face.

What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part of my job is knowing at the end of the day that everybody goes home happy and safe.  By doing that, the consumers make me feel like I've done a great job!

What do you like most about working at The Arc?
What I like most is being a part of a team environment and making a difference in someone's life.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years?
I see myself still working in this field and being a part of something nice.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
My hobbies include church activities, walking, listening to good music, and watching my daughter play soccer, basketball, and softball.  Yeah, I'm a "sports mom!"

Sue Sullivan
Habilitation Specialist
Day Hab / Supportive Living / LIVES
(Arc employee since 2004)

What were the reasons you chose to work with people with disabilities?
I was looking for a new direction and started originally volunteering with the Kids Recreation program. When a per diem opening became available, I worked with the Recreation department, while still working at another job outside the agency. I realized the personal and professional rewards working with people with disabilities was the direction I had been looking for. I was really thrilled to have been hired as an LSA at Day Hab, and find every day to be a learning experience. My feeling is that learning is reciprocal between me and the individuals I work with.

What are your daily duties at work?
My daily duties depend on what hat I am wearing that particular day.  Of late I have experienced three different capacities as a Habilitation Specialist at Uptown Day Hab, Supportive Living and LIVES. My job duties are first and foremost guided by the individuals I am servicing.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the genuine friendships and mutual respect developed with the consumers. Of course watching a goal accomplished and evidence of personal growth is incredibly rewarding.

What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part of my job is recognizing that the same strategy or approach is not practical every day. Thinking outside of the box many times has produced valued outcomes when I've least expected.

What do you like most about working at The Arc?
The best thing about working at The Arc for me has been the opportunities for my own personal growth.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to be looking at retirement, but hope that I will still have the fortitude to work if I need to.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
My hobbies and interests outside of work are planning my annual vacation getaways and finding the beauty of nature.