Nicholas Donaldson
Sept. 10-16 marks National Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week, and Community Living Fort Frances and District is celebrating the occasion by highlighting a few of its hard-working staff.
CLFFD is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides support to individuals who have a developmental disability.
Direct service professionals work with CLFFD service users to ensure they have the necessary supports to live, work, and enjoy life as independently as possible in their community.
Kayla Brady began working at CLFFD in May, 2015 and moved into a regular part-time position a few months later, which she still is currently in.
“This is a job that is great for people who are empathetic, patient, positive, and are able to be strong advocates,” Brady said in an e-mail.
She noted the job has made her more patient in her day-to-day life, and that her problem-solving skills have improved since she began working in the field.
Brady added the best aspect of the job for her is helping people accomplish their goals.
“Sometimes it’s a little thing like exercising more often, and sometimes it’s a big thing like planning a trip to somewhere they want to go,” she explained.
Brady admitted the biggest challenges from the job don’t come from working with service users, but from trying to have other people in the community understand that “we are all people and we all deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.”
“Everyone has a different idea of what constitutes a happy and fulfilled life, and it’s no different for the people we support through CLFFD,” she stressed.
Brady Heyens, another member of the CLFFD staff, also began there in May, 2015
“I really decided that this was a career path for me while I was in university, and I was able to take classes revolving around inclusion, disabilities, psychology, and community development,” he recalled.
Heyens previously was employed as a service worker at an organization in Winnipeg and heard good things about CLFFD.
“I feel very proud to tell others about the work that I do and about the skills that I have improved on or developed through my employment,” he said.
Heyens added his communication skills, patience, and problem-solving all have improved while working in the field, and it has allowed him to become a better friend, father, and person in general.
“You truly get to know these individuals very quickly, and understand what each person enjoys to do and how you can ensure that they live a fulfilling life,” he explained.
Heyens admitted the job can be stressful at times, and he continuously struggles with the feeling that he could be doing more.
“It is a lot of work to ensure that you are providing all necessary supports for an individual, and important to remember and understand that no two people are the same,” he noted.
Heyens also said how active CLFFD is in the community and how he really has enjoyed being a part of Hallowe’en events, Canada Day parades, and Christmas parties.
“I look forward to getting involved in more events and activities with my service users in the near future,” he remarked.
CLFFD held an ice cream social today (Sept. 14) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 338 Scott St., then again from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Hudson Drive.
A surprise for the staff will be letters written by family members of service users showing their appreciation for the work these professionals do.
Kim LePine, a group manager, and Jeanne Pasch, a group supervisor, noted that over the past few decades, there have been many changes to the job, which they say once was viewed by the public as “glorified baby-sitting.”
Now the job requires school and training, noted LePine, and often involves developing a personal relationship with the service user.
Pasch said CLFFD employs 103 staff–something she thinks many people may not realize.
Those wanting to know more about CLFFD can check out its website at www.communitylivingfortfrances.com
CLFFD also currently is looking for workers to fill casual positions.
