Life's WORC DSPs are an essential piece of the puzzle!
Dominick is a DSP working at the 51st Street Residence. He is pursuing a degree in Nursing and got into this field to not only gain experience in the Human Services field but because of his deep-rooted love for helping others. He truly enjoys what he does and it is noticed by all around him. Dominick loves getting to know the people he supports and how they communicate. He takes the time to get to know each person’s unique means of communication to better understand them. One of Dominick’s best memories was a trip to the park with one of the people he supports. They picked flowers and enjoyed the scenery and he was so happy to see the pure joy and happiness the experience brought. Dominick’s advice to other DSPs is “Listen, take time and be patient to help understand each person we support and their language”. Thank you for all you do Dominick!
Betty is a DSP working at the William Road Residence. Betty has dedicated the last 12 years to the people she supports at Life’s WORC. She got into this field after her children grew up and moved out, her friend was working in this field and it interested her. Betty loves to see the people she supports happy and progressing and that’s what keeps her dedicated to caring for the people she supports. Betty has so many memories at work but her favorite part is when the people she supports are waiting for her to come in to work and she can see their smiling faces in the window as she walks in. Betty’s advice to other DSPs is to follow the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Thank you for all you do Betty!
Joseph Francisco is a DSP working at the Islip Terrace Residence. He started working in this field after being encouraged by some family members doing the same thing. During the last 5 years of his employment, he has made strong bonds with not only the people we support but with his coworkers. He loves the atmosphere at work and says that everyone works so well together, like a family. Joseph Francisco has many memories at work and loves all of the recreation activities his residence participates in. A fond memory of his is attending a nearby carnival with the people he supports, he was so happy to see everyone enjoying the rides (even the scary ones). Joseph Francisco’s advice to other DSPs is to “help each other, the job can be fast-paced, working together is the key”. Thank you for all you do Joseph Francisco!
Elizabeth is a DSP at the Family & Childrens Center for Autism’s Day Hab program. Elizabeth came to FCA with 5 years or experience and a deep rooted love for working in this field. She enjoys working closely with the people she supports and has developed a mutual trust that is responsible for her success. Elizabeth loves the routine of her job and feels it is the most effective way to be productive at work. A fond memory she recalls is one where she taught the people she supports origami and during her lesson, many other students came over to participate. Elizabeth’s piece of advice for other DSPs is to have patience.
Remy is a DSP working at the Rosedale 2 Residence. Coming into this field without any experience, he has worked diligently to learn and adapt to the job and it shows! Remy started in this field with love and compassion and feels that that is the backbone of his success. Remy loves helping others and treats each person he supports like their family. His fondest memory is one where he arrived at another Residence he was working in at the time, there was a small party going on in the yard. Upon his arrival, the people he supports and their families and his coworkers & management were so happy to see him. He felt deeply acknowledged by the people he has been supporting and working with and it is a memory he will hold on to for years to come. Remy’s advice for other DSPs is to “talk with one another” and to recommend this job to family and friends! Thank you Remy for all you do!
Ashley is a DSP working at the Garden City Day Habilitation site. Ashley’s deep love for helping others is what brought her to this field. Helping the people she supports to grow and progress brings her great joy and makes her job easy. She loves teaching the people she supports new things and being a supportive person and listener is key to her success. Ashley’s favorite memory is the holiday party, watching the people we support enjoy themselves and socialize makes her smile. Ashley’s quote for other DSPs is “Listen to the guys and have patience, they will surprise you”. Thank you for all you do Ashley.
Alexis is a DSP working at the Old Bethpage Day Habilitation site. Inspired by his mother who has been working in this field as a medical counselor for 10 years, he has dedicated the last 5 years to his career here at Life’s WORC. Alexis loves seeing the people he supports grow into their true potential. He works from his heart striving to make a difference in the lives of others. Alexis has many memories however he loves having car ride conversations & getting to know the people he supports personally. A piece of advice for other DSPs from Alexis is “This is a job where the compensation comes from the pursuit of a cause. It’s not for everyone, but if you decide to take this path, give it your devotion. It will fulfill you and make a difference.” Thank you for all you do, Alexis!
Yvonne is a DSP working at the Lindenhurst Residence and has worked there for the last 25 years! Yvonne was previously a nursing assistant so transitioning to this field was easy for her. Yvonne loves working at her site which is why she has dedicated her career to supporting the people who reside there. She loves everything about work and takes great pride in her job. Yvonne loves when the house is audited and all of her hard work is acknowledged. Yvonne’s piece of advice to other DSPs is to move up the ladder and keep expanding upon your education. Thank you for all you do Yvonne!
Jasmine is a DSP at the Foont IRA. Jasmine started working in this field after being inspired by supporting her family member who has a disability. While in school for Social Work she found this to be a great start in her career in helping others. Jasmine is touched by the happiness and optimism of the people she supports and that’s what makes her love what she does along with the team of coworkers she loves working with. Jasmine loves that each day brings her new knowledge to better help the people she supports. She has many memories at work but loves singing, dancing, and having a great time. Jasmine’s piece of advice for other DSPs is to be patient and kind to everyone, every day and to remain positive in any situation. Thank you for all you do Jasmine!
Shaquan is a DSP at the Ozone Park IRA. After losing a close family member he was in search of a job with purpose, he then began his career at Life’s WORC. Shaquan enjoys the culture at his job and that is what makes him love it so much. He considers his coworkers and the people he supports to be family. Shaquan enjoys cooking for his house and says it’s like an episode of Chopped. The people he supports are tough judges! Shaquan’s piece of advice for other DSPs is “treat others how you want to be treated”. Thank you for all you do Shaquan!
Casselton is a DSP at the East Rockaway Day Habilitation site. He has studied how to improve the lives of people born with disabilities. Casselton loves making a difference in the lives of the people he supports. His favorite part about work is the care and love he has for the people he works with and supports. Casselton has many memories at work, especially the ones where he is educating the people he supports on how to live their best life. Casselton’s advice to other DSPs is “Always look out for one another, there are tough days when we need each other’s support”.
Barbara is a DSP at the Queens Village IRA. She “fell into” this field while working for a temp agency. She began working in one of the houses and the manager asked her to join the team full-time in 1994 and she accepted! Barbara loves the stability the job provides her. She loves that she gets to care for people for a living. She feels deeply appreciated when the people she supports tell her she made their day. Barbara’s advice for other DSPs is “always be caring”. Thank you for all you do Barbara!
Avis works at the Rivera IRA. She started working in the human services field at a home in Jamaica. Avis loves working at her home and considers the people she supports family. She hopes to continue to grow within the organization and loves the support and stability her supervisors provide. One of the people she supports has dementia and it is hard for him to recall people’s names but he can always remember Avis. She sometimes even gets a hug and it makes her feel so special to mean so much to this person she supports. Avis’s piece of advice for other DSPs is to take time to get to know each other, be observant and don’t take things personal. Thank you for all you do Avis!
Leonex is a DSP at the Valley Stream IRA. He was brought to this field by his brother who also works at Life’s WORC. Leonex is dedicated to helping the people he supports and loves his job! He loves working with the people he supports and the team they have at his site. He has many favorite moments at work but loves Game Night! It causes everyone to bond and have a great time together. Leonex’s piece of advice for other DSPs is “Positivity easily spreads to the residents who live there so always be positive no matter what happens”.
Olufemi is a DSP at the Manzo IRA. He was started in this field because of his love and passion for working with people with disabilities. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the people he supports and knowing the difference he has made in their lives is what keeps him going. Olufemi loves working at his home and loves the way Life’s WORC treats their employees. Olufemi has many memories but recalls a boat ride last year with one of the people he supports. The trip was filled with dancing and happiness and he will always hold on to this memory. Olufemi’s advice to other DSPs is “Treat people the way you would want to be treated and always do your best to do the right thing”. Thank you for all you do Olufemi!
Daliah is a DSP at the Conduit A IRA. She started in this field because she loves making people smile. Daliah loves knowing she is making a difference in people’s lives. She loves the people she works with and the people she supports. Daliah has many memories at work and loves the bond she has built with one of the people she supports. She loves helping her do make up and having fun. Daliah’s advice to other DSPs is “put yourself in the shoes of the people we support and treat them the way you would want someone to treat your own family”. Thank you for all you do Daliah!
Brandin is a DSP at the Queens Village Day Habilitation Program. He started here after losing a close family member, another family member approached him about getting a job in this field, 12 years later… he is still at Life’s WORC and loving it! Brandin says he gained a new appreciation for life after from working here. He loves seeing the positive effect he continues to make in the lives of the people he supports. Brandin loves helping others and helping them work to their potential. Brandin’s fondest memory is when he helped develop a sports league for the people he supports. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and awards. Brandin’s advice for other DSPs is “Never take for granted the fact that you are willing to help and assist people”. Thank you for all you do Brandin!
Agnes is a DSP with the Community Habilitation program. Agnes was brought to this field after 17 years of teaching. She has a passion to assist people with achieving their full potential. Agnes has an out of the box perspective and loves adapting her teaching style and compassion to best accommodate the people she supports. She loves what she does! Agnes has many memories while working in this field but especially enjoys a time she took an ordinary song and changed the lyrics to help a person she supports learn new skills. Agnes’s quote for other DSPs is “Never underestimate the impact you make with the person. If you work your best; they will pick up the rest.” Thank you for all you do Agnes!
Ebertho is a DSP at the St. James IRA. Ebertho started in this field with a passion to help others. He loves his job and has great relationships with every person he has met at Life’s WORC. He loves working with the people he supports and teaching them new things as much as he can. Ebertho loves working with all of his co-workers as well. He has many memories at work but truly loves the happiness his cooking brings to the people he supports. Ebertho’s piece of advice for other DSPs is “As long as you love your job and the guys that is all you need to focus on”. Thank you for all you do Ebertho!
