STORIES FROM THE HEART
We asked our Direct Support Professionals to tell us why they do what they do. The stories they shared show the unconditional love they have for the people they support—and what drives them to continue doing what they are doing. We know you will be inspired by what they have to say!
Ana Fenwick
WHY UCP:
I chose to pursue a career in mental health and autism services because I have a genuine passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children, young adults, and their families. I love building meaningful relationships, celebrating each client’s progress, and sharing those successes with their families. Seeing an individual’s growth, witnessing the smiles on their loved ones’ faces, and encouraging families that the services we provide truly make a lasting impact is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I can help support, empower, and improve the quality of life for others is what inspires me every day.
MEMORABLE MOMENT:
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was working with a client with autism over an extended period of time. I was able to support him in developing his activities of daily living (ADLs), improving his communication and speech through functional communication strategies, and building the confidence to participate in community outings. Watching my client become more independent, engage with others, and enjoy new experiences has been incredibly meaningful. I also enjoyed sharing his progress with his family, and seeing how they were always so encouraged by the growth he had made. Knowing that my support helped improve his quality of life and gave his family hope has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.
Sandra Stover
WHY UCP:
I chose this job so I could support my son Andrew with the many daily activities of life. I want to give him the opportunity to have a meaningful life. Sure, there are challenges, but we do our best to work through them.
MEMORABLE MOMENT:
We practice house chores at home. Once when he was looking at items in a store Andrew saw the mops. He repeatedly said “mop.” I asked him if he wanted one and he said yes, pointed to the mop and said “me.” It was a special moment. He now mops the floors at home with guidance and prompts; it may not be perfect, but he is doing it!
Andrew cleans the refrigerator inside weekly. One day he took all the items off the top of the refrigerator, sprayed some cleaner, and dried it off, all independently. That was another moment to remember. He also loves to go to a fishing rodeo for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. I showed him how to hold his rod and sit quietly. And he caught a fish which was quite an experience!
I will never forget the time we went grocery shopping at a store nearby. We were in line at checkout and there was an elderly man with a cane in front of us. He went to pull his wallet out of his pocket and it fell on the floor. Some cards and change fell out but he couldn’t bend over to pick them up. So Andrew gave the man a hand to pick up his belongings. I thought that was so sweet. It is a special cherished memory for me.
Nicole Rosenberger
WHY UCP:
This work almost chose me. In 2011, I became a foster mother to Baby M, a five month old boy with multiple diagnoses. I also formed a close connection with the baby’s biological mom. “A” became like a daughter to me. By 2020, it became apparent that she needed more support than she was receiving. “A” was not living in the immediate area, so we moved her to our town and worked to get her settled in her own home. As a single mom myself, it was very difficult for me to raise 7 kids and earn an income while also giving her the support she needed. So we were both excited to learn about Agency with Choice and how it could enable me to help meet her needs while receiving financial support for doing so. There is no better feeling than knowing you’ve enriched someone’s life… ESPECIALLY someone who others in society may overlook, disregard, or simply not understand. I have become her advocate. I give her emotional and physical support and in return, I’m given one of the most fulfilling jobs that a person can have. Being a DSP can be challenging, rewarding, and fun… but most of all fulfilling… knowing that someone else is better off because you’re in their life.
MEMORABLE MOMENT:
We have SO MANY memorable moments. I don’t know that I can pick a specific one. My most cherished experience is the overall picture of watching her thrive in the environment that I’ve been honored to help create for her.
Working side by side with my client at a food charity organization was a thrilling experience. The job was a little messy and monotonous, as we were bagging bacon, but the fellowship with my client and others we were working with was priceless. I got to see closely how my client responds and reacts to challenges and social engagement. Volunteering together made for a very rewarding experience for both of us.
Sigrid Vegas
WHY UCP:
It was very hard to find a flexible schedule for work that was near to my home. It’s very important for me to support my family and care for my special needs son. It was such a challenge to find the right person to care for my son while I was at work. I was very frustrated, but I just kept the faith that something would change. In talking with my son’s case worker, she told me about an opportunity where I could work and be paid to care for my own son. What a wonderful idea and what a blessing! I got the best job in the world taking care of my son that I love AND get paid to do it! I’m so proud to work for UCP’s Agency with Choice. Thank you!!
MEMORABLE MOMENT:
I love my job—helping my son enjoy life, celebrate his birthday, or take him for travel vacations!
Michele Fry
WHY UCP:
I chose this line of work because from a young age I enjoyed getting to know and helping others, especially those with I/DD. A peer I got to know in 5th grade was the starting point. Seeing her in the community (with her UCP DSPs) gave me the idea to seek employment at UCP specifically.
MEMORABLE MOMENT:
I’ve had many memorable moments that I will always hold dear, but I will always remember a small playground interaction between two of my individuals and a little girl. The ladies were excited to be at the highest point of the ADA-accessible castle on the playground. I was telling them that they were the queens of the castle, when a little girl appeared. She immediately introduced herself and asked their names. Without skipping a beat she asked if she could play with us. Both ladies smiled and said yes. That moment warmed my heart. That little girl didn’t see two older ladies with disabilities, she saw two playmates. They giggled and talked until we had to part ways. Our time in the community truly makes a positive impact on not only our participants, but also the community at large.
Julia Schulz
WHY UCP:
After graduating from Messiah College, I needed to find a job in order to start paying off my loans. My older sister, a nurse, suggested I would be good working with adults with disabilities. There was no formal training in 1990, but I was invited to spend time hanging out with the “clients” at the Alternatives Adult Day Program for the entire day. As I prepared to leave that day, the clients were begging me to come back. So I did… and I stayed.
MEMORABLE MOMENT:
Early on in my career as a DSP, I worked with a nonverbal man who used a head pointer to communicate. My supervisor asked me to take him to the polls to vote. I thought he indicated he was registered with one political party, so I reviewed the Voters Guide on the candidates and their positions with him. When we got to the polls, I learned he was registered with the other party. I was concerned about his ability to make informed decisions but as I read him the names off the ballot, he was confident in his choices. I was so honored to participate in facilitating his right to vote!
Ryan Shoop
WHY UCP:
I chose this work about 29 years ago when I got home from the army and was looking for a job. My parents were looking to put my sister into some type of day program. Northwestern Human Services came in with a caseworker and introduced all the services they have to offer and it sounded fulfilling and meaningful. I was hired in October 1997 and I’ve been in this field for the last 29 years. I’ve spent the past 15 years with UCP, in 10 different group homes, working with over 30 different individuals. I have enjoyed every day of it making a difference and helping individuals thrive in their community.
MEMORABLE MOMENT:
Early on, I worked with an individual in the Harrisburg area. We went bowling and then out for dinner and he informed me that this was the first time he had been bowling in his entire life. He was probably in his 40s and he repeated over and over again that this was one of the greatest days he ever had. That was a very special moment.
Shirley Dunkley
WHY UCP:
The reason I chose this work is because I really want to help people enjoy an everyday life. I want to make a difference and help individuals become more independent and have an equal opportunity to live a happy and healthy life.
MEMORABLE MOMENT:
What is most memorable to me is teaching them importance of how to maintain their health and cleanliness, and how to cook.
Donna Koeppen
WHY UCP:
I chose this job because I want to make a difference. I want to be the voice for someone who does not have one. I want to be the person who makes someone else’s day and makes them smile. I also want that person to be happy, healthy and feel safe. I want the individuals I work with every day to know when I walk through the door, we are going to have a great day, and I am there for them no matter what happens.
Read what other staff and families/participants have shared about the rewarding work our DSPs do every day.