I am a very lucky person. I am lucky to have been raised by amazing parents, to have an education, lucky to have a roof over my head, food on my plate, health insurance, friends and family that I care deeply about, but most of all I am lucky to have a job that I love.
I have been working for Community Involvement Programs (CIP) for almost 4 years now. I started as a direct support professional and have since moved my way up the ranks to my current management position. My job gives me pride in helping others, a sense of purpose in my life, and gives me an opportunity to make real change. Real change not only in people we support’s employment, home life, and relationships, but change to the system that they and their direct support staff, work and live within. This opportunity for real change is why I am writing my story.
Working with adults with disabilities, and their direct support staff, has affected my life positively in more ways than one. Assisting a person with finding his or her first fair-wage, competitive job, discovering a hidden talent or simply having a fun, productive day is so rewarding and proof of the hard-working individuals that are employed at CIP. Supporting my employees with brainstorming and providing them with creative new ways to deal with situations, keeps me going day-to-day.
Our direct support and employment staff go above and beyond the call of duty every single day. Planning free, community-based, informative and educational activities is not an easy task to plan for even one person, none the less 8 people with disabilities every day. Finding and supporting employment, keeping up with paperwork, coordinating transportation and communicating with families and social workers (for caseloads of up to 20 people) isn’t uncommon at CIP, either. These are only a few examples of the high expectations we hold our employees to and they are praised often for doing so.
Merely talking about the amazing work my staff does with friends, family and new acquaintances gives me the encouragement that my team is doing something right; I am very lucky to work with a group of such amazing people. But what if it isn’t just luck? What if it takes a certain type of tenacious person to be passionate, caring and creative on a daily basis? It’s beyond unfair to ask a person to possess and utilize these qualities while not being paid according to, or adjusted by, the massive cost of living increase we have all been subjected to in the recent economy. Luckily enough, we have found a handful people who are willing to do the hard work for the last 5 years without a COLA, and I am grateful for their dedication to our mission.
Unfortunately, I can no longer wait for luck to be on my side. Without a rate increase in 2014, it will be next to impossible to find and sustain this type of hard-working determined, and caring employee. If our staffing suffers, our services will suffer and we will not be able to provide the type of supports we have been for many aspects of the people we supports’ lives. Please consider this plea for a 5% increase in 2014 for the caregivers who support an amazing community of Minnesota citizens on a daily basis. Relying on luck will no longer guide us to the changes we wish to see; only our unwavering determination can lead to action.
Comments