I can say with pride I thoroughly enjoy the job I have been blessed with. I am talking about my position as a Direct Care Support Staff and House Supervisor at a home that provides services to six individuals with developmental and physical disabilities.I am currently employed by The Phoenix Residence - going on my fourth year.
I first started working in this field when I turned 18, and began working at a group home in my home town. This was a job I thought would be a great opportunity to get me through college as it offered flexible hours as well as the opportunity to empower and enrich others... and it gave me a great deal of satisfaction. I found “my niche”, my purpose in life, and an opportunity to make a real change.
My brother Jake and I were born with CP (cerebral palsy). Without going into too much detail, I grew up with obvious challenges and obstacles. Undergoing multiple operations and surgeries, I was given a second chance. Jake has CP much more profoundly, and I grew up knowing I was lucky to walk and function normally. My brother, currently a student at Bemidji State, still presents himself with challenges. However, we were both extremely lucky to have the resources to access exceptional medical care.
Growing-up with CP specifically led me to my calling in life, and being able to give back to those who are not as fortunate as me. Adequate staffing and properly trained individuals to assist those we serve is essential. We are not only vital to their well being, but also to many we are the only friend, life coach, or person they call “family”. With the Minnesota state budget continuing to be cut every year, the facts are simple. It is an ever growing challenge in this field to employ capable staff as well as address an issue with turnover because of low pay rates and limited raises.
Although being a Direct Care Support staff in itself is very rewarding, it also presents a real struggle to make ends meet. As the cost of living continues to rise, it is very hard to keep staff employed long-term with no rate increases. Employees simply quit; the majority not because they want to, but they need to seek higher paying jobs. The residents suffer extremely as employees continue to leave. Just from what I’ve seen personally, I can say with confidence a 5% increase would greatly reduce the turnover rate and would secure better care for the residents we serve. It is absolutely vital to keep the best care available to our most vulnerable Minnesota citizens.
I have come to develop a personal and lifelong relationship with each individual living at our home. The residents have taught me the greatest lesson of all, to put everything into perspective. It wasn’t their choice to be brought into this world with a disability as society often looks at it. Individuals at our home help shape society without even knowing it, teaching compassion and morality.
I encourage and challenge the Minnesota legislature and those in the position to make this call, to consider my plea and the thousands of individuals across Minnesota those who are in the desperate need of a rate increase.
-Josh Trumper, House Supervisor at The Phoenix Residence at Viking House
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