Advanced Staff Training Improves Care for People with Disabilities
Deep-dive trainings that teach skills far beyond basic caregiving mean that Jubilee support staff are positioned to help people with disabilities thrive. Muriel Menzene’s work experience at Jubilee shows the real-life impact of an educated and committed frontline workforce in supporting people with developmental disabilities.
When Muriel joined Jubilee in 2022, she was new to working with adults with developmental disabilities. Muriel started working with Donna Zimmerlin and threw herself into the staff trainings Jubilee offers free to all employees.
“I love to learn,” said Muriel. “I started taking classes to learn more about Jubilee’s core values, and then I committed to the DSP II training.” The DSP II course is a five-month training program that teaches advanced problem solving using real-world examples. Offered through The Academy at Jubilee, the training program gave Muriel the confidence and skills to connect with Donna on a deeper level and help draw her out of the safe cocoon of home.
“Each day when I get to work my first role is to listen,” said Muriel. “What does Donna need from me to be successful in her day? Over time we built a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. Donna has every right to live her life fully, and I’m proud to help her do that.”
The pair spend their days together attending Jubilee programs, taking walks in the neighborhood, going to the mall, and grocery shopping together to plan meals Donna wants to eat.
“I help Donna stay connected to the community in ways that feel natural to her. We follow what Donna wants to do. I see that her confidence increased as she saw that her choices matter. Donna used to stress a lot before going out so she would stay home. Now she goes out and she enjoys it. She especially likes to ask everyone their name and say hello.”
The Jubilee summer cookout was a recent highlight for Donna. The duo is now looking forward to the upcoming Jubilee vacation to Pittsburgh. Donna is excited to explore a new city.
“I ask Donna what she wants and support those choices,” said Muriel. “This approach to supporting Donna has helped her become more confident in herself and grow in her ability to express her own opinions. I honor Donna, and respect who she is to support her on her life journey.”