Direct Support Staff Make a Difference
On the 25th anniversary of the Yap family vacation to a remote island in Michigan, Maurine Yap swam across the cold, deep lake with her mom. This achievement has long been out of reach for Maurine, but something changed this year that made it possible.
“One year ago, the amazing Shauna Miller came into our daughter’s life,” said mom Anne Yap. “Shauna has a magic touch finding ways to motivate Maurine. She works with Maurine to set engaging goals, including in swimming. We saw firsthand how Maurine has blossomed with Shauna’s help on our annual summer family vacation.”
Shauna is Maurine’s direct support professional from Jubilee. She and Maurine swim three times a week at the pool to build the confidence and stamina needed for the lake swim. Maurine’s progress on her life goals is shared with the Yap family, which sets their minds at ease as she grows in confidence living on her own.
Shauna is a member of Jubilee’s 350+ strong direct support workforce. Our team of highly trained professionals works days, nights, weekends, and holidays to help the people they support successfully live independently and achieve their life goals.
“The strong connections forged between our staff, the people we support, and their families is what makes Jubilee such a special place,” says Jubilee’s new Director of Program Services Gia Richmond. Jubilee’s dedicated program services team ensures high-quality care with a ratio of 12 people Jubilee supports to each program manager.
As Jubilee grows to support more people, our program services team is careful to retain the warmth and closeness that is a Jubilee hallmark.
Linda Glantz says that’s true for her son Ben, who “considers his support staff Elmer Billedo and Garner McClean to be part of his extended family. Ben’s success in residing in his own apartment is a remarkable achievement. The professional expertise that Ben’s support staff provide help Ben have independence and autonomy.”
Article originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of Jubilee’s Connections newsletter. Read the full issue here.