Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) highlights the vital contributions of workers with disabilities. Among those leading the way is Denise R., whose journey at The Teresian House Center for the Elderly demonstrates the power of persistence and meaningful support.
Supported through Living Resources’ Supported Employment Program, Denise has built a fulfilling 13-year career at Teresian House. She originally joined the team as a dietary aide, serving residents in food service. Driven by a desire to provide direct care, she set her sights on becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Transitioning roles required immense dedication. Denise worked with tutors, studied at the local library, and practiced tirelessly. Her efforts paid off when she passed her exams. Receiving her CNA license marked a major milestone, allowing her to transition into hands-on caregiving.
For Denise, employment provides key financial independence, but her primary motivation is purpose. “Being employed is very important because you have an apartment or a house… enough to pay your rent,” Denise shares. “But you don’t want to do it just for the money though. You want to do it because you enjoy what you do. You want to show that it’s your passion.”
Living Resources’ Supported Employment Program helps individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injuries achieve career advancement through job coaching and skill development. Denise’s transition from dietary aide to CNA illustrates what is possible when community support aligns with personal goal-setting.
Living Resources is proud to celebrate Denise’s continued growth and dedication to the residents of Teresian House.
