Liberty ARC Stories
Awake Night DSP Position Allows Growth in Daytime Passion
“When you support someone – even in the smallest way – it’s so satisfying, especially when they appreciate what you’re doing for them – it just makes you feel really good,” Dan Harrison said.
Dan has been working at Liberty ARC as an awake night Direct Support Professional (DSP) for the last 15 years. He’s worked at more than 25 different residences, and has learned something new from each home he’s worked at.
Dan originally started working at the agency because he needed a night job that offered him the flexibility to continue his daytime passion: managing a horse stable.
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DSP by Day, Coach by Night
When Maureen “Mo” Manginelli switched careers six years ago, and joined Liberty ARC as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in the Family Support Services (FSS) program, she never dreamt she’d become a Special Olympics coach.
“I love what I do,” Mo said. “I love my job and I love coaching because it gives me the opportunity to see two different sides to the people I support.”
Mo said she was offered a coaching position not long after she started her job with the agency.
Dynamic DSP Duo
Erica Rickard and Sarah Snell have been together for 11 years as awake night Direct Support Professionals in the same residence at Liberty ARC.
“She’s the best partner I’ve ever had,” Sarah said.
“She’s the yin to my yang,” Erica replied.
Erica has been with the agency for 14 years, while Sarah’s been here for 15. Both women started their careers at Liberty ARC as daytime DSPs, but after a few years they transitioned to the awake night shift.
“I wanted to work nights because I was going back to school and it worked really well with my schedule,” Sarah said. “This was supposed to be a temporary job, but I’ve made a home here. The awake night schedule works for me now because I can be with my family and I don’t miss anything.”
Back to School With Liberty ARC
“I never in a million years thought I’d go back to school…but I did,” Jane Ryle said. “And I’m so happy and proud that I did – it really boosted my confidence in my personal life and my professional life.”
Jane works a full-time job during the day doing administrative job recruitment for a home health agency, and at night she works as a full-time Direct Support Professional (DSP) Sleep-In for Liberty ARC.
Jane’s been working for Liberty ARC for 27 years, and during that time she’s worked in many different capacities as a DSP.
From DSP to RN – Educational Opportunities at Liberty ARC
“Liberty ARC is my home away from home,” Liz Ubiles said. “Working for this agency for 10 years has made me who I am. The support I received while I was going to school was so amazing that I wanted to stay after I graduated.”
40 Years at Liberty ARC
Kathy Friday has been working at Liberty ARC as an assistant hab specialist 2 for the last 40 years. She is one of the longest employed staff members at the agency. During the last four decades she’s seen the Liberty ARC, and society in general change, yet her reason for working at the agency remains the same, she enjoys caring for people.
Finding Her Home with CEN
For 34 years, Nancy Cole has worked at Liberty ARC. She’s worked in residential support positions, as well as day hab support positions, however, after all these years, Nancy said she’s finally found her favorite “home” with the agency’s Career and Employment Network (CEN) program as an employment support specialist.
Job Coaching That Builds Self-Confidence
“It’s rewarding seeing someone who’s struggling to find a job and struggling to make money become someone who’s maintaining a position and paying their bills and thriving independently,” Cyndi Moore, employment support specialist for Liberty ARC’s Career and Employment Network (CEN), said.
“You can make such a difference when you help someone achieve their goals.”
Kristina Wyman, has been working as an employment support specialist for Liberty ARC’s Career and Employment Network (CEN) for under a year, but she already knows she loves her position.
“You can make such a difference when you help someone achieve their goals,” she said. “It’s a great feeling to have and we have such a great team here at CEN – we all work together and help the people we support accomplish great things.”