Carole, DSP

What made you want to get into this field?

I inherited this spirit and enjoy it so much. I grew up under my grandmother in Jamaica, who taught us how to help and care for others. She was a community midwife, and my role was to help her sterilize everything. As a teenager, I also assisted a neighbor elderly person for years. I wanted to help people gain independence for themselves.

What is an average day for you at The Jewish Board?

The days are varied. We do a lot of recreational activities with residents. For one individual, I know him well, so I know I have to ask them multiple times to join us – I don’t want to leave him out, so I wait for him. The clients are on a schedule and always expect me, so I love showing up for them consistently and assisting them. I have one man who lets no one else help him with hygiene but me, so I make sure I’m around for him as well as others. I also go out and shop for residents. I dress them and keep them tidy just like I dress my children or my family – they are clean and well taken care of.

I always look out for whatever shopping needs they have, replacing any pillow or blankets or anything else even before they have to ask. I KNOW MY CLIENTS and LOVE THEM SO MUCH. This is my second home, and they are my family.

What’s your favorite part about the work you do?

Seeing progress in clients and having them enjoy the activities we plan with them. I remember a resident who couldn’t tie his shoes early on. We came up with a song, and eventually, with enough time and practice, he learned. It wasn’t perfect, but nothing is, and seeing progress is always great for me.

At the end of it all, it’s really about how much I love the residents I work with. I once took a role outside of The Jewish Board, but the memories of all the great times I had with them and the things I helped them accomplish made me come right back after a few months! It helped me realize all the unexpected things that make a job feel fulfilling.

Which of our core values resonates with you most?

Strive to be Outstanding. My first former program director, Mr. Avromie Adler, taught me so much and always saw the best in me, including my dedication to leading with honesty and integrity. He encouraged me to learn, grow, and challenge myself early on, and I’ve never strayed from being impeccable with my word and in my effort to be excellent in service to others.

You spend so much time caring for others; what’s one way you practice self-care?

I recently got the opportunity to install a Jacuzzi-style bath in my bathroom, which is great for relaxing while listening to music on my days off!

What’s the last song you listened to?

I’m a slow Jams kind of girl. There’s a song called Fire on Fire by Sam Smith that I always have on rotation. I have one resident here who LOVES music. His mom and family came to visit him recently for his birthday, and he wasn’t interacting much. I was close by and knew what might help – I connected my phone to the boom box, and his mood shifted immediately, and he was up and dancing. His family was so grateful. Music is very important.