By Marisa Geitner, president & C.E.O. of Heritage Christian Services
I started this year writing about
family traditions and about the traditions that matter the most to us here at
Heritage Christian. It’s only fitting that as we turn to this season of giving
thanks that I’d count our tradition of compassionate care as one of things I
appreciate the most.
We make it a point to hire the best
people we can, but our employees have a choice in how they serve. For most of
them, that choice is to serve with patience and dignity and love. They don’t
just show up and coast through their shifts. They show up to make a difference.
And that’s what I’m thankful for,
for the hearts and hands that serve here. For a glimpse inside those kind
hearts, keep reading…
When I began working at Heritage it
was just a job for me. I thought just for a short while, as I was finishing my
degree. When you care for someone completely you can’t help but get involved in
their lives and want to make a difference. In making their dreams and hopes
come true I now better understand how to make things happen for myself and
overall how to be a happier person. A true caregiver. I don’t think that part
of me will ever change. To serve here means to care, care about people, care
about independence, care about compassion and most of all care for yourself and
your family better. – Emma Lange, direct support
professional at the home on Clover Street
 |
| Eilleen
Mendez and Maria Sanchez |
It has been a humbling experience to have worked at Heritage
Christian the past five years. It is like the analogy of a seed being nurtured
and blossoming! I have stayed at Heritage Christian because of the
fulfillment that I feel in doing Christ’s work in action by being the hands,
the eyes, the legs, and the voice of supporting the individuals that I
have been blessed to know and support.
– Maria Sanchez, assistant manager at the Nine Mile Point day program
 |
| Sam
Weinberg and Kelly Odrzywolski |
I look forward to working with the
young man I support each day. He always greets me with a big smile and says,
"Hi Kelly!" As a habilitation specialist I get to go to fun places
with Sam during the week as well as work on any skills around the house he
would like to learn. It makes me feel good about myself to know I am making a
difference in someone else's life and at Heritage Christian I feel that my work
doesn't go unnoticed. – Kelly Odrzywolski, community
habilitation specialist
I feel like I’m doing what God wants
me to do. I like helping people learn new skills so they can become more
independent, and I enjoy the opportunity to build relationships with the people
we support and their families.
– Jennifer D’Addario, direct support professional at the home on South Forest
 |
| Carlton Maxwell |
I came to Heritage Christian because
I needed a flexible schedule, but shortly after getting hired I fell in love
with the place and the individuals and Heritage became like a second home to
me. I enjoy seeing the individuals grow and overcome obstacles that many feel
they couldn’t do. I have been afforded the opportunity to learn and grow in a
field that I knew nothing about. What gave me the confidence to stay was the
values of Heritage Christian and knowing I already had these qualities in me
and Heritage was just asking me to combine my values with theirs. – Carlton Maxwell, assistant manager at the home on Larwood
