One Mom’s Perspective in her Role as an Essential Care Worker

by Mary Jo Kolaski. Direct Support Professional at Bancroft | May 7, 2020
One Mom’s Perspective in her Role as an Essential Care Worker
It will soon be my 25th anniversary working as a Direct Support Professional at Bancroft, an obvious time to reflect on my journey.
 
My mother worked as a teacher’s assistant at the Bancroft School, then located in Haddonfield, and I always looked up to her and the work she did. When I started working here, I was able to go back to school, and I found purpose in helping individuals with disabilities live their best lives.
 
Not only am I making a difference, but working at Bancroft has helped me become a better person. The women I support in a group home environment require a lot of direction and patience to help them with little tasks that many people take for granted. Through the years, I’ve found that as much as I’ve taught them, they have taught me to adapt and grow. It has given my life an entirely new perspective.
 
Just as I looked up to my mother as a child, my own four children now admire what I do - and the Covid-19 pandemic has made me prouder than ever to be an essential healthcare worker. This isn’t just a job for me - I really do love that every day is different and I am a role model for young adults with disabilities, helping them experience life as independently as possible. And we have so much fun! When they get so excited to see me, that’s when I know I’m doing my job.
 
Bancroft is hiring permanent full and part time positions in South Jersey, Greater Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware, to work in residential settings with children and adults.
 


Author: Mary Jo Kolaski. Direct Support Professional at Bancroft

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