For Mariah, being a DSP is just another way to support others.
Unlike many residential DSPs, Mariah only works weekends because her full-time job as a kindergarten teacher keeps her plenty busy during the week. But even after spending a full week in kindergarten classrooms, Mariah said she still loves coming to the South Linden building on Little City’s campus every weekend to spend time with the residents and help in any way she can.
“It’s great being here and it’s always fun to spend time with the residents. They’re always excited to see me and I try to keep them active and just get them ready for their week.”
Mariah said the residents of South Linden are always happy to help her with the big grocery trip for the week ahead and getting laundry finished. But as a member of the Community Living Facility (CLF)Activity Committee, Mariah also helps residents plan all the fun weekend events, whether it’s a trip to a Schaumburg Boomers game, going out into the community, or even planning group activities for residents to do at home together.
When she first started at Little City just more than a year ago, Mariah said others told her how hard the job could be and all the challenges that awaited, but she said the relationships she has established with the residents of South Linden have made her job a joy.
“I spend my other job helping kids as a teacher so getting to come here to help people is great and I get to stay active with them and help them in different ways. It’s new compared to what I am used to. I just try to find out what they like, what they want to do and do my best to keep them active and engaged with things they enjoy.”