Meet Mike!

March was Developmental Disability Awareness Month, and it’s also the month that Michael Kelly celebrates his tenth anniversary with Goodwill. Mike is a Program Manager for our Adult Day Services team in Berwick. He offers an incredibly nuanced take about those working in the field.

“When most people hear what I do, they say, ‘That must be so rewarding’ or ‘You’re doing such meaningful work.’ I try to shrug that off, because it’s way too sappy of a sentiment for me. It’s still work. It’s full of frustration and challenges and unpleasant experiences, just like any other job. I’m quick to erase the golden aura people try to place on me.”

He continued, “However, they are right in their assessment on occasion. It can absolutely be rewarding and validating. The moments like seeing someone read a poem to a full auditorium after weeks of preparation and doubt; seeing someone who refuses to participate in group activities start partaking independently without any encouragement; even just seeing someone advocate for themselves for things like schedule changes and types of services.

I love hearing, ‘I never thought they would do that’ from people, or having my clients come up to me and say, ‘I wasn’t sure about it, but since you were helping me, I decided to try, and I’m glad I did.’

“That’s the stuff that gets you.”

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