"National Church Residences was founded with Christian principles in mind. While those who are employed with the company are expected to be respectful of other religions and belief systems, employees are permitted to talk about their faith. In fact, I am even allowed to lead Bible studies and sing Christian Hymns with my residents. I have found that my position lends itself very well to form close relationships with not only the residents but also their family members. Because crises and even death are encountered regularly in my position, relying on my faith has proved helpful for me as I processed experiences, and it has been a welcomed tool when comforting those who are hurting or in distress."
Jessica's Career Journey
Prior to her current job with National Church Residences, Jessica worked as a Direct Support Professional at a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Working as a Life Enrichment Director
Jessica's main responsibilities include scheduling and facilitating activities for residents with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. Because of the population she works with and how the facility is set up, it is not uncommon for her to assist with the personal care of residents. She is also responsible for managing a monthly budget, orienting and training new activity staff, supervising and recruiting entertainers and volunteers, communicating with family members, and coordinating a volunteer program. Jessica is always striving to create meaningful experiences and purposeful activities for her residents. Some of the monthly activities include sewing baby bibs for a local organization, participating in intergenerational activities with local schools and colleges, sanding and assembling wood projects, gardening and preserving foods, making homemade ice cream and other baked goods, and engaging with the larger community through local outings.
How has HDFS prepared you?
"The two things that prepared me the most for my career as a Life Enrichment Director were:
1) My Internship Experience at Bethany Village in the Activity Department I was required to go through an Alzheimer's and Dementia training as part of my internship. The knowledge that I gained in that training alone made my internship worthwhile, but the first-hand experience that I was given in the Assisted Living Memory Care unit solidified the idea that I wanted to pursue a career working with Alzheimer's residents.
2) Strategies – The Strategies course was by far the most challenging part of my college experience, but it was also the most rewarding. The title of my Strategies project was: My Grandparent has Dementia: Helping Adolescents Avoid Crisis. I am so thankful that I pursued a topic that was relevant to the career field that I was hoping to enter. I took my Strategies binder to my interview with National Church, and my supervisor later told me that seeing the effort, knowledge, and depth of understanding that went into completing that program was what set me apart from other candidates. I would encourage you to put effort into your Strategies project, cater it to your career interests, and take it to each and every interview you go to."