Why did you choose to work at Youth Villages?
I have a friend who was working here at the time who told me about what Youth Villages does for the kids. He kept bugging me to come and apply because he felt that I would make a great role model for the kids. I finally applied and have been here ever since.
What positions have you held?
I came in as a teacher’s assistant, then shortly after transferred to the Recreation Department as a recreation therapist. Now I am the recreation manager.
What do you love about your current job?
I love interacting with the residents and that I have a chance to collaborate with people from other departments and volunteers from other companies.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day at YV is different, but normally I come in to ensure that the kids and staff in my department are doing well. I then work on projects, such as events for the kids or staff, or both. And in between, I attend meetings, perform trainings and work with my staff on therapeutic recreational activities for the kids.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your first year at Youth Villages and how did you overcome them?
Getting to know the residents and how to interact with them in a positive manner at all times, even when they get off task. I learned I had to just be myself and treat the residents like normal kids who had a bad hand dealt to them. With no time, the job became easier and easier.
What benefits or advancement opportunities have you taken advantage of?
I have been promoted and switched programs, and I am now using the tuition reimbursement plan that Youth Villages offers to its employees to obtain my master’s degree.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is considering working for Youth Villages?
When you come in, just be yourself, and the kids will like you better for it. Don’t try and be anyone other than that.
What do you think of as a success at work?
When a former resident came to my office a few years after he left Youth Villages and said that he had joined the army and found himself a nice girl that he planned on marrying and that he has really kept his head on straight. He just wanted to come by and let me know that and to say thanks for being there for him and for giving him all the long speeches that he used to hate at the time.
What has been the most rewarding experience so far at Youth Villages?
Just being able to be a positive role model for the kids.
