Community Support Services, Inc.

Before coming to the US, there was this project by Bill Gates in Nigeria, and I was assisting the professor on his research program which had to do with the care of the elderly. With this I developed an interest in taking care of people, specifically people with developmental disabilities. I was able to see what they were going through and I was able to see that caring is sharing in what they are going through. In anything that you do you have to have that interest. And so when I immigrated to America I made up my mind that that was the department I would go to.

I do this work to help support people and make someone feel comfortable. I’m in nursing school now and just to be able to help somebody put a smile on their faces and be happy in theri home and support them with the help that they need. Especially when you help them and they’re happy with that.

Sometimes they make you forget the bad day you’re having and put a smile on your face.

Initially I was kind of skeptical about the job - but getting to learn the job and the individual who I work with I began to love and appreciate and drake pride in what I do. Before, back home I wasn’t so proud to tell my friends what I do, but then when I understood the individual and the prospects in the industry. They taught me how to be patient, and they taught me what it means to appreciate love.

My understanding about my faith changed. IT’s easy to talk about the word of god but then when the work you’re doing is purely and practicing from the bible. When you talk about patience there is no one who will teach you patience more than the people who we support and work with. No one else will teach you love the same way. If you understand the job it’s a wonderful job and I love doing it.

I'm a DSP because I have passion to help those in need of services. Just thinking of someone who can’t do something but him or herself and you have the opportunity to give a helping hand and it’s so nice it feels good to help someone who actually needs that help

I love it. I love doing what I’m doing. I love taking care of people assisting all the people. I had an experience when my mother-in-law was sick and I took care of her until she died. And then I realized I would do my best to help people, it’s like ministerial work, it’s like we’re working for god. When you take care of people you take care of me. I just love doing it.

I have a love of children and I’ve always worked with youth. In my professional life and my personal life I’ve always been around children - back in Sierra Leone I was very active working with disadvantaged youth and the individuals who we support at CSS fall into the category of some way disadvantaged. My experience before CSS ranged from people who were non verbal to those who were high functional and everything in between. No two people are the same, that’s why they call it a spectrum and that has always interested me how we all fall into the spectrum of existence.

I’ve worked for CSS for the past nine years. The AON position gave me the flexibility to work and go back to college at the same time, but it also allowed me to stay in the special education field. This job has kept my interest because I like helping vulnerable people with special needs and I have empathy for them. I also like the great relationships that I have with the people that I work with. It’s been pretty tough dealing with the pandemic. It was very scary because of the possibility of getting infected with a dangerous virus. But with all of the safety protocols that we were taught and our good practice of them, I’ve been able to escape the virus without being infected. Luckily, I was given the opportunity to take the vaccine, so I did and it gives me a peace of mind.

I have done a lot of different things in my life, and the truth is there’s no, even those with getting money there’s no satisfaction with that, the fact that I’m able to contribute to someone, to a family, to somebody’s life, it really means a lot. The satisfaction that you get at the end of the day when you’re in this job - nothing can compare with it. That’s the reason that I do that, being able to add value to someone’s life.

I’ve worked with a lot of different people, supporting them over the years. If you’re considering doing this work you have to put yourself in their shoes, if you do that you’ll understand them better and it only helps to build your conviction. Anyone who wants to come into this field you have to understand that the challenges that you face, some of them may feel very personal and you may feel all of them on a given day, but what you have to remember is that you are not dealing with people who necessarily thinks the same way you do and so the things that they may do and the things their actions make you feel you don’t have to take it personally. These past ten years here have taught me a whole lot, it’s taught me to be of service and what it’s taught me has transcended beyond working with this population and into my life. The reward that you get out of doing this work, nothing compares with it.

Being a DSP is a great job, but it requires a lot of discipline and patience. It’s important to treat the individuals like they are your own, treat them like they are your brothers or your kids. Don’t treat them any differently. I had no knowledge of autism when I started this job a year ago, but being a DSP has taught me and given me a lot more knowledge. It’s an important job. CSS gave me lots of training and I put it to use right away, even personally. I am a father of a twelve year old and a three month old. The knowledge that I have from being a DSP has made me a better father.

I like the job because I like to take care of people. I’m a mother too. And also my sister has a child with autism and has trouble back home in Ghana. My sister has one son and we love him very much. So when I came to America I heard about the job and decided to get one and help those who also have similar needs.

What makes this job different from other caregiving is the age group and the needs of the young are different - you move around with them like you do with your own children. I like my job very well and I always tell my friends that this is a very good place to work and that they should apply to CSS!

I’m a direct support professional because I have passion for the job, I have a special child too who has Down’s Syndrome, that’s my last daughter, I really have a passion for her, and so when I decided to work I decided to go into this field to be able to give love to give kindness to individuals because some people don’t get the love they really want. Before you can go to the job you have to have the passion for it, you have to be passionate about it to give what they don’t have to really give it back to them. Whomever I support I see as my own.

My cousin encouraged me to apply at CSS because I was a certified nursing assistant and had patience in working with other people. So I’ve been a DSP for the past three years. I used to work with seniors, but they didn’t go out a lot. This job is different … it’s more fun and interesting because they go out and do a lot of activities. You’re always busy with them. But the pandemic has made it difficult because you’re indoors a lot and you have to explain to them why they can’t follow their regular schedule. It’s difficult for them to understand. I like this job because I like to work with autistic people, I like helping them and I like working as a team in the house.

I like working with people with disabilities. I think that it’s the best place to be to learn about what people go through when they don’t have the same capacity that you have. I think it’s important because you deal with other people that cannot do everything like you would do and those people need help. It is good to help them achieve their goals.

The pandemic has made the job harder, we don’t have the same activities like going out, grocery shopping, going to the mall, socializing with other people but we’ve adapted and have figured things out.

CSS is a good place to be to work, we have a good management - people who are very helpful. If you need help you will find assistance, the management is just outstanding. I don’t know if I can ever find another place to work better than CSS. It’s a good place to be. And we have the best co-workers! It’s the whole team.

My cousin encouraged me to apply at CSS because I was a certified nursing assistant and had patience in working with other people. So I’ve been a DSP for the past three years. I used to work with seniors, but they didn’t go out a lot. This job is different … it’s more fun and interesting because they go out and do a lot of activities. You’re always busy with them. But the pandemic has made it difficult because you’re indoors a lot and you have to explain to them why they can’t follow their regular schedule. It’s difficult for them to understand. I like this job because I like to work with autistic people, I like helping them and I like working as a team in the house.

I like working with people with disabilities. I think that it’s the best place to be to learn about what people go through when they don’t have the same capacity that you have. I think it’s important because you deal with other people that cannot do everything like you would do and those people need help. It is good to help them achieve their goals.

The pandemic has made the job harder, we don’t have the same activities like going out, grocery shopping, going to the mall, socializing with other people but we’ve adapted and have figured things out.

CSS is a good place to be to work, we have a good management - people who are very helpful. If you need help you will find assistance, the management is just outstanding. I don’t know if I can ever find another place to work better than CSS. It’s a good place to be. And we have the best co-workers! It’s the whole team.

I love the job. It’s kind of the same field, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and this is a very good fit for me as a nursing student. And I love the work because I take care of people and that is my goal and what I am looking for as a lifetime thing. I love what I do.

A DSP job is important because we help individuals with their daily activities and take them to their doctor’s appointments. It’s important to me to help other people. The pandemic has made the job much harder because it’s difficult to find someone to sub for you when you need to take time off. To do this job, a person must have the courage to work with individuals who may have challenging behaviors. You must also have the confidence and faith in God that you won’t get the virus.

love helping people, I remember back home, growing up I would always be with my grandma and if you go out, and sometimes I would go and help other old ladies, because they need help and can’t do everything. My grandmother will tell people, that is her, she loves helping people.

I was curious about this type of job, so I tried it. After doing it for a while, I could see how much I could bring to these individuals and it was amazing. The pandemic has made the job harder because it changed our whole daily routine. It was stressful for the individuals because they don’t like change. It has been tough for me because I have to wear a mask during my long 16 hour shift, which is not easy, but you need to follow the guidelines. To do this job successfully, you need to be patient, compassionate and tolerant.

The job of a DSP is extremely important because we give help to individuals … we give love to individuals. We help them to survive. They need us. I feel that I have an obligation to help and take care of people. You never know, I can be in that situation one day or one of my relatives or any one of us. It’s everybody’s duty to take care of one another. To do this job successfully, you have to be caring, have compassion and have love for other humans. For me, the pandemic has been very difficult. It’s been scary. It’s messed up everything. We have to be careful and pay attention more than ever. We have to wear PPE, mask and face shield all of the time. We have to stay six feet away from everyone to be safe. It’s a sad situation. I don’t really like what’s going on right now, but what can we do? We can follow the science and hopefully one day, it will be calm.

I’ve been with CSS for seven years and being a DSP means to help individuals achieve their potential in life. To be a successful DSP, you need to be a patient person and a good listener. I chose to be a DSP because I love working and helping people. This job is very important because people with special needs need our help.

I got into this field through my nephew, who has a similar disability. I live with him every day and the love that they need, that’s the same love that I want to spread to my community and work with people with disabilities, serve them, try to understand that they are human beings like us and they deserve to be living a better life and a regular life like us.

When I was little, I took care of my grandma. I love taking care of people. So when I came to America, I wanted to take care of people. The pandemic has made the job harder because we have to wear a mask, face shield and gloves all of the time. We have to clean more, stay six feet away from the individuals and just manage things differently. To do this job well, you need to love them. If you love them, you can take care of them successfully.

I’m a direct support professional because I love helping people and that’s what I’m going to school for - for nursing - it’s what I’m passionate about it makes me happy. At a young age I always put other people first and this work is a natural part of who I am.

The number one thing about this job is patience. If you don’t have patience I’m not sure you can do this work. But it’s also a learning experience because it also teaches you about how to communicate differently than what we’re mostly used to.

I like helping individuals, to help people who need the help that’s why I’m here. I keep working because I need to help them. If someone wanted to work in this job, I would advise them to be nice, and remember that they are here for others. You need to make the people you support proud of what they can do.

I am a DSP because naturally I love helping others. I have the opportunity to do that during this job. I was in the finance industry before and I got tired of a sedentary job, I wanted something more, something that would get me moving and use my energy - so I started working part time taking care of an elderly woman. After that my interest grew and one of my friends talked to me about CSS and so I joined. I started as part time awake overnight because that’s what was available at the time.

It’s a pleasure to be placed on the wall at CSS. My journey here at CSS has been an abundant blessing to me and the participant that I serve.

When I came to the USA from the tropical island of Trinidad and Tobago, my whole intention was to become a nurse. I then signed up for classes at Montgomery college and was so excited to be obtaining great information. However, almost at the end of one semester, there came 2 students from the Mental Health class to recruit students to change to Mental Health. I then signed up and was transferred to Mental Health and graduated as a Mental Health Associate.

Immediately I began the MH program I got a job at CSS. As of today, I have no regrets. It’s now 21 years and I’m still here. it’s just that rewarding pleasure I get to serve as a DSP.

Why am I a DSP? It’s part of me.
When I came to America, I’m from Nigeria, my grandmother I had taken care of her, and
I wound up watching my grandmother because she was sick, people did things for her, that’s how I got into caregiving, interested, my mom and my dad do that, they work as direct support staff too. When I finished school and I was looking for a job, I thought I can do it
I went somewhere else,
Before the pandemic I used to work in an office, and I really didn’t like it, I really like being on the floor with people. And this job has a flexible schedule and I just love what I do.

I do love this job, I love the people. You have to have loves, when you have love for yourself you have love for others. I do my work with my whole heart. I don’t do it for the money.

I do this job because I’m very passionate about the individual who I work with - I like to work with people who need help and if you need help I will give you help and that’s for me the reason I choose to work with this population.

I came to work as a DSP because of my life experiences, I wanted to find a new way, something that would match how my heart is set up. And it’s been interesting. The job is not as hard as I thought it would be but it’s not as easy as I thought it would be. The key thing someone needs to know is that to do this work, you have to be patient and learn the paperwork aspect of it and the rules as far as reading the behavior plan for who you’re supporting. And whenever you get the chance, get as much hands on experience as you can.

To me, this work, it’s a form of giving back to people who can’t take care of themselves.
If you are not willing, if you don’t have the patience, if you don’t have the willingness to compose yourself during your work hours it's really frustrating - you really have to look at the people you support as your brothers or your children because you have to look at them as they are a part of you. Most people who do this job, they don’t do it for the money, because if it’s for the money then it’s not enough.

Sometimes everything that you go through in your life leads you to where you are now. Your past precedes your future and will bring you to where you need to be. When I was younger, I had an uncle who was blind, and so everyday living activities he needed somebody to help him around, so I was young, innocent, not knowing why always, he wanted me to help him, so I used to joke around by asking him “why amongst all the grandsons that you have you always need me?” And he always told me, “because every time when I call you, you always come.”

I love being around people, I like to learn and teach people skills and helping them to improve in their lives. I found that CSS is the place that I can get all this that I want, I am very very happy with what I am doing.

I like teaching, I like helping people and finding ways to help someone be independent and part of society. Many of those who we support don’t think the way everyone else does and it can be difficult to let them know what is going on and why their schedule has changed so much with the pandemic. We are all used to going out and being part of the community and now it’s completely changed which is a challenge for some people. We need to find the best ways to communicate why it’s not favorable for them to be out doing the same activities they used to do. However, it’s gotten a little bit easier as everyone has gotten used to the situation and the new schedules. To do this work, you have to have the love for helping people, and you have to have the love of teaching because we are teaching others how to lead an independent life.

In the past, I had worked with patients in Africa. When I came to the U.S., I worked at many different companies. For seven years, my main goal is to work with individuals because I love working with people. The pandemic has made my work harder, but CSS has provided a lot of guidelines for us to follow, so in some ways, it has made the job easier for me to work with the individuals. The house is a comfortable environment for me to work in and for the individuals to live in. While there are a lot of other people who don’t have a job, CSS has continued to provide us with the security of a job where we can work and pay our bills.

The reason I do this job is because I am making a positive impact on people's lives. We can’t take the small stuff for granted. We need to recognize the challenges that others face and support them. And the reason I work through the pandemic is because if we don't do it who will? Someone has to. I just feel it is an obligation.

I want to help people with disabilities. I know what their parents go through. I know parents have so much love for their children. Back home, in Nigeria, they do not have a system to care for people. America does a good job with supporting those that need support. I am happy to be part of it.

I like this job because CSS is a good company . We have a lot of good activities for individuals. When the pandemic started and we locked things down, I thought things would be boring. But, we have been able to stay active. The person I support knows what is going on. He wears a mask and he asks questions. I feel like we can get through this. I love CSS’s energy and how they help us get through this. They have provided masks, hand sanitizer, and they even have the house disinfected regularly.

I like supporting individuals with autism because I grew up in a home with a mom who had disabilities. I grew up helping my mom, so it has been a passion for me to help people with disabilities. The pandemic has made the job harder because we don’t go out for activities like we used to go. My client had lots of activities, like swimming and going to the park, but he liked shopping the most. He did the shopping for the house. It was a big part of him. Because of the pandemic, he can no longer do shopping and it has been difficult for him. During the shutdown, many people are out of a job, but I want to thank CSS because we can keep working and keep our job.

I took this job because I take pleasure in helping others. I have worked with the homeless, some of whom needed support. This seemed like a natural fit. I want to see what I can do to help.

I have sympathy for this kind of work. When I was in Ghana I used to work in a hospital. I have a passion to help people. While I worked at other places before CSS, here I was able to find the right place and that is what has kept me here for 8 years. Right now, during the pandemic, we, as staff, are struggling, so I know it is hard for the individuals we support. I know they need our help to get through this, and I am happy to do it.

When I first started working in this field I had no idea what to expect. But, I am very passionate about serving humanity. I have always wanted to do something that would allow me to serve others.

There was a point, when the pandemic started that I wanted to back out because I have a family that I have to think about. But, you can’t work just during the good times. I decided I had to keep working and to continue serving humanity.

This job is something I love. I look at the people I serve as a fellow human being and we need to love and care for them. I serve them as if they were my own family. I love this job so much that nothing is going to stop me from doing it, not even the pandemic.

I want to thank everyone, from administrative, supervisors, nurses and my coworkers at Buckingham for continuous support through this pandemic.
Working in this field can be challenging, but rewarding. Rewarding in the sense of aiding the individuals with their goals and watching them make the attempt or achieve their goals, can be very fulfilling. I have worked most positions within this field. I have worked with adults with intellectual disabilities, and kids in a diverse preschool/daycare class. One thing I learned when working with kids in the diverse class. They did not see their peers as people with disabilities, instead, they saw their peers as equal that needed help in certain areas. They also learned at an early age that we all need each other.
My quote is , " This too shall pass". It is hard when going through challenges or testing times, as we all are now. Going through requires patience, love and support. Whatever the challenge is, it alway takes its course. Sometimes the process is slow, and sometimes fast, but it always works itself out.
Thanks to everyone. Let's keep the team work and support going!

I have been in the healthcare industry for most of my life. One of the areas that have touched me the most is helping individuals with developmental disabilities. Individuals can be physically healthy, but their thought process can be challenging and their behavior can be like a kid. You have to realize that you are dealing with individuals who need help and that help is offered to them. The pandemic has created a lot of restrictions. Individuals cannot participate in most of the activities that they love, especially outdoor activities. We try to create other activities to help them out. It’s been tough, but we are doing our best to make sure that they stay safe and we stay safe. I see positive changes with my individual. He can put on his mask and stay with it for 10-15 minutes and that’s rewarding to me because he is able to comply to a certain extent during this COVID period.

Autistic individuals need to be included in the community and they have the right to express themselves in the community. I like to support these individuals because I want to help them achieve their goal of community inclusion. The pandemic has made my job more difficult because I have to wear a mask all of the time when working, which makes it difficult to breathe. I am coping with the pandemic because CSS has provided me with all of the necessary work equipment to ensure my safety. I think that every moment has been rewarding because CSS ensures my safety and they make me feel like I am part of the CSS family

I have the heart to help. Since I was in Africa I wanted to help others. I have worked as a CNA and I have worked in nursing homes. Then I decided to look at working in this field. I love helping people meet their goals and to be out in the community!

When the pandemic first happened I was so scared because I was thinking about my child. I did not know if I would be safe and if I could keep them safe. But, all the policies and equipment that CSS has provided has made me feel comfortable with my choice to work.

I am passionate about the job I do. I have someone in my family who is diabled. Everyone loves him for who he is. I have always had a possession to support individuals.

The reason I work during the pandemic is because this is hard on the individuals. They keep me going through this. I know they need our support.

As a mom I love all kids. My kids, and other kids, I love them all. And as a person who is very compassionate, I bring that to work and I have compassion for all the individuals I work with.

I was born to do this job. Helping people who are often ignored and not understood is important to me. If we didn’t have places like CSS, many people would be ignored and lonely and maybe even mistreated. Helping them develop skills and seeing how proud they are of their accomplishments is very rewarding. Putting a smile on faces, making someone feel secure, and sharing my love makes me happy.

My little sister has mental challenges and I have people who take care of her in Nigeria. I see the way she is treated and I don’t like it. That is what inspired me to work in this field.

The reason I work during the pandemic, is because I still believe that I can catch the virus if I go to the store or somewhere else. CSS is doing what it can to keep us safe.

The most important part of what we do, is the humanity aspect of it. If you are lucky enough to be born without any disabilities you need to be willing to take care of those that are in need. This value was put in me when I was young. We have to take care of those that need assistance.

I love helping people, especially people in need. When I was in Cameroon, my father had dementia, and I took care of him. Because of this experience, I felt I was prepared to do this job. I love helping people live a better life.

When I was in Africa I wanted to work in the medical field. When I came to america I was so happy to have the opportunity to help people. This job has been a great opportunity for me to help others.

Working during the pandemic is just part of the job. If you come from a medical background you know you can not back up when there is a crisis. That is not the nature of the field. If you back up you could lose a life. You have to move forward and do your best.

I like helping people, especially people with disabilities. I know that by providing assistance I’m able to help someone do the things they otherwise would not be able to do.

During this pandemic it is especially challenging. The individuals we support need us now more than ever before. I feel as if it is my duty to assist and provide a safe environment during the pandemic until things get back to normal.

I have a brother that has physical challenges and I use to help him. And, a friend of mine advised me that I should give this kind of work a shot. I am glad I did because I have learned a lot.

When the pandemic started I knew I had to keep doing this job. When I thought about the individual I support, I thought, if it was my brother what would I do. Once you are in this line of work you can’t abandon people in the middle of the road. You have to see they are cared for. And, CSS’s policies are good, this is most important at this time.

I like supporting individuals with autism because we need to help them achieve their goals and be part of society, like any normal human being. The pandemic has been difficult. I had the virus and could not come to work. Fortunately, the house has been COVID-free and the clients have never had it. It’s been rewarding to work with CSS because they appreciate the job that we are doing.

I have always been passionate about helping people and I knew I wanted to have a career focused on helping people in some capacity. I consider myself very lucky to have found what I am passionate about. I remembered when I applied, Ashley interviewed me then she said, I really like you and I have a prefect position for you(which was working in the school). When I first began working with the individual I support, I honestly struggled to better understand and support her. The more time I spent with her the more I began to accept and love her. I love the bond between us and her parents have thanked me for staying positive, celebrating the small victories and not giving up on her. I learnt that my job is to help her live life to her fullest potential. I have learned from her that staying positive and patient opens up more opportunities for success. It’s a privilege to be able to learn every day from children and adults who experience the world differently. I love my job.

I like supporting individuals with autism because I naturally like helping people. In my family, I was always the one who offered my help to people. For example, I helped my cousin, who was blind, and became his assistant. I like to help people and give back to the community.

The people we support, they are socially not able, so they need us to assist them and to help them take care of themselves. I think it's very important because everyone deserves a place in our world. The little I can do for them to feel okay, I have to do it.

To me this job is a human experience. I am a father and I have siblings. When I look at the people I serve I see my family. This job gives me a chance to grow and build knowledge. When I hear an individual say “I miss you” to me, it means a lot.

Starting working here at CSS firstly to make ends meet, I was actively looking for a job, and CSS offered me an opportunity. It was a hard struggle at the beginning, given my mentality and the lack of knowledge and experience working with people with disabilities. What at first seemed like a short temporary job has turned into a life journey, that has been going on for years.

I choose to work because if we don’t do it, no other person is going to do it. They can’t speak by themselves, so that’s why I do what I do, because when something happens, you have no choice but to do it. If I don’t do it, there will be no way for the individual to be by themselves, so they need somebody. We gotta be there for them.

I do this job because I love to take care of people. I have worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and group homes. I love my job. I love taking care of people and helping them.

I feel this is a job that we have to be there for the people we serve. If you are in the health field you have to be there for them right now!

I have a niece who is autistic in France. I know how she behaves, and I know what autism is from first hand experience. When I heard about CSS I decided to apply and I was assigned to work at Dairyton. I have now been working there for 8 years. I love what I do and I just have to say “thank you”!

Supporting individuals with special needs brings a host of unique challenges and opportunities. The individuals that I work with make every day fulfilling; and I know my work is making a positive impact in helping each individual to grow, gain skills and work towards independence.

My Aunt was diabled, she had autism. I was little and I used to help where I could. People would laugh at her because she was different. When I came to the U.S. I learned more about autism and I found myself at CSS.

They need us to work for them, the individuals need us to take care of them. Even though there’s a pandemic, we have to be there for them.

I used to work at a hospital back home in Cameroon, and I would take care of people. When I came here I wanted to continue helping people. This job helps me to do what I want to do!

I was going to school for nursing but now I am focusing on IT. I started doing this work because a friend told me this job is a good one to have if you are in school. Once I started doing this work, I began to enjoy it. I find the people I support adorable! Any time I think about leaving, I think of them and I can’t do it. It has been great working with them!

I like to work with the individuals and help them. I know with this pandemic, some people may not want to work or take care of them, but because I love them, I want to take care of them. It’s important because we help them in so many ways. Because they don’t know anything, we have to protect them to be safe throughout the year.

I was a CNA before I started working at CSS. I really like helping people and this has been a great job because it allows me to do this kind of work.

I am very passionate about helping people, especially people with special needs. This job has been a blessing for me. I know how to communicate with all kinds of people and when I am working, I communicate differently based on the individual I am supporting.

I had just arrived in this country and was working at Home Depot. A very good friend of mine was working at a similar agency to CSS, and she suggested that I apply for a job there. I said that I didn't think I could do this kind of work but she said “you are very loving and kind, you will do a good job and love it.” Seventeen years later I am still doing this kind of work! You have to be passionate and patient to do this kind of work. I have a passion for it, I love being an advocate for the people I support. Though I have to be professional, the people I support are like my kids.

My brother introduced me to this kind of work and to CSS. I have kids and I try to see myself in them. It is similar with the people I support, I try to see myself in them. When I first started working at CSS I was working with the school, and when the individual I was supporting aged out, I followed him to the adult program. I am very close to him and I wanted to continue supporting him.

During this pandemic, I think we’re still going about our normal activities, but we just have to strictly follow the procedure to stop or prevent the spread of COVID, by giving distance, washing our hands, and making sure the individuals are also following the same procedures so the spread of the disease will not be so much. At this crucial moment, individuals still need people to guide them, but if we are not making ourselves available to help them, they will be left alone. This would be extremely difficult because they are slightly impaired, mentally, they can’t get to do what they’re supposed to by themselves.

On why he continues to work through the pandemic:
It is war! We have to fight it, and we have to survive. We know what will keep us safe here at work, and we know what will keep our families safe at home.
<When he began working at CSS> I did not know what I was getting into. This was my first job in the US. I felt this was a commitment and now, I am attached!

I have wanted to help others, and to be able to make someone smile. Working here, we have become a family. It could be me that needs help. We all have to be willing to help each other.

When I was in high school a classmate of mine was susceptible to seizures. I would be there when he would have some of his episodes. This made me interested in helping others. After highschool I started working with a family doing similar work that I do now at CSS. A friend of mine told me about CSS so I decided to apply. I have now been here for 5 years now. The longer I am here the more like family we become. Individuals, coworkers, and the families of the individuals, are all like family. It would be hard to leave. CSS has been good to me.

I’m a people person and I love to help, it is in my nature. I have been working with the individual I support for over 20 years. I started on the residential side and then moved over to the vocational side. It is the relationships that I made along the way that have kept me working this many years, and through this pandemic. I don’t see why COVID-19 should scare me and keep me away from this Job and the individual I have supported for so long. CSS is like family. With CSS guidance I know we can get through this. I trust the safety measures that are in place. They will see us through this crisis.

I have compassion for helping others. You have to have patience to help people and have a willingness to help those in need. I have faith in my brothers and sisters!

Working through the pandemic is challenging, I am about to be a father so I have to think about my family. But, I also have to continue doing my job, how will the individuals I support get by without the assistance we provide to them. This is why we have to follow all of the precautionary steps and wear our PPE. It keeps everyone safe. The individual, our families, our coworkers and ourselves. We can not do this by ourselves, we have to pull together.


Money will come and go but the love and support we give will remain with us for a lifetime.

This is a job of passion. We all can make an impact in someone's life, in one way or the other, everything in life takes passion to do it. If we all examine ourselves we will find that passion, to do more than beyond. When you like something, you want to give back to other people. This is a challenging job, so it’s not something everyone can do. I can say this is a calling, because I’ve been doing it for awhile and I have a passion for it.

I have a medical background and I like to take care of others. I had a desire to do this kind of work and I am happy to do this job. I continue to work through the pandemic because we have good protocols in place and we have the PPE we need to keep everyone safe. I love what I am doing and the people I am around. I have zeal for this work!

I like doing community support work. I like helping people improve their quality of life. I used to work with individuals that were experiencing mental health issues, but I made the switch to work at CSS 2 months ago. I took this job during the pandemic because this is the kind of work I want to do and someone has to do it, even during the Covid crisis. I am enjoying getting to know all the different people. As a floater it is nice to get to meet so many people.

I am comfortable with working with children and I used these skills to start working in this field. The people I support need attention and they need someone who can be patient. I like working with them. I am in a situation where I can continue to do this job during the pandemic. My children are back home in the Ivory Coast. I figure I can continue to work so I should.

I love my job, and helping individuals with disabilities to build their lives, to be like everybody else.

I like to help people and I use to work with the people who are elderly. I heard really good things about CSS so I decided to come work for CSS. It was a good decision. I really like working with people who are autistic. I continue to work through the pandemic because I feel like the individual I am supporting is like family. You don’t abandon family.

I work during the pandemic because the clients are like my family, I can’t leave him, so I do it for him. They are individuals who can’t help themselves, so we have to help.

used to work in the healthcare field. Then, onday, I decided to try working at CSS and I have been here ever since. I love the environment here at CSS, including the individuals, my co-workers and my supervisor. I like problem solving with my team. I feel I have the endurance and patience for this job. When COVID-19 hit, it was challenging for everyone. But, with the advice, training, and PPE we receive, we can get through it.

I think right now, the clients we work with need our help. There is no way we can abandon them and sit at home. Even though the situation is serious out there, at least we’ve heard about so many people affected by it, but we feel it’s our job to do. And besides that, CSS has been able to guide us however to keep safe, keep our clients safe, keep our families safe too.

I used to work in Nursing Homes with Individuals that had Dementia and needed help with their ADLs and I wanted to change, so I decided to work in this field. Working in this field, at the beginning, was challenging and rewarding at the same time. It was challenging because I had to learn different behavioral techniques to cope with the job requirements. Through the Individuals, it is deeply rewarding to get to see the world from a perspective that is different from my own. I am so grateful to these individuals for sha(anring part of their lives with me.I consider them my second “family.”

I have a nursing background and I have worked at Suburban Hospital, Shady Grove Hospital, and other hospitals. I lost my job, so I decided to apply to CSS and this was my first time working with people with disabilities. Once I got started, I started showing the individual I was supporting love, and then they started showing me love, and then this job became easier. When I started I was working at a sleep house and my husband didn’t like it. We kept talking about me taking another shift, but I ended up staying at that house in that position supporting the same individual for 5 years! I have now switched to a day position and am an EIA, and I have worked with lots of individuals.

When I first came to this country I started working as a security agent, and a friend told me about this job. I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to improve my English speaking skills; I started working next door (CSAAC) and a co-worker, a CSS employee, advised me to apply here. When I applied for this job, Susan Ingram interviewed me and she asked “Are you going to do this job wearing that suit?” I replied: “If I don't get this job, how will I afford another suit?" She asked Ashley to give me that position!

I grew up with military training, I was in the Junior Airforce ROTC when I was in school. My motto is “Service Before Self.” I was studying nursing and I decided to branch out and try and find other ways to help others. Everyone needs a helping hand. I have seen the hidden talent of the people I support. I love being part of that. I want to help contribute to this. This is my motivation to get through the pandemic.

There are two reasons why I do this job. First, I like to help people. Second, this job works well with my school schedule. I don’t like to let people down, especially when people need you the most. This is the best way to serve people. I have been with the individual I support for 2 to 3 years now. This is when he needs me. I have the PPE I need, and I can do this job safely.

I have always had a passion for children and adults with special needs. I have always had a passion in my heart for this kind of work. To do this job you have to have love, passion, commitment and patience. I have a bond with the people I support. I respect them so much. I always make sure they know they can do anything. They love me and I love them.

I used to work as a CNA at a rehabilitation center in Boston. When I moved to the area, I knew someone who worked at an agency that is similar to CSS and she described the work she did. I had been working with individuals who were elderly and decided to give this kind of work a try, so I decided to apply for a job and I have been doing this work ever since.

When I was in Africa, in Cameroon, I had family members who had disabilities and I used to help out a lot. When I came here to the U.S. it was easy for me to make the decision to do this kind of work. I continue working during the pandemic because I hope, and I believe that that everything is going to be fine. We are going to get through this if we follow all the procedures. We have to follow all the procedures.

I like what I do, there was not a way to leave or to hide in time of crisis. As a direct support, I am called to support my clients whenever they need me. I couldn’t leave during the pandemic.

I know I have to do this, support my individuals. It’s very important because I cannot leave them, I need to be there for them when something like the pandemic happens. So I want to be there for them. Supporting them with their daily activities is important because they don’t choose to be the way they are. It’s important to me to know I’m able to help them be independent or so something for themselves.

I came to this field because I wanted to be a helper. I learned to be patient and to teach. I want to contribute to society. I feel like I do something that I can be proud of. I want to work with people that I can contribute to their life. I want to be a helper.

Back home, in my country, I was working on a degree in public health and epidemiology, I had an internship working with people that had autism. But, in my country they don’t call it autism. I became very interested in this kind of work. When I came to the US I was excited to do this kind of work.. I want to take what I learn back home to Cameroon one day.

I have a passion for working with people who are in need. I used to work with elderly people. I just love helping people and contributing to their wellbeing . I want to be in the medical field, I am studying to be a LPN and CSS has worked well with my education requirements. I was even able to change my shift in the past when I had to to meet my education requirements that conflicted with my schedule. I am happy that I have a job during the pandemic and can continue going to school.

When I came to this country I enrolled in a class for medical and billing and was certified and ready to start working in this field. I then spoke to a friend who was working with CSS. I was interested in the work they were doing because back home I had a nephew who is autistic and I used to take care of him. I became interested and I decided to apply. It has been great, I enjoy this job. I enjoy working with the individual I support and I enjoy their family. I am very happy with my decision and this is my career now. I love helping people with special needs.

I used to work as a security officer at an apartment complex and I had a passion to help others. I used to help some of the senior citizens and I would help carry their groceries and things like that. I also love working with children. Since I had a passion for helping people I decided to work in this field. I love having the opportunity to help people accomplish things they might not be able to do without my support.

I like and want to take care of the guys and make sure they are safe. Because they are special, so I like to work with them. So I want to improve their living activities and make sure they are okay.

I’ve worked here very long, it’s become part of my life. It’s important because I see the individuals’ needs, I studied them, I got used to them. I know when they’re angry, I know when they’re hurt. June next year will be 10 years with them.

One of the reasons I work is because I have an empty nest now, and I miss it so much. And I like helping others, so because I have an empty nest, I can give that love to someone else who really needs it because my kids are not home anymore. And I like to help those who can’t help themselves as much. This work is important so that individuals can live the life that others live, they can have happiness like other people have. And when they need someone to teach them something new, we need to teach them the things they need to know. And they need someone to love them and care for them, as much as anyone else.

I’ve been working before the pandemic, so I never saw a need to abandon them because of the pandemic. We need to be them with or without the pandemic. Just because individuals have disabilities doesn’t mean they need to be overlooked in society. They’re just like normal people like us. Whatever we and I can do to help, I make sure I do my best.

I love to take care of people. I was a stay at home mom for quite some years. It is the love I have for people that makes me do this job. The motivation is love and the love I feel when doing this job. Even during the pandemic I feel rewarded by the love I get from doing this job. Now more than ever!

I have a passion for the work I do. It makes me feel useful to society. I love to assist the individuals we support and to help them gain independence and the ability to do activities on their own. Who is going to do this job if it is not us? The pandemic has provided me with the opportunity to show everyone the love I have for the individuals we serve.

I come from Sierra Leone in West Africa and we didn’t have a way to serve people with developmental disabilities. We did not have a great way to give them a meaningful life. It was all up to the family members. People also had superstitions. I said to myself, that they have rights too. When I came to the US I was thrilled to see the services that are offered to individuals that are developmental disabled. I am grateful to be able to work in this field. I am also happy to be able to bring the things I learn back home. I feel like I am able to contribute when I go home and help people build better connections.

I was working in a nursing home. Someone encouraged me to apply to CSS so I did, and I am glad I did! I continue working throughout the pandemic because I have passion for those that need help. And, I am glad we are able to keep everyone safe.

I have always been a teacher. I used to substitute teach when I first came to America. And I used to help children that had special needs. I get joy from helping others. And I feel it is my calling to work with the people I support. This is my calling and it is natural for me. I love doing this job, and the people I support love me too.

I work during the pandemic because it’s important and I like to be there for others. I’m just trying to make sure people are safe and taken care of, because they don’t really have anybody else.

My clients need the support, so I have to take care of them. It is important because they need the support and some of them, they really do need us, especially at this point in time. With the pandemic, they are so vulnerable to get the virus, so they need us at all times.

I’m doing this because I know they really need me, so let me just do it. It’s really difficult, but you know, I have a baby. And I put myself at risk, but if somebody needs me, I have to do it. If I don’t do it, who’s going to do it for them? They need somebody to help them out, so that’s the reason I’m here during this period.

I have always loved working with humanity, especially those that might be disadvantaged, or underrepresented. I used to work at a similar agency and when I heard about CSS I was intrigued. I was very interested in working with the population we serve. The job has been challenging but has also been very rewarding.

I am passionate about working in this field. I have a family member who is autisitc and I used to help him. I had a friend who worked with CSS and he encouraged me to apply. So I applied and was happy to get the job. When I first started it was tough, but now with the support of the team, and the policies and procedures that are in place it has become easier. I am happy to work at CSS, and to work with my coworkers and the individuals here at CSS.

I like to be involved in caring for other people. When I came to America my child was a baby and was not talking. I thought he might have autism. I started looking up services and found CSS. I decided to start to work for CSS so I could learn how to take care of him. Though my child is not autisitic, I decided to continue working at CSS because I love caring for people.

I want to help individuals, I want to help people be independent. When I started looking for a job I didn’t know this kind of work existed. A friend of mine told me I should apply at CSS and when it was offered I eagerly accepted. Serving the community is the most important thing. I am still doing this job through the pandemic because the individuals still need our help and they still need our services.

I am very proud to be part of CSS. The staff and clients are both great, and I love the mission. I can’t think of anything I would rather do with the rest of my life then stay right here doing what I’m doing here with all of you. I love it here.

I have always worked as a caregiver. I used to work with individuals that had Alzheimer's before coming to work at CSS. In this life, you should always do unto others as you would have them do unto you. My ultimate goal is to help others. I have two hands, one to help myself and one to help others. I want to thank CSS and for my team and the supervisor for their support. I also want to thank the individuals at Tribeca, they are amazing. I just love what I do.

I’ve been doing this before the pandemic, so I just saw it needless to stop as the pandemic has been on. So these are things we do and also contribute to the lives of others. During this time, the individuals don’t actually know what is going on. So it’s our own place to help them, since in most cases, they need some help to carry on with their activities.

I’m doing this work because I like helping, first of all, and I’ve been doing this for almost 10 years. So this is something that I like to do. In any situation, they are like family. They can’t see their family members. I don’t know that there’s no risk with the pandemic, but you have to help, it’s always important to give your hand to help someone with needs.

I have friends at CSS and they suggested I should apply for a position. I like to work with individuals that are autistic because I like to help people. This job works well for me because I am in school and I can take classes and still do something that is rewarding. I continue to work through the pandemic because I started working with the person I support before the pandemic got started. I could not just stop working with them because of the pandemic!

I have a passion to help others. I really like what I do. Plus I get paid for it! For me this is a bonus. I used to work in a nursing home, someone told me about CSS, and I decided to apply because I like to teach, I have a passion for it. Just because of the pandemic I am not going to leave my job. I still have a passion for what I do. And someone has to do this job. I am not going to leave the individuals I support just because of a pandemic.

I choose to work in this field because I like to help. I like to be involved in doing something that helps others. I want to invest myself in contributing for our individuals to have a better life. When I was a kid back home I lived next to an orphanage. They were my friends and my parents were missionaries. Ever since then I have liked helping others. I like doing this job. Right now I don’t want to do anything else. Pandemic or not, I like doing this job. During the pandemic the individuals we support need more care than ever before. To do this job we need to have a lot of love to share. Without love you cannot do this job. I would like everyone to take a few seconds of silence in memory of my late client and beloved Karim Moussavi who passed away two months ago.

I have a brother that has autism. That really motivates me to want to help others. I used to work at Marriott Hotel. Then one day I decided I wanted to do something different. I wanted to do something that would allow me to help other people. The people we work with respond to our kindness and patience even if they can not say so. When I started working here I worked with individuals that no one else wanted to work with. Even I was reluctant to work at that house. But once I started working it was not as hard as I thought it would be. I worked at that house for two years before I had to transfer for personal reasons. I really developed a relationship with the individuals who lived there. One day I convinced one of them to wear a dress to a CSS event and everyone was excited to see this individual in a dress.

I’m a direct support professional because I have compassion. I know that I’m imperfect and I look at others and I used to ask myself “if it were me? If I were in that situation? What would others do for me?” so I try to do what I would like to do for me. I try to do for others because you never know what tomorrow would be. Before becoming a DSP I worked in a hospital setting and I helped a lot of people who are not well. And for 9 years as a teacher for secondary and high schools, I still felt that I was not doing enough empathetic work which I am passionate about. There was something lacking and so I began searching for a place where I could use my passion to assist other people.

I get delight and satisfaction working with people - that’s my passion. I started in the social care field in the UK in 2004 and I don’t think there’s any section that I haven’t worked. It is my passion and so when I came to the United States CSS was a good opportunity to work near my house. The one thing that people need to know about the individuals that we support, I don’t see them as disabled, they’re simply limited in what they can do but there is a lot that they can do. They have their own skills and potential and don’t deserve the label that some people will give them.

I’m a Direct Support Professional because I love what I do. I’m the kind of person who believes that you give what you get. A DSP should always be a person who puts themselves in another person’s shoes. Especially as a mother I always said to myself I don’t know what God is going to bless me with and working with people where you don’t know what is going to happen you have to put a smile on your face and you have to put in 100% every day

“The reason why I do the job is because otherwise individuals with disabilities wouldn’t have anyone to work with them. So we have to devote our time to give them good health. Also, I like the job. Even though it’s a challenging job I like to see them in very good health. There are a lot of challenges but if you want to help someone you have to exercise patience and know their behavior plan in order to help them. I would tell anyone who wants to be a DSP that the first priority is to be patient with any person that you are working with because if you are not patient you will never be able to work with the individual and you won’t be prepared for their behavior or other action that they will do.”

“When the individual I support contracted COVID, I couldn’t say I wouldn’t work with him, that wouldn’t make any sense, to do so would mean that you don’t like your job, and I like my job so there was no need for me to leave him. I had to work for better or for worse. I’m a humanitarian and this is a humanitarian job and I do it wholeheartedly. Being a DSP, doing this work, you get to be human.”

Before coming to CSS I worked in a nursing home and I was looking for a change, while still staying in health care. I wanted to work with younger people so that I could make an impact in their lives. I feel like I’m doing that as a direct support professional. When I go home at the end of the day I know that I’ve helped someone. My mother died at a very very young age and so when I see someone who cannot help themselves or who cannot make their own judgement and I can be there and say this is good or this is not good. At the end of the day I can say at least I was able to help someone else get through the day.

Covid makes it all harder because we can’t do what we normally would do. But somebody has to keep working. The people that we support, they’re like our families too. If we don't do it, who’s going to do it? They need support and care and their needs don’t stop because of COVID. I love everyone that I’ve worked with and even when I’m not at work I feel as if I should be, and that I could be doing more and that feeling keeps me going. The connection I have with them, the connection they have with me, it’s priceless. I love them, I love what I do, I love the difference I make in their lives. And I love the difference they make in my life too

Since I was a kid back home in Africa I loved to support people. I have compassion to help people either with disabilities or in the hospital. I have ambition to become a nurse or a doctor one day. It’s my nature. I didn’t know jobs like this existed before I came here. But once I did I thought I need to do it. The house I work in did have a situation with COVID, two of the other staff got it and we were all in quarantine. And I kept working through it all. My own belief is that if the need arises, you’re saving lives. It’s all part of saving lives and we all need to do that.

I enjoy my job. I like coming to work and seeing Kayleigh and Emily and everyone else. If I hadn’t of kept working when COVID started, I would have been sitting around and it would be very depressing. But in the beginning it was hard. I was very emotional and I had to stop watching the news because it was scary. And I have family at home so it was a challenge for me.

“We have to help the individuals we support, if we don’t, who will help them? They need us and we have to make ourselves available. It was scary my first time when I had to take Ryan to the hospital. And as he stayed sick, and then a week went by and I became brave. When someone is sick they need my attention and so I have to help.”

CSS is a convenient place to achieve personal goals while helping others to better their life, well-being, and improving their own potential.

I like to help people. Back home I used to take care of my godmother. I had to take her to doctor’s appointments and help feed her. I have a compassion for human beings. When I came to the US I was excited to apply for this kind of work. My goal is to help people with disabilities be more included in the community. This is my contribution to them. I continue to work during the pandemic because it would be unfair to not do the job. Just because there is a pandemic does not mean they don’t need our support. Even though we are in a pandemic we have to continue to do our best. We have to go the extra mile to help them.

I would love to thank everyone who has helped me become successful at my job. Like we say, together we do better, and if you love what you do, you won’t work another day in your life. Thank you.

I have five kids. When you work with an individual that is autistic you see similarities. So the love you have for your kids you have to use that same kind of approach to assist them. You have to realize that they sometimes think in the same ways. The person I support needs that same kind of love and support. When I go on vacation, I have to call and check in on him. I can’t abandon him just because there is a pandemic. It would be like abandoning one of my kids.

For them, (COVID) is something they don't understand. You have to tell them to keep their distance, to train on the mask. They're getting there but it's been really hard for them. One thing though, walking is part of the routine. And even when he couldn't go on a home visit, one of the activities he would do with his mother is go on walks and so we replaced that in our community.

I was home when the pandemic started. I was asked if I was willing to work and I said “no”. I thought it would be two weeks. My heart was heavy when I was off. I was always thinking of the people I support. I decided to come back, and the individuals I support did not recognize me with my mask on. It broke my heart. I saw the individuals I support on Zoom and I saw that they had grown. It made me come back to work. I can’t wait for this pandemic to be over so we can do all the activities that we used to do.

I love taking care of people. Back home, I used to work in an agency where I used to take care of people - it was always my hobby. I love it and I love to help people. I love to support people so they can become independent. My sister helped me to find my job - it was one semester. I was taking care of an old lady, giving her a bath, cooking for her, and from that experience I knew that I can take care of special people.

I like to help people. One of my family members was sick and they needed somebody who would just give them help. And I always have the heart to help people. When I got this job, I didn’t really know what would happen but I wanted to help and do more. It's in my personality to be helpful.

I have the compassion to help people, especially the less privileged and people in need. The passion I have has guided me to do this work. I like to be treated well with respect, which is why I see God in every human. Like the saying, "treat others the way you ought to be treated.”

To make a difference, I have to contribute to the change. I feel blessed doing this job because there is an inner satisfaction and happiness I get when I am able to make a positive impact in someone's life.

I started working in this field because I have a brother that is autistic. I used to take care of him back in Cameroon. I know this job takes commitment and compassion. When I came to the US I did not know that this kind of work existed. Back home everyone had to take care of their own family members if they needed care. When I discovered this kind of work existed I was eager to do it.

When I got (to the United States,) I worked with young kids long term. I had a friend that was working at CSS and they introduced me to the kind of work that we do. When (CSS) called me to come into work they wanted me to start the next day. I had to get a friend to help me get to (the house.) I started working that Sunday from 10 to 3. After I was done, I was called and asked how did it go, I said fine, so I was then was asked if I could start on Wednesday.

I started working in this field because back home I was a social worker. Helping other people with a different background helps us grow. We learn from the people we support. We learn about how we can adapt to other people's behavior and how we can support others. Everyday I come to work it is a learning experience.

Working through this pandemic has been scary at times. When it started I was pregnant and I felt was putting my life at risk. Then the house I was working in was shut down and I stayed home until after giving birth. While I was out, then the house had COVID positive cases and it was time for me to come back.

It’s by God’s grace that I find myself at CSS. He has given me the passion that makes me able to do this job supporting vulnerable individuals.

I like helping people in general. Nursing has been my career choice and is what I studied in high school and in college. My younger brother is autistic and I used to take care of him. This job really gave me an opportunity to use the knowledge and skill from my background. If I can help my brother, I know I can help other people too. Since working at CSS, I have improved my skills a lot. What I have learned has helped me to be able to take care of the individuals I support and it has helped me to also take better care of my brother.

You have to love what you do

If you can’t find the passion you shouldn’t do the job. You have to love them and you have to treat them as your own.

I didn’t have a job and I did not know what I was getting involved with. A friend of mine told me about CSS, and I remembered a kid I knew who had autism back in France. I saw the growth the kid experienced from someone who was very patient with him. I saw it as a challenge and wanted to help. You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. It was a big challenge for me at the beginning, it really taught me how to be patient. I really did not know how strong the lady was back in France that was working with the kid who was autistic. I found a whole new level of respect for her!

It’s been a journey since this thing started. I thank CSS for this opportunity that lets me express my empathy toward all CSS staff and individuals that we serve everyday. The skills are used in various domains specifically behavioral management , social interactions and many more have help me promote better living to the individuals we support within the CSS community. I have been so delighted to be part of the CSS team that shifts the way people think about the special needs population.

I also thank CSS for all the training that we have gained so far to protect ourselves and our individuals. Let us continue applying all procedures to be on the safe side for ourselves, individuals, family and community.

My mom introduced me into this field. She use to work with children with autism. It is because of her I fell in love doing this kind of work. I keep coming to work everyday, even during the pandemic, because of the relationships I have built here, and the passion I have for this work.

People around me help me too much. So for me to be direct support staff and assist others to reach their goals is like I’m giving back

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First I like the job, and I have been working with the individual I support for a long time. Everyday she asks me, are you coming tomorrow. I could not think of not working with her, especially during the pandemic. She does not see her parents, it is hard for her.

I think it’s important to assist people as a DSP because it’s helping myself. The people we support are great people; they just need someone by their side to adjust and do the things in the community that they enjoy.

I have been in this field for 11 years before starting working with CSS. I have a son who is autistic, CSS was a perfect way for me to find out more about Autism. CSS has educated me a lot on how I can help him. This is why I go the extra mile to help the individuals that CSS supports.

I like what I do. I have a sister that has autism and it’s important to treat everyone the same. I’m happy working with people with disabilities.

First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to help. When I was growing up back home, there were people that were autistic and we did not know how to help them. When I came to the country I saw individuals that are autistic in the malls and all around. My father helped teach me that it would be good to work with them. Coming here, and doing this work has made me a better person.

I continue to work through the pandemic because I have that kind of love for the people I work with. I have three kids and I know the people I work with need my support. I love them as a family.

In the beginning it was extremely challenging for the people I support. The pandemic has changed our job in so many ways - our life is not how it used to be in the past six months and things have changed tragically, our social interactions have been stopped and the old schedules are gone completely.

<On why the role of a DSP is important> It’s very important because you learn too. You learn how to be patient, you learn how to prevent some behavior and you learn how to know what people in that type of situation will behave. The people we support have to be in the community with everybody with the rest of people because they are human and they have rights too.

I’m passionate about the job I like being helpful in the community so I think that being a DSP is one of the ways to help the community especially people with developmental disabilities.

I am proud of the education and knowledge I have received in regards to working with autistic children. I have learned a lot! Since working at CSS I have really learned how to approach individuals and fulfill their needs. I would love to pursue a teaching certificate to teach children that are autistic.

I love to work with the individuals I support. How could I stop.

I know the people I work with, we are the immediate people they know. They miss us if we are not there. And I miss them if I don’t see them. That is why I continue to work during the pandemic.

I have always loved helping people. If I see someone going through something that I can help with, I want to help. I always like to be in a place to help them reach their goal. To help them get to where they want to get to in life. There is one belief that I have . I alway do what I love. And I love what I am doing. What I am doing brings joy and happiness to me. When I treat people better in life I know that I will be blessed and my family will be blessed.

I am proud of the idea that I am helping people with disabilities. I am important for their future.

<when asked why he continues to work during the pandemic> It is just the people, I feel obligated to the other staff and my supervisor. Everyone is so nice. Angela and Sean and many others have been supportive. It was a little tough when I got started but now I feel committed to them.

I like to take care of people since I was young. Back home I would work with children that were abandoned. I have always liked doing this kind of work. I need to help people when they are in need. I like to see them happy

I feel happier with what I am doing now more than ever. I feel like a partner in regards to the team I am on. We all are communicating so much better now. Also things like Zoom and other virtual activities have been a great addition. I feel that we are able to do so much more now. My friend, the individual I support, is so much happier now! The zoom dance and other activities have been so good for us.

I have been around people autistic since I was 10, My sister works with autistic people. I feel like I can give them more. I can help them be out of the community. I just have a big heart for them. It is in my blood to take care of others.

Seeing a smile on the person I support’s face and knowing they are safe is more rewarding to me than money can ever be.

I continue to work during the pandemic because if I don’t do it, who will. The people I support are individuals just like me. Just because the people I support have challenges does not mean they can be abandoned. What if they were one of my family members.

When this disease began it was scary. I was scared for the clients, scared for myself and my family. There was a scare in the house I work in and I decided I would work no matter what comes. I knew I was needed. The tests did all come back negative and it was fine but I still isolated from my family for a month and it was hard. I know though, no matter what happens we’re going to keep following the CDC protocols and even though it’s tough we’re going to get through it.

This work is an extension of your humanity because not everyone is as fortunate and we have a duty to help each other. We need to hold each other's hand regardless of race and ability or whatever else is going on. You are helping a fellow human to be able to fit in and live life to the fullest regardless of what their limitations are and I believe that by doing so you are expressing a part of humanity, and doing so should be a normal thing. Like helping an elderly person cross the street or saving a child who’s caught in a building from a fire. We should all help people live life to the fullest and by doing so we can live our lives to the fullest.

I was so happy when I saw the individual I support get better after a positive COVID situation. I saw someone go from being healthy, then to being very sick. To see them get healthy again was very rewarding. But, continuing to work with the risk was not an easy decision to make. I had grown a beard to mourn my brother who passed and I had to shave to wear the N95. I decided to shave because this is the work that my brother would want me to do.

This job isn’t easy but we try our best. You have to be patient, and if someone has a hard time communicating, you have to know their thoughts. You never stop being a teacher even if for some people it seems you have to do everything for them. It’s not like babysitting. You have to learn everything about someone to be able to give them the care they need. You have to be there.

I’ve been in the health sector for about 34 years now. I was a registered nurse back home in Africa and I’ve been assisting people with disabilities since 1983. When I came to America my first thought was to be trained as a direct support professional. I love what I do supporting those that are in need. It’s an important section of society. People who are successful in this kind of work really have compassion and they can’t do it for the money, they have to want to make a difference.

When the pandemic hit and the schools shut down I didn’t work for weeks. I stayed at home and I was scared to do anything, even to go to the store. But I didn’t hesitate when they asked me to come back to work. I love my job and I’m very comfortable here. I really like children and I’m glad I have the opportunity to help.

I am a DSP because I have compassion. As a human being I really reach out emotionally and feel a need to help and be involved with someone’s life. Helping others is what life is all about.
As a DSP I’m a companion, I help the people I support participate in their lives. I help them discover and use their talents. Everyone has potential and I want to help everyone realize theirs.

When I started working for CSS I realized that there’s a lot of people who need help and I feel like this is my mission. This is what I want to do and this is my calling. I’m currently enrolled in school for two majors, Behavior Sciences and Health Administration. We all see things out our community and in the world and you have to ask yourself, “What can I do? What I can I put out there? How can I help?” CSS inspired me to go back to school because I want to make a difference. I’m very proud of that.

The pandemic has really changed the way we do things. In the beginning it was so hard. We all had to shift away from our old activities and embrace a different way of thinking. We had to stay away from other people and leave behind the things we used to do in order to avoid getting sick. There was a real challenge to fill the days with new activities that are still meaningful because we don’t want to sit around and not doing anything. The guys I support love to go outdoors. We’ve done a lot of things to incorporate both of their interests into the schedule.

You have to get some kind of impact on someone’s life. You have to do something good. In this work I help someone get out. To do things and to see the people he wants. To do this work you have to remember, that the person in need could be any of us. It could be me or my loved ones. Everyone needs our help and support.

The reason why I do this job is because I always have had a passion to help and make a difference, especially with individuals with disabilities. I want to make a difference in their lives.

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I work in this field because I know the work and I know that it's important. I have a sister who has a disability and other family members who are disabled. The job is challenging but I know we are helping.

I am proud to work at an agency that gives us support and instruction. I know that if we rely on the information we are given, we will be safe. Our individuals trust us and we can’t take that for granted. We need to continue supporting them. CSS is like my house. I have to take care of the individuals as if they are my kids

I have a passion for this kind of work.

Some people work for money, but for me I want to help. It is a blessing to share and help.

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I have seen in my country a lot of people suffering. I always want to help and I have volunteered in the past. I felt this was another opportunity to help. I love doing what I do. We will get through this thing.