David Jones has lived a full life. A life-long athlete, he started competing in judo at three years of age. Growing up, he won numerous championships, including national ones. By 1987, he had moved to Colorado Springs to train for the Olympics. While he didn’t achieve Olympic gold, he did channel all of that determination into a pursuit of fitness that even saw him compete in Mr. Universe contests. Along the way, he developed a career that was equal parts entrepreneurial and service oriented. “People come into life with certain things they are supposed to do, for me that was sports and helping other people,” he says. “This work comes natural; it is easy for me.”
In 1995, he was lifting weights with a friend, David Barriera. Over conversations about life, David B. mentioned to David J. how satisfying his direct care work was as a Dungarvin contractor. “At the time, I was a financial advisor but felt unfulfilled,” he remembers. “Listening to David talk about his role supporting others was it all it took for me to make the switch.” Within months, David started working as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Shortly thereafter, he became a Host Home Provider at Dungarvin. “I immediately felt comfortable providing direct service to others in these settings.”
“Because of David (Barriera) I saw how you could support people right from your own home. I decided that was the way I wanted to work and to be able to make a difference.” Remarkably, he has been supporting the same two individuals, Cory and David, in his home for more than 25 years.
“Cory was placed with me in 1999 after being moved from home to home about twelve times in one year,” says David. “He was just 12 years old at the time and needed a patient individual he could trust. I agreed to take Cory on for the challenge, the education and the growth we would both gain from the experience.”
“David came to Dungarvin out of a desperate need for the right placement,” recalls David. “He is a young man with fragile X syndrome and he has many special needs. David was placed with me twenty seven years ago. This young man has a great ability to remind us what it is to be human. In many ways, he has been a great teacher to me.”
“Over time, I built a full-fledged gym in my home, not a small gym, but a state of the art facility, in part, because I knew that I wouldn’t be able to have a membership outside of my home with my commitment to the individuals in my care,” shares David. “From years of competition, I also knew I had to be good at something. I try to teach this kind of commitment to the boys, too.”
Perhaps not surprising, David’s mother also used to support individuals with disabilities. “I was young when my mother would help people in her home. (David lived with his father at the time.) “It wasn’t until after I was already providing support to individuals that I remembered her example early in life.”
“I don’t have children, in part, because I knew I wanted to be dedicated to this career path,” says David, who is turning 60 soon. “There is no such thing as perfection, and the more I think I know, the less I really know! But I think that is OK. It keeps me interested and engaged trying to learn and support both David and Cory day to day.”
What would he tell someone interested in becoming a Host Home provider? “Think about it carefully and consider the people you might want to support that can leverage your strengths and interests. With the right fit, being a Host Home Provider can provide you the freedom to live the life you want!”
If you live in Colorado and are interested in becoming a Host Home Provider, please contact Bruce Mayberry at bmayberry@dungarvin.com.
“At Dungarvin I feel like everyone’s opinions and thoughts matter,” shared Alexandra Bassett, Leave Manager. We agree! Alexandra is a crucial member of our Human Resources team, responsible for our large staff’s employee time-off requests. She makes sure our work-life balance…is balanced! Get to know her better through ‘5 Questions with Alexandra Bassett’
1. Where were you born?
I was born in Glencoe, MN but I have lived in six states throughout my life. Minnesota always has my heart!
2. Why do you have a passion for this work?
While I don’t get to work directly with persons served, I am passionate about helping our employees who work with those person’s served. To be able to assist people through the difficult times in their lives, as well as times to celebrate is truly rewarding.
3. What is your most treasured possession?
A painting my great aunt did of my grandmother, and my youngest daughter on the beach 6 just six months before my grandmother passed.
4. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?
Collaboration! At Dungarvin I feel like everyone’s opinions and thoughts surrounding any idea matter.
5. Who are your heroes in life and why?
My heroes in life are my husband, and his family. My in-laws are the most gracious, and supportive people and those qualities have trickled down to give my husband the greatest characteristics. He is someone I can depend on and look up to for patience, and calmness.
“I’ve been able to have a fulfilling career here at Dungarvin because of the family- like environment and support,” shared Bruce. “Dungarvin has given me the opportunity to advance my career in the field. I am greatly appreciative of the guidance of my supervisors who keep me focused on Dungarvin’s mission statement and the people we serve.”
“I have had a fulfilling career at Dungarvin because I believe in our mission and love what we do,” shared Tammy. “I love the people and the good feelings I get when I come to work — It is very rewarding.”
“In a world where there is so much noise saying why someone can’t do something, I like to be one of the voices who says, why not?” said Talia Nelson, Case Management Assistant Department Supervisor. Talia has been with Dungarvin for nearly five years, recently transitioning from a case manager to overseeing Dungarvin’s case management contract with Ramsey County (Minnesota). Get to know this supportive, self-starter through ‘5 questions with Talia Nelson:’
1. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?
I value balance in my friends and colleagues. It is always appreciated when I have someone that I can bounce ideas off or who can reel me in if my ideas are too big for my own good.
2. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
Continued growth in access for programs for individuals between the ages of 18 to 40, as that age is significantly underserved in terms of what is available to them due to age constraints with current programs.
3. Who are your heroes in life and why?
My hero is my mom. She has had to withstand so many challenges in her life and never once has backed down. She takes everything that comes her way head on. I admire that about her and hope to one day have the ability to conquer challenges with the strength she has conquered hers.
4. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Recently I was selected to present at a statewide conference. It has always been a goal of mine to present on a grander scale to colleagues in my profession. I have a passion for training and development of staff, and it will be fun to do it outside of our organization while still representing Dungarvin.
5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?
I value our case management team for so many different reasons. Being able to be a part of the growth this department has seen over the last 5 years has been exciting. Although we’ve become bigger, one thing we have not lost sight of is supporting one another. Regardless of the situation we always try to remain solution-focused and supportive. We believe everything is “figure-out-able.”
“I’ve had such a fulfilling career here because I’m so passionate about what I do. I’m continuously learning and still find great satisfaction in overcoming challenges and making a positive impact. I have an amazing team that is very supportive and provides excellent service daily. I am truly grateful for my career and the opportunity to help others reach their goals.” Rita Barnes, Dungarvin-ACI Director (20 Years)
“I’m thankful that Dungarvin allows me to continue to do what I love and enjoy which is to provide services to those with special needs.” Georgia Best, Program Specialist (20 years)
“My sister has been a client with Dungarvin for a very long time, so it just seemed right (for me) to work here. You really can’t find many agencies that let you work with family. I’m just looking forward to what’s next to come.” Tonya Owens, Direct Support Professional (20 years)
In addition to this group, Charles Eggleston, DSP, Marquita McNeil, DSP, and Latoya Davis, DSP, all celebrated 10 years with the organization. What an incredible accomplishment by a team dedicated to their mission-driven work and to each other. Thank you Rita, Georgia, Tonya, Mary, Charles, Marquita and Latoya!