Inside Dungarvin Homes: Meet the Guys of 107th

Each one of Dungarvin’s Residential Services settings has its own unique feel and atmosphere, thanks to the individuals who live there and the staff who support them. Within each home is the potential for friendships and bonds that can come to feel like a family. This is the case inside the Dungarvin 107^th group home in Minnesota.

Those who know the home and the four men who live there describe them as an outgoing bunch who like to get out and participate in sports and other activities in the community.

“The guys here love going shopping, they love garage sales, walking and biking; sometimes we go to the coffee shop or I take them to get ice cream,” said Edith Kota, the Residential Program Coordinator at 107^th. “And then there’s all their activities: They play basketball, bocce ball, swimming and all of that, so they got a lot to do every week!”

In addition to driving the individuals to their activities, outings and appointments, Edith supports the men throughout the day with meals, medications and other daily necessities. She also has a fair amount of record-keeping to do each day.

“I think the perfect word for Edith would be ‘dedicated,’” said Michael, an individual served at the 107^th. “I like Edith a lot. She’s a nice person.” With guidance from her and other Dungarvin staff, Michael has come a long way in his ability to take care of himself.

“They call me semi-independent, so I do most of the stuff myself,” he said. “I make my own breakfast, I do my own laundry, I shower by myself. I guess I don’t need too much of the staff’s help, except for the baking, and the medications. Sometimes, Edith cooks for us and sometimes we make our own meals.”

Like all Dungarvin Direct Support Professionals, Edith works with Michael and the other residents to learn what they want to do and accomplish in their lives. For example, Michael hopes to land a job at Sam’s Club, because his last employer didn’t have enough hours for him. A long-term goal for him is to move to Arkansas, where he has cousins who he’d like to see more often.

While Michael is extremely outgoing, striking up conversations with just about anyone new he encounters, his housemate Jason is quiet and more reserved. Yet, he also likes to participate in house activities, like making pizza together, playing games, and just relaxing and watching TV with the other residents and staff.

Jason said he enjoys living at the 107^th, and, like Michael, thinks Edith is a nice person. He’s also interested in working, which he’s been doing for about two years at a trucking company. He stacks and moves materials in the warehouse, and says he likes the job.

Edith says the guys – as she affectionately refers to them – make her job easy because they work hard to become more independent. “It’s something that I really, really love seeing them do, going from where they were to where they are today; it just makes me feel fulfilled.”

If you are interested in providing support to others, consider joining the Dungarvin team. Check for the latest employment opportunities at Employment – Dungarvin.