Working in the nonprofit sector can be fulfilling when making a difference can align with personal values.
At Gabriel Homes, staff can follow the residents in developing their independence and self-advocacy.
Lifelong Service
Gwen Murugu, residential director at Gabriel Homes, has served others her entire career. At school, she earned a master’s in special education, but she worried the degree would limit her career paths. Before joining Gabriel Homes, Gwen worked with families struggling to provide for their children and themselves. When she was younger, she was a babysitter and preschool teacher. Gabriel Homes was a shift for Gwen because she could apply her education and serve adults thriving in their communities.
“My background was with families concerned about what would happen to their children,” Gwen said. “To work for a place where success was an option for families was a natural path for me.”
Gwen helps track residents’ progress with individual support plans (ISPs). Plans focus on goals like exercising or doing chores. With staff, families, job coaches, and more, Gwen ensures everyone is on the same page in tracking each resident’s progress. When residents go above and beyond their goals, Gwen ensures everyone has the support they need to continue to succeed.
“We don’t dictate what residents want to do with their lives,” Gwen says. “They’re independent adults with the right to make mistakes like we do. So nothing beats seeing the residents exceed their service plans.”
But success stories come with challenges. When events like illness and weather take unexpected turns, Gabriel Homes pivots to accommodate each resident and communicate with families, transportation, coworkers, and more.
Gwen's memories at Gabriel Homes last a lifetime.
Gwen’s commitment to Gabriel Homes shines through when she can spend time with the residents. Some of her favorite days are when she’s at celebrations and birthday parties in the evenings.
“The residents are happy when they see you because you’re making the effort to be with them,” Gwen says. “Many see staff as their family because they see us more than their friends and immediate family. One of my favorite memories was the spring fling because everyone was together and sang along to karaoke.”