Building trust with and empowering adults with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) is crucial for everyone’s success.

At Gabriel Homes, we strive to provide independent, fulfilling lives for our residents.

Beth Hoyos.

Beth Hoyos joined Gabriel Homes in 1998 when she was in school for her Master of Social Work.

Many residents were comfortable with Beth because she previously worked at Adult Social Club. Throughout the 27 years the residents have known Beth, they've come to deeply trust her. Beth builds meaningful relationships with the residents and empowers them to achieve greater independence and well-being.

Gabriel Homes had the opportunity to sit with Beth and learn about her relationships with our residents. Learn about her strategies for building meaningful bonds with over 20 residents across our six homes.

Optionally, you can read the Q&A below using the dropdown menu.

What’s the story of your progression from your first role at Gabriel Homes to where you are today?

“I started with Gabriel Homes while working on my master’s. The weekend work was helpful, and I already knew several residents. From group therapy to individual counseling, I saw myself taking on more responsibilities. I worked my way up over the years and got involved on the administrative side, and I took on the chance to step into a leadership role. My career wasn’t something I saw myself doing at first, but I could never leave Gabriel Homes and the residents behind.”

What’s the key to working and building trust in residential care?

“My job is developing trusting relationships with our residents and their families. I couldn’t possibly be productive with residents or their families if I didn’t develop positive, trusting relationships with them. Over time, my relationships with residents feel like friendships. There were nights where I spent more time with them than my family, and I learned so much about them when I took them to appointments.”

Follow-Up: How do you prefer to connect with the residents?
“One-on-one relationships build the tightest bonds, but I enjoy individual and group situations either way. I have fun with the residents when we’re volunteering at the golf tournament, but like I said, I value the personal time during medical appointments. Residents give more direct answers riding in the car with them because they know I’m there but don’t have to look me in the eye.”

How do you balance professionalism and friendship in your work relationships?

“Having elements of friendship with the residents is part of the job. Friends count on you, listen to you, be with you during hard times, and laugh with you. My relationships with residents are the same as with my friends in many ways.”

How do you aim to be a role model for residents?

“You can’t say, ‘Do as I say, not as I do.’ Nobody buys into that line of thinking. Residents know when you’re asking them to do something you don’t do. In my role, I set positive examples for them and acknowledge when I need to improve.”

Follow-Up: What was a case where you were consistent and set a positive tone?
“Sometimes I took several residents to church on Sundays. When I told them they had to dress nicely for Mass, I dressed the same way. I may not have worn an Armani suit, but I dressed like I was going to church.”

How have you seen residents become more empowered or independent over time?

“Residents naturally age, mature, and become more independent over time. When they pack their lunches or take care of their household and personal responsibilities, they take pride in and feel better about themselves. I see every resident walk taller and speak more confidently today.”

What major life lesson have you learned from the residents?

“The residents have taught me so much over time. I’ve learned to be patient and calm when someone is trying to push my buttons, and I’ve become more punctual and not push tasks off. When life-changing events like COVID have come, I’ve spoken more directly about how Gabriel Homes is adapting, and I’ve been more comfortable discussing topics like grief with residents. Being straightforward is often the best way to communicate with them, even if the subjects are uncomfortable.”

At Gabriel Homes, staff work together to build brighter futures for our residents.

Learn how Gabriel Homes invests in developing trust in residential care and strengthening leadership skills at gabrielhomes.org/stories.
gabrielhomes.org/stories