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 brightens the room and makes the most stressful situations easier to manage. Working with over 20 residents, I can rely on Gwen to be calm and help staff stay focused on providing the best support for everyone.”
Lynn Davis
Executive Director, Gabriel Homes
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.”
If you’re inspired by Gwen’s dedication to our residents, get involved with Gabriel Homes!
See how you can make a difference in residents’ lives at gabrielhomes.org.
Get InvolvedCommunity stories at Gabriel Homes:
Community Corner: Security for Your Siblings When You’re Out of State October 7, 2024 Read More Board Member and Golf Enthusiast September 5, 2024 Read More Community Corner: Boosting Your Brand With Gabriel Homes August 22, 2024 Read More Community Corner: Ways Siblings of Family Members With IDD Can Empower Themselves August 15, 2024 Read More Community Corner: It’s An Annual Tradition! July 12, 2024 Read More Community Corner: You’ve Got a Friend in Me June 9, 2024 Read More dddcd
Studies show that 80% of New Year’s resolutions are failures. Most people lose motivation to meet their goals within the first six weeks.
At Gabriel Homes, we help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities work on their goals that meet their needs. Individual support plans (ISPs) are like roadmaps for each resident at our group homes. Like resolutions, ISPs are made to set goals and make their daily lives better.
ISPs often focus on long-term goals like consistently brushing teeth, cleaning dishes, or exercising. Unlike those who fall off their goals, residents have the support of their families, support coordinators, and Gabriel Homes staff to help them meet their marks.
Person-centered planning (PCP) is at the heart of ISPs at Gabriel Homes. When you use PCP, you create plans tailored to match what the residents want with full access to the greater community for support. In short, PCP focuses on what’s important for and to the residents.
Starting healthier habits isn’t just for residents, though — it’s something everyone can benefit from. Think of goals like eating more vegetables or staying active. ISPs show us how better habits change our lives with the support of friends or family. It’s all about working together and cheering each other on!
One plan you can make is to get more involved with Gabriel Homes! Learn more about how you can help with house projects and keep our homes in top shape.