Success Stories

Hear about the rewards and realities of Direct Support work from people who are working in the field. It’s a job like no other. Take their word for it.

Danielle, Peer Recovery Coach and Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist

 It’s turning experience into empathy.

“You don’t have to work a nine-to-five job. It’s rewarding to know that I can put a smile on someone’s face and give them hope.”

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Amy, Direct Support Worker

It’s work that makes your heart bigger.

“I didn’t know this job was for me until I got into it. I was a waitress for a long time, but now I don’t think I’d go back.”

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Rachel, Personal Support Specialist

Finding the perfect position, helping people stay in their homes

“I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my job.  It has been a great line of work for me to go into because I’m a natural caregiver. I’ve always helped people, like friends and family..I like going into someone’s home to help with whatever they need.”

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Success Juwah, Direct Support Professional

It’s joy for everyone.

“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. They’re like my family. I feel fulfilled.”

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MacKenzie, Recovery Coach and Peer Support Specialist

Helping other people grow into the people they want to be

“Being in peer support, recovery coaching, going in and helping people—that doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like I’m doing what I was meant to do on a daily basis, and I’m getting paid for it. It’s the best of both worlds, really.”

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Lonny, Recovery Coach

It’s a beautiful gift.

 “Once you see that people need you, it could become a beautiful passion of yours, and it could be the best job you’ve ever had in your life. I know for me it is.”

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Sara, Peer Support Specialist

It’s very rewarding to be able to help others.

“Being able to see even the small victories—celebrate the apartment keys, the jobs, the days in recovery. These are moments that are really important.”

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Ryan, Recovery Coach

Meeting people when they’re at their most vulnerable moments.

It changed what I thought my life could be. It changed what I thought of myself and my past and my history and my future.”

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Melissa, Penobscot County

It’s work that fills you up.

“I know when I’ve made a difference because I can see the growth in my clients’ self-confidence- how they present themselves and their demeanor.”

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Shelby, Aroostook County

It’s a career in creating human connection.

“If you come into this profession and just look at it as a day of work and not a day of building human connections, this is not for you. Having the right mindset is an essential part of this role.”

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Carmen, Lincoln County

It’s a job in giving back.

“I’m a behavioral specialist by trade. I started my career working with kids, which is where I thought my passion was. What I found out was that some parents had to change their ways for children to change their behaviors.”

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Arnold, Aroostook County

It’s never too late to shift gears

“When you go home at night, you feel good about what you’ve accomplished, and you feel good about what you’ve done for other people.”

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Hattie, Kennebec County

There really isn’t any better job.

“I love seeing the changes in someone and them feeling encouraged. It has felt like a calling.”

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Annie Young

It’s rewarding.

Annie, 24, is a Family Transition Specialist in Somerset County. She works one-on-one with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and individuals with behavioral health challenges (mental health and/or substance use).  I didn’t have much experience going in⁠—just my education, but…
Read More It’s rewarding.