When Maria won Employee of the Year at CFS, she was stunned. “I was just doing my job,” she said with a warm shrug, still in disbelief. A per diem Direct Support Professional (DSP) at CFS’ Bryant Residence for the past four years, Maria has always balanced other responsibilities and jobs—but never lets that get in the way of being fully present for the people she supports.
Her routine at Bryant Residence is filled with care: checking in on each of the individuals, helping them get ready for their day programs, ensuring they take their medications on time, assisting with laundry, and—most importantly—being attentive.
“You just have to be there for them… to talk to them and to be attentive.”
That attentiveness saved a life.
One of Bryant’s senior residents, Libby, wasn’t looking like herself one day. Maria immediately sensed something was wrong. Libby was someone who valued her independence and was highly attuned to her surroundings—so when she seemed sluggish, Maria trusted her instincts. Maria has also studied nursing, so she pulled up a chair and stayed by Libby’s side, and kept checking on Libby’s oxygen levels and other vital signs. When Libby’s oxygen levels dropped into the 70s, Maria rushed Libby to the hospital. A respirator and emergency care followed. “If I wasn’t there,” she says quietly, “it could’ve gone a different way.”
Maria never expected to be recognized. She had just finished a shift at another job when her manager insisted she attend the CFS Employee of the Year Awards event.
“I really didn’t think it was going to be me,” she said. But no one else was surprised. As one of Maria’s managers, Tamara, put it, “Maria has consistently been at the heart of the house, deeply connected with the people we serve in the most kindred and compassionate way. She’s a natural leader and an invaluable asset to CFS.”
Although Maria holds a degree in social work and had studied and previously considered a career in nursing, Maria says her true passion is simply to help people—keeping them well and out of hospitals, and supporting them through everyday life with care and kindness. “If I’m not fully into something, I can’t give it my best. But I love working with people. That’s why I’m still here. I love people”
Maria has been career hopping and believes passion for work comes only when you love what you do. Luckily for CFS, Maria loves people and helping them live better lives. “All the staff at CFS works together—it’s a team. There’s a positive, happy environment at CFS, and I love working with the people here. The manager is respectful and kind, the environment is supportive, and there’s no random drama. I really love that. And that’s what has kept me at CFS for so long.” She says.
What started as a temporary stop has become a four-year journey of service—and an award-winning one at that. We’re so proud of her and her growth at CFS.
Congratulations, Maria! CFS is lucky to have you.
