Work and Home Life with Compass
If you have ever been to Compass’ main office in Beltsville, there is a good chance you have had the pleasure of meeting Debra. Debra is pragmatic and short-spoken woman with a deep knowledge of Compass, who is open to helping, joking with, and giving her opinion to everyone she talks to. Sitting behind the front desk, in-between tasks from her role as a receptionist, Debra took some time out of her busy work day to share her experiences with Compass, Inc.
Debra’s tenure at Compass is among the longest at the organization-she started working as a receptionist 14 years ago. During this time, she has been able to progressively increase her responsibilities at work, some of which include answering questions on the phone, directing calls, ensuring supplies at the desk are stocked, andother office support tasks. Recently, under the office manager,she has been learning the mail system for the office. Debra likes the diverse tasks and responsibilities that come with her job, saying that there is always something to do, which is good because she likes to keep busy. However, her favorite part of the job is when she gets to take the time to interact with others-other Compass community members, routine visitors, and people coming to the office for the very first time. When asked for advice about the work place, Debra suggests that it is crucial for people to have a genuine interest in the things they are doing-if not, it won’t only be difficult to succeed at work, but will also behard to enjoy day to day life.
Beyond being a Compass employee, Debra also became a resident of one of our Community Living Group Homes three years ago. She shares a house with three other residents, and given her value of personal space, she appreciates the quietness and pace of living of her current home. Debra is a bit of a homebody; she loves to stay in and watch movies-Mama Mia being her favorite. Occasionally, she enjoys going into the community for walks, shopping, and dining. Debra is a middle child of five, and when she can, she likes to visit her sister and her nieces and nephews, who are very important to her. However, for Debra, her home and her work provide security and routine which she bases her day-to-day life on.
Through her many years of being a receptionist for Compass and her participation inthe Community Living program, Debra has had the opportunity to meet many new people and develop her skills in an occupational and community context. Debra’s story shows that there is no one ideal mode for how to live-some people desire a dynamic and diverging life, while others prefer to gain new experiences and make new connections within a well-crafted routine. By truly considering a person’s needs, interests, and goals through person-centered opportunities, we can work to ensure that people have access to the lives of their choosing.
