Staff Member and Coach: My Journey of Resilience

Due to complications from a surgery that helped save my life from cancer, I obtained two different types of disabilities. I have faced many challenges, however, I have also had many triumphs in my lifetime due to my disabilities. 

Overcoming certain aspects and challenges is something that I am very used to. being disabled has taught me to never give up and to always push forward. One challenge that I have faced is the process of finding a job. It has been my own personal experience that many employers hesitate to hire someone with a disability, mostly due to the fact that they do not understand, nor have the knowledge on how to interact and help that person succeed. 

When I was hired as staff to Sacramento cottage housing, I could tell right away that this organization was different. The staff treated me as a capable human being and instead of seeing my disability as a disadvantage, they saw it as an opportunity to be able to connect with the wonderful people that we work with.

Our residents come from all walks of life and are able to teach us so much. many of the participants we serve have disabilities themselves and I have found that having my own disabilities sometimes can be an asset. This allows me to be able to connect with people in a different way that others sometimes perhaps cannot. I feel very grateful that I have the chance to work with such wonderful amazing people that come to our program for support. I have learned so much from our participants each and every day and I look forward to coming to work with such amazing human beings.

My time here at cottage housing has been a joyful experience and I can honestly say that I truly feel a sense of community and connection. It humbles me to gain the feeling from working here, of non-judgment and feeling as I can truly be myself with my disabilities and all.