“Ellen realizes that each client is an individual. She takes the time to learn about each of her clients and provides care based on who that person is. Thank you sooo much Ellen!!!!”-Dawn A, Ellen’s Manager
Tell us about you Ellen: I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a son, daughter-in-
law, and eight grandchildren who are all a bright light in my life. I also am close to my
mom and I enjoy spending time with her. I’ve worked in the mental health field for forty
years, much of it at a pregnancy health center where I was a counselor and the
counseling director.
What are some things you enjoy doing? I like to go to Potato Creek State Park where
we swim and go canoeing. I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction books. I’m
involved with my church, and I’m a big Notre Dame fan. I’m very excited about the
upcoming football season. We’re going to the first home football game. I also enjoy
Notre Dame hockey. But most of all, I enjoy spending time with my family.
Meal preparation for her client
You’ve been a caregiver for just over one year. How did you make that career change?
My job at the pregnancy health center was very intense, especially when I was working
with pregnant women who had experienced trauma. When I retired from there last
May, I wanted to continue helping people but I wanted to work with a different
population. I wasn’t looking for full-time work and when I saw an opening at Firefly for a
part-time caregiver, I thought that would be a good fit for me. The more I learned about
Firefly, the more interested I became, especially for the training they provide and the
flexibility they offer.
How has your first year with Firefly been? I love working for Firefly. I like the work, the
clients, and their families. The Firefly organization is very well run. I’ve been impressed
with the supervisors who are available and very supportive. Working for Firefly is more
of a ministry than a job.
What do you try to accomplish on a Firefly shift? Currently, I have two consistent
patients and they are both wonderful. I’m mostly there for companionship, to help
around the house, and to prepare meals. I find it particularly rewarding when a client
smiles or laughs and is engaged in conversation with me. It’s a gift when they share the
things they are interested in or if they share some of their life story with me. One of my
clients is a Vietnam Veteran. I like to talk with him about his family, life experiences,
recent places he has gone to eat, or what shows he has recently enjoyed on TV. I love
seeing him smile or laugh—he gets this twinkle in his eyes. He’s a very special guy.
Mike is one of Ellen’s clients.
Companionship builds friendships
When we caught up with him, he had these kind word to say about Ellen: She’s been my caregiver for quite a few months now and she comes
three times a week. She is my only caregiver, and she cleans my house, makes sure I take take my medication, and that I don’t fall in the tub. She’s a nice person, and she does the things that need to be done around here. We get along real good.
