By Samantha Goudey
After immigrating to the United States from Ghana, Bernard was excited to begin a new chapter.
Helping people had always been at the forefront of his priorities, so a career in human services felt like a natural path to choose.
“…I love working with our individuals. It’s important to me that their wants and needs are heard, and in my position, I can give them that voice.”
After working with kids at an educational center and joining the army, Bernard found that he enjoyed an active occupation. In 2015, after the birth of his daughter, he found just that through joining the BCArc family as an overnight staff member.
His new schedule allowed him to work and provide for his family while simultaneously enabling him sufficient time to be his favorite title yet, “Dad”.
Bernard remained in this position for a year and a half until deciding to explore a new career path as a correctional officer. Despite having a positive experience, something was missing. He later learned that the ‘missing piece’ was BCArc.
“It honestly feels more like home than work. People get confused because I refer to Gamwell as “home”, but that’s truly what it has become for me.”
“Why did I decide to come back? Well, I love working with our individuals. It’s important to me that their wants and needs are heard, and in my position, I can give them that voice.”
Now, Bernard has been working at a BCArc brain injury house for the past year and a half as a Site Manager, where he handles staff schedules, residents’ appointments, medications, and helps plan outreach activities.
“Their goals are number one for me. That’s something I love about BCArc, we all have a common goal: to help the individuals we support gain independence and succeed.”
“It honestly feels more like home than work. People get confused because I refer to Gamwell as “home”, but that’s truly what it has become for me. I love the guys I work with, they’re an awesome group, the staff too. I’m pretty lucky. ”
Due to this sense of home, Bernard comes to work every day with a positive attitude, striving to help all the guys work towards their individual goals. “Their goals are number one for me. That’s something I love about BCArc, we all have a common goal: to help the individuals we support gain independence and succeed.”
Outside of Gamwell, Bernard enjoys riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family, including his loving wife and two kids. Currently, he is coaching his now 9 year-old daughter’s softball team and hopes to coach soccer in one of the upcoming seasons. It’s a busy life, but one he wouldn’t trade for the world. Bernard knows he’s right where he’s meant to be, both at work and at home.
