By Eva Myers
Jennifer Newell’s love for Berkshire County Arc is reflected by her many years of service with the company — 25 years — and today she has advanced to the title of Residential Supervisor.
“BCArc has been the best workplace that I’ve worked at. They are always there for the employees and the individuals that we serve. I don’t know too many people that are just here for a job.”
Jenn has worked in many different positions and locations at Berkshire County Arc, including relief staff, full-time residential staff, site manager, CBDS specialist, employment trainer, assistant coach for BCArc’s Special Olympics team, shared living caregiver, and now residential supervisor.
Jenn’s favorite part of working here at BCArc: “Making things happen for the individuals.”
As a Residential Supervisor, she looks forward to visiting the different locations that she oversees and make connections with individuals. Her day-to-day schedule also allows for her to spend time doing the things she loves, which includes having family game nights, camping, and spending time with her grandson.
“BCArc has been the best workplace that I’ve worked at. They are always there for the employees and the individuals that we serve.”
Her interest in the field spans back to her high school years. “When I was in high school, I went to a trade school and I was in nursing. We had a program inside our high school, and on my opposite weeks I would volunteer in their program for individuals with disabilities,” Jenn says. “It was fulfilling and it was rewarding, so when I graduated high school I came here.” Jenn also has a background in early childhood education and is a certified nursing assistant.
When asked what advice she would give to someone interested in this field of work, Jenn answered, “Your heart has to be into it. It’s not a job where you can walk in and just work here for a paycheck. It’s very involved.”
Jenn’s future goal for herself in her new position — “Maintaining a positive environment for the individuals we serve.”
