Lamnatu Alhassan — known as Rams to friends — was recently named a BCArc Employee of the Quarter for her eagerness to help out in anyway needed at the Brain Injury Community Center in Westfield.
At the Center — the BICC — Rams has started helping members find and apply to jobs. She recently helped connect an individual applying for a job at Costco, who was growing frustrated through the hiring process. She helped the individual communicate with the employer and decrease the stress of the process.
“He became so frustrated that I had to speak on behalf of him,” she said. “I understood why he felt that way, and intervened on his behalf. When a member needs help, I am happy to help.”
“She tries her hardest to make all members here at the center happy and feel good about their day and themselves.”
She recently earned her Associates Degree in Science in Liberal Studies from Holyoke Community College while working full time and will be starting at Westfield State in the fall to begin work on her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences. She praised BCArc for being understanding and flexible as she furthers her education.
Rams became interested in working with the disabilities population because she is passionate about helping others. Her favorite part of the job is being able to spend time with the BICC members, and being able to connect with them and learn more about them.
“I want to make their lives better, and I want to support them to be able to be in society,” she said.
Rams first moved to the United States because her partner was attending graduate school. They moved together to Westfield after this and she began attending HCC and became certified as a CNA.
In addition to her work at the BICC, Rams also assists at the residential homes on weekends. Rams described herself as being someone who loves to work, and is always willing to pick up a shift when she is able. She believes that her hardworking attitude is the reason why she was chosen for this award.
Jillian Rivera, Program Director of the BICC, nominated Rams for the Employee of the Quarter award. She described Rams as being a very dedicated and flexible employee, and someone who “tries her hardest to make all members here at the center happy and feel good about their day and themselves.”
Outside of her work at BCArc, Rams enjoys going for walks, cooking, reading books, and spending time with her husband and three children.
-By Nicole Lemire
