After Sarah’s family sold their Angelina’s Sub Shops in Pittsfield and Dalton, she walked in cold to BCArc’s Pittsfield office and asked for a job.
“There was a group of adults with special needs who regularly came to Angelina’s,” Sarah explained. “I was always happy to see them. I felt lifted every time they came in. So when my family sold the sup shops, I couldn’t ignore that feeling. I guess it was like a calling. Here I am two years later. That group who came in for lunch opened the door for me. I feel like I was made for this work. This is important for me, more important than food service, which at the time also felt like a worthy service. But this has made a difference in my life.”
Sarah has tried to encourage friends to work at BCArc. “I know now this work isn’t for everyone. But I do think people should consider it, because you never know. My daughter now interns at her high school’s special education program and loves it. She will likely pursue a career in this field after high school.”
Sarah chose a day program – the Social Development Center in Dalton – for the steady daytime hours that works for her family. When the program shut down during peak times of COVID, she spent the months working in a residential program.
“I made strong and important connections with the individuals there. I learned a lot about the full range of their abilities. I learned the unique sign language of one individual, who also comes here to SDC. She can be a challenge, but now we have a special bond and our relationship is strong.”
The Work of SDC
“I work a lot one-on-one here,” said Sarah. “With COVID, we do less group work and more isolated activities to keep everyone safe.” This can include puzzles, word searches, “thera-putty,” and other sensory development activities. “A lot of the learning is by doing, we can all relate to that,” she said, laughing. “I tend to seek out the most challenging individuals. I have the patience and desire to work with them and experience progress with them.”
“Probably the most enjoyable part of this job is the honesty of the individuals we work with. They let us know exactly how they are feeling. No holding back there. Where else do you get that?”
Asked about what’s next, she said: “For now I look forward to a future here at BCArc, and continuing to work with the individuals.“
