by Amanda Bortman
For 14 years, Jessica Mullaly has worked with many teams at many group homes, but with none like the one at Housatonic. Jessica, Wendy, Tara, Brendan, Matt, Dave, Linda, Nick, Jeanie and Tracey make up the team at Housatonic and have something special.
“I haven’t experienced a whole entire team working together the way we do,” said Jessica.
Jessica has worked at Housatonic for six years. But the team isn’t only Jessica’s favorite team: it’s also a little family.
The team works as residential support staff at the group home for brain injuries in Housatonic.
“I haven’t experienced a whole entire team working together the way we do.”
“Every day we step up to the challenges the day brings and give our ladies the best possible care we can,” said Jessica.
Jessica has also known the three individuals at Housatonic for over a decade. She has a strong and special bond with each one of the ladies at Housatonic. Jessica has seen them all through most of their trials and tribulations. She empathizes with them and has even grieved along with them when their families and friends passed away.
At the house, the team meets the individuals’ needs, does activities with them such as arts and crafts, and takes them out into the community. Since the house in Housatonic is farther away from the other houses, there’s a small visitors’ list, so they’re always doing something to stay busy.
Jessica grew interested in this field of work from her family and has always been a part of BCArc. Before she was born her mom and aunt were staff at a BCArc house. Her mom would bring her to visit the house, where the individuals there held her as an infant. She grew up knowing many BCArc residents. As a child a few even came to her childhood home for picnics and once, Christmas.
Jessica started off from high school as a certified nursing assistant. She then came to work for BCArc as soon as she turned 18. Jessica went back to school to be a certified medical assistant where she then worked at a hospital. Jessica had planned to go full time and become a nurse. But when she realized that she didn’t exactly enjoy nursing, she decided to keep her position as a residential support staff at BCArc.
“I quickly realized the hospital work was just not as satisfying as my work at Berkshire County Arc,” said Jessica.
Jessica and the team are grateful for their site manager, Tracey Babcock. Tracey is a strong manager who is kind and empathetic. Tracey has been a staff member herself, so she knows what the staff is going through and is always willing to step up and help out.
“I am so thankful to be a part of such an amazing group of people,” said Jessica.
