ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT

THE ARC NORTHERN CHESAPEAKE REGION

Where Employees Get More Value from Their Jobs than Just a Paycheck

If the post-COVID world has taught us anything, it is the fact that “work” needs to be more than a way to collect a paycheck. Many workers have left their jobs searching for better opportunities that will enhance their personal life goals. As a result, many industries are facing a worker shortage. However, employees at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region are quick to say WHY they love their jobs. The fact that they feel “valued’ repeatedly tops the list.

Kristen Schnell found that value very quickly at The Arc NCR. Schnell, a Case Manager, has been employed there for four years. She explained, “The Arc NCR is not just another workplace, it’s a career in which I get to help others grow and succeed, and in turn, I succeed myself.” Schnell plans to stay for a very long time, “this (is) a lifelong career that I could embrace to really help others.”

The mission of The Arc NCR is clear; it helps people with differing abilities build better lives one person at a time. The Arc NCR supports individuals and their families over “The Arc of a Lifetime’ by empowering people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive in the community

Case Manager Leslie Kydd has also found job satisfaction and growth opportunities at The Arc NCR. Kydd explained, "The Arc NCR encourages and promotes personal development and serves as a model for it. Every day, I go to work knowing that I am valued and that I make a difference."

Many of The Arc NCR employees have also found value in watching the impact they can have on other people's lives. For example, Hillary McArthur, a Psych Support Specialist, has worked at The Arc NCR for eight years and is passionate about her role. McArthur explains, "Being part of the reason, someone thrives, communicates effectively, reaches a goal, or any other awesome thing that happens is the motivation that keeps me employed here."

Madicella Martinez also appreciates seeing progress in others as a value that can't carry a price tag. The Advocacy and Database Manager eagerly explained, "I work at The Arc NCR to see change happen in people's lives. We all have our own stories to share, and the people we support often share much more with the world than people realize."

The Arc NCR employees have the unique opportunity to work

flexible schedules, gain crucial work experience, and even earn tuition reimbursement. Martinez encourages everyone to apply for jobs at The Arc NCR, “This community is not found everywhere, and I'm grateful to be part of it!”

The pandemic has created a greater need for services offered by The Arc NCR. Many valued employees, like Alice Mbugua, began their careers as Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s). Mbugua explained, “I like working here so that I can make a positive impact on the individuals I support, it's my passion.”

Another Direct Support employee, Celine Goins, echoes the same sentiment, “What drives me is putting myself in our clients’ shoes and giving them new experiences. Seeing smiles is what is encouraging me to plan the next outing or project.”

BETTER TOGETHER: The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has helped people with differing abilities build better lives one person at a time, empowering them to live, work and thrive in the community.

The Arc NCR offers qualified job applicants an opportunity to empower people with differing abilities to thrive at home and in the community. Benefits include:

ABOUT THE ARC NORTHERN CHESAPEAKE REGION

For close to 70 years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has empowered people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive in our community by providing support services and advocacy to adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit www@arcncr.org