Read about People who work for the St. Louis Arc
MARY
Mary studied special education and worked in customer service and retail jobs before coming to the St. Louis Arc thirteen years ago. A job coach, Mary uses her experiences to help people with developmental disabilities and their employers learn to work together successfully. “I like that I’m supporting people and seeing them succeed,” she says, explaining the job’s appeal to her. “That, and having a very flexible work schedule are what interested me in the job.”
Mary works with people of all ages. “There’s a lot of diversity,” she said. “There are people starting their first jobs, people who are just wanting a change, and some folks who have never ever worked before.”
Mary said she thinks the St. Louis Arc’s employment services staff really focus on quality in the services they provide. “We want to find a good match for the person, not just a placement,” she said. “I think all of us really make a good effort to find that personal fit.”
BETH
“I was in graduate school for microbiology when I figured out I liked working with people,” laughs Beth. After a stint teaching 7th and 8th grade science, Moeller began working in St. Louis Arc’s Residential Services. Today, she manages the supports for people living in ten different residential settings and coordinates the ISLA (Independent Supported Living Arrangement) program at the St. Louis Arc.
Understanding and qualifying for government benefits, accessing community services, and managing household finances are often important aspects of independent living for people with developmental disabilities. “It’s very different kind of assistance than that utilized by people who live in homes with 24-hour support,” she said.
Beth has been in her current position for the past six years. “It’s a lot of fun most days,” she said. “There’s a real opportunity to make huge difference in somebody’s life.”
Ensuring people’s safety is the most important thing about her job, and it’s one of the things that Beth believes distinguishes all of the St. Louis Arc’s residential services. “We do an outstanding job of making sure people are safe,” said Beth. “I think our staff really genuinely care that the people we support are living the lives they want to live.”