Everything Under The Sun: Support For People With Intellectual Challenges; Peace Of Mind For Families

Some of Penn-Mar's clients volunteered with the pets at Pet Valu.

Those who have developmental disabilities have a much brighter world available to them than existed in this country some sixty to seventy years ago. There is the opportunity to stretch to the fullest of their capabilities and to participate in the mainstream, with the help of supporting others. One organization that plays a large role in the lives of more than 350 individuals each year is PENN-MAR, with a footprint in both Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Penn-Mar came into existence in the 1980s, a product of the efforts of a group of parents with children who had developmental disabilities, and who were worried about those children's future. Penn-Mar, over the years has provided the support and a network beyond the family, widening the horizons of the people it serves and offering security for the day when families can no longer provide direct support themselves.

As many of these nonprofit organizations do, Penn-Mar has those who work directly with its clients, known as Direct Support Personnel (DSP). Let's take a look at one of these employees. Steve Nyabuti came to the US from Kenya, with his family, about seven years ago, and has worked at Penn-Mar for five years. This 28-year-old young man had just started college when he found out about Penn-Mar and applied for a job. He now works to support four men living at a residence in White Hall.

Sometimes, when you have a direct service position, like Steve has, you can wonder who is learning more, you or the people you serve. For, Steve, indeed, has learned more about himself and become more mature. Patience definitely is a trait that he has developed, since it can be hard to understand what some of the men are trying to communicate, so it's a process of repetition and listening a little harder and more closely, until understanding is reached.

Steve said, "It's been a great experience. Working with John, Chris, Evan, and Richard has given me an opportunity to grow as a person. My life in Kenya was very different. When I look at the 22-year-old that I was, I don't see the same person I am today. I've learned a lot from them."

Steve Nyabuti works with one of his residents.

Like many others who work as DSPs, Steve does struggle to make ends meet. Many of those who do this type of wonderful work don't receive that much more than minimum wage. That makes it a struggle for him and his co-workers to pay rent, much less afford college. So, Steve does increase his work hours when he can. And, that degree he's started in actuarial science? He'll be completing it, come this spring.