Cheerful, Hardworking, and Dedicated – Meet Amber!
Amber has worked at Echoing Hills for 5 years but has volunteered since she was 10 years old. She first came to Echoing Hills with her mom, who works for the organization as a nurse. When Amber was 4 years old, she had a next-door neighbor with a disability, who eventually moved into Echoing Ridge.
When first hired, Amber started as an Activities Assistant and then became an Activities Coordinator. Today, she is the Habilitation Coordinator at Echoing Hills Connections in Northeast Ohio. To begin her workday, Amber opens the building and prepares everything for the day ahead. At 7:30 am she meets with staff and the director while catching up on paperwork or planning. When the Individuals arrive at 9 am, Amber greets them with a warm smile. Her days are flexible, as sometimes she will catch up on paperwork or work on the floor depending on her assignments.
Amber strives to help individuals in any way she can. During lunch, she will assist an individual with eating. Her other tasks include problem-solving, helping with outing preparations, handling staff concerns, and checking in with staff.
Her favorite part of her job is the smiles, laughter, and unconditional love from the individuals we serve. “They don’t judge you; they don’t care about your background or where you come from – they give unconditional love.” She continues, “A lot of the people that we serve around here have watched me grow up, there’s a lot of reminiscing.”
Amber shares how Echoing Hills as an organization is giving, they truly care about employees and individuals. Her previous work experience has helped her learn how to work and care for others. Her volunteer work and previous education experience at The University of Mount Union have prepared her for her position as Habilitation Coordinator.
The mission of helping individuals receive the love of Jesus Christ inspires the giving nature of the organization. She explains, “We have a chance to give these guys the best possible life and opportunities for them to be the best versions of themselves. We have opportunities to make them smile and to help them grow.”
