Growing Through The Unknown
Passion, Drive, and Belonging – an organization thrives with well-trained staff who feel supported. Whether you’re new in town or just looking for a place to belong, coworkers who care make for an enjoyable workplace.
A Sense of Belonging
Echoing Hills launched the Peer Mentorship program in 2024 to foster belonging among new employees. This initiative improves retention by ensuring staff have a dedicated resource for questions and support.
New Direct Support Professionals join with an experienced peer for six months to learn key job skills. As of now, 100 employees have participated, with 50 graduating since June 2025. Plans are underway to expand to more roles, always aiming to inspire confidence and personal growth through mentorship.
New In Town – Michelle’s Story
With 26 years of experience, Michelle’s personal connections drew her to the healthcare field.
Previously, she worked for Angels Home Care, overseeing the day habilitation and helping in the homes.
Being new in town, she discovered Echoing Hills on a job search website. It was quite an adjustment, she shares. “I went from having one to three individuals in a home to over 25 in the large ICF setting.”
Michelle is a recent graduate of the Peer Mentorship Program. Her mentor used to be a Direct Support Professional; therefore, they understood Michelle’s position. Michelle shares, “She asked how I was doing, took time to talk, was very involved, and allowed me to get to know people.” Since participating in the program, she has developed relationships with the individuals. For example, one person requested that she take her to an appointment, after being hesitant to talk with her.
Graduates from the Peer Mentorship Program were invited to a recognition dinner, where they received a certificate and a T-shirt.
Values and Passion – Lydia’s Story
After gaining experience as a pharmacy technician, Lydia found and applied for a job as a Direct Support Professional at Echoing Hills through an online search. Personal connections to individuals with disabilities have given her a heart for the field.
Common values led her to the ministry. Her passion for hands-on work has helped her excel within the Peer Mentorship Program, equipping her with patience and time management skills. Lydia shares, “I am looking forward to the floor training for medical certification.” She has enjoyed fostering relationships with those she serves. For example, an individual told her that they loved her, and another individual remembered her name. Additionally, Lydia explains, “learning individuals’ backstories and personalizing their care has been truly rewarding.”
United in Mission
We love new faces! Are you looking for a rewarding career caring for the well-being of others? Our ministry is dedicated to loving others wholeheartedly, respecting the dignity of each individual. To learn more about the work of a DSP, go to https://ehvi.org/careers/. We’d love to have you on the team!
