Thoughts from DSP Anna B.

DSP Anna listening to a participant sing a song on the stairs outside of Balance’s offices in Grafton, Wisconsin. Anna listened and then sang him a song in return.

“I have a heart for people,” says Anna B. as she sits at a table with a few of Balance’s Adult Day Program participants. 

Anna was surprised to find herself enjoying her new job as a Direct Support Professional at Balance, even knowing how much she enjoys working with people.

Her position at Balance is her first real experience working with anyone with intellectual and developmental disabilities and initially, Anna wasn’t sure what to expect.

DSP Anna laughing and smiling and singing to a participant while helping them with an art project.

After moving back to Grafton Anna was just looking for a job to help her get by. She wasn’t looking for a career, so it surprised Anna when she ended up at Balance and found herself thinking that she might have just found a job that could make her happy for a long time.

When Anna first moved, she was in limbo. Fortunately, Erin Petersen, Balance’s Director of Adult Family Homes, is an old friend of Anna’s. Erin recommended that Anna apply for a job as a DSP at Balance.

Anna says she was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of love and happiness that she has experienced while working at Balance. She says she really didn't expect to be so warmly welcomed by the participants.

“It’s really a great feeling, to actually look forward to going to work. It is a positive but challenging career that leaves me filled with love and feeling fulfilled each day when I go home,” says Anna. 

“The love you find here… it’s inspiring and motivating, and healthy. It really helps everyone, including me, heal and have confidence in themselves,” says Anna.