Congratulations to Jessica Elliot! You are the Shelby County Board of DD’s provider of the month for February 2022!
Jessica Elliott has worked at S&H Products since April of 2018. She is a great coworker and always willing to try new things with the individuals she works with. She advocates for individuals and empowers them to advocate for themselves. In doing so, Jessica helps individuals reach their goals, whatever they may be.
Jessica has 3 kids, 2 dogs and a husband of 7 yrs. She loves pasta, being around family and friends, camping, and boating. Her favorite holiday is the Fourth of July. Also, Jessica is a dedicated member of the Sidney First Methodist Church and has a second job with a local realtor.
Favorite Memories
Recently, Jessica shared with SCBDD a treasured memory from her time at S&H. “[During the S&H End of Summer Party] I took a group of associates outside. The associates learned to play a hatchet throwing game & archery. I remember when one of the associates tried archery for the first time. She tried her best with the bow and arrow. Her arrow only went approximately 2 feet in front of her. Some might have been disappointed in the outcome, but not her. She thought the complete opposite. I remember she said with such excitement ‘I did it! I can’t believe I did it!’ I smiled and cheered along with her. Her enthusiasm brightened my day.”
On that day, Jessica was inspired by the associate’s ability to try something new for the first time. Even more inspiring was her expression of excitement with her outcome. Jessica said, “She taught me how great one accomplishment can be to an individual when the opportunity is given.”
Jessica remembered the day continuing with water balloons & squirt gun fights. She also recalled, “EVERYONE was able to participate. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. I watched everybody accomplish something that day and because of that, it was a fulfilling day.”
Lessons Learned
In remembering, Jessica shared this valuable lesson. “When EVERYONE has the opportunity to try something new, laugh, and feel they have accomplished something new in their life, that’s when I know I’ve had a great day at work. I love working with the people I work with. I love having such close relationships with my coworkers and receiving such great support.”
You can be a provider, too!
All people with various levels of abilities, sometimes need help. Providers are the key to independent living for those with developmental disabilities. We are very fortunate at The Shelby County Board of DD to have Jessica Elliot as a service provider for the people we serve.
If you want to learn more about a career like Jessica’s, visit New Provider | WestCON (westconcog.org). You can also call the Shelby Co Board of DD office with any questions you might have. Our phone number is 937-497-8155.
You can also read more provider of the month experiences at Providers of the Month Archives | Shelby County Board of DD (shelbydd.org)