Sonya has worked in Council on Aging’s Elderly Services Program for almost 10 years. She began as a care manager in the program, and was promoted to supervisor in 2015. Below she shares what she loves about working on behalf of older adults at COA.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is being on the ground floor of bringing in dedicated staff who share our mission of promoting dignity, well-being and care for the aging community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my efforts in hiring and onboarding directly contribute to helping older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
What is your proudest moment during your time at COA?
My proudest moment during my time at COA was the successful completion of a large donation drive for care products benefiting our elderly communities. Seeing the joy and gratitude on the faces of the seniors when they received these much-needed items was incredibly moving. It reinforced the impact our efforts have in making their lives a little easier and more comfortable.
What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
Supporting people as they navigate challenges in their life is something I find very rewarding. We all need help and support sometimes, and I find it very rewarding to be someone that can make life a little better for others.
How you have grown during your time as a COA employee?
Having never worked with the older adult population previously, my knowledge, understanding, and experience(s) were limited but have grown tremendously throughout my time at COA. Through genuine curiosity, patience and compassion I have come to have a deeper understanding of some of their more common struggles and needs as well as how to best approach helping them so they can live their best, fullest lives.
Why do you continue to work at COA?
COA has a great culture that fosters growth both on a personal and professional level. I appreciate the flexibility and opportunities to challenge myself. I value all of my experiences and the growth that occurred as a result of those experiences.
What would you say to encourage someone who is considering working at COA to apply?
It’s an incredible opportunity to positively impact others’ lives and enrich their own.
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