80: Joanna Sanchez

Vocational Instructor, Prospectus Berco

Prior to COVID 19 Joana was training people with disabilities. In the Jobs Program she would give instructions to these individuals that would teach them how to perform the jobs they were accepting and moving into, making lives better and more fulfilling.

When COVID hit, the Vocational Program was halted. So, she moved into the Residential Assistance Program. She was assigned one household to which she provided care. It consisted of three physical disabled women. She stayed with them for a full year, caring for needs such as: cooking, cleaning, helping them shower, and keeping them exercising and active.

During this time, she had 4 people living at home and needed to see to them as well. The concern for carrying the virus into either house was very stressful.

She loves caring for others and loves her work and the team with whom she works. Now she could see herself doing either vocational or residential work. She realizes now what’s really important are things like your kids, family, and how quickly you can lose people. So live day by day. Stay safe and help others.