The Caring Force is pleased to announce that our August TCF Hero Spotlight honoree is Marvin Nwachineke, a Residential Direct Support Professional at Road To Responsibility, Inc.
He exudes positivity and embodies the mission of the human services sector of caring for others. He was inspired to go into the field after he became the caregiver for his brother-in-law. Thank you to Marvin for your incredible enthusiasm and amazing work you do at Road to Responsibility, Inc.
1) Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
Firstly, I am an American citizen though originally from the Eastern part of Nigeria. Secondly, I am in a family of eight. I have a high school and college diploma back home. I am currently married with three children. I am a team player and my strongest strength is in leadership. In the last nine years, I have been able to help lots of individuals in other agencies, including RTR, actualize independence by helping to implement their ISP goals every year. I am also passionate about ensuring that I contribute to the growth of the company that l work for by abiding in all their policies.
I will tell you a short story about why l decided to pursue a career in human services. Some years back before I migrated to the United States, my brother-in-law was paralyzed in an auto crash and ended up in a wheelchair and I happened to be his care giver. I practically became his legs and his arms, making sure he didn’t miss his medical and therapeutic appointments. I was there to ensure he maximized his potential and helped to keep his dream alive irrespective of his deformation, because his wife, my elder sister, couldn’t do it alone. To me, working in human services is a mutually beneficial endeavor. I love to work with individuals with disabilities because we all have disabilities in one way or the other.
2) What is your favorite professional memory?
My favorite professional memory is a hilarious one. Years back, me and my coworkers took an individual that we serve to Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire. They convinced me to get on one of the rides and I regretted it. l found myself screaming and crying like a baby, pleading that the operator should please let me out. Funny enough, our individuals are still making fun of me about it.
3) It’s been more than a year since the pandemic arrived, how have you coped with the challenges?
I am lucky l have a supportive family and at the same time, I am surrounded by resilient colleagues here in Pond Lane. Shern, my manager, constantly provided me with all the necessary training that l needed in other areas to help me navigate through the pandemic. She approved that l set up an online Walmart Account for easy delivery of groceries to the residence instead of risking going to the store. I also made sure that l followed all COVID-19 Guidelines by washing my hands regularly and wearing my face mask at all times. I made sure to get adequate sleep after each of my shifts. I also maintained a great sense of control on my inside by constantly reminding myself that this pandemic is just a phase which will soon go away.
4) Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
What would you do for a career if you weren’t in the human services sector?
Thank you so much to Marvin and all of our wonderful human services workers who bring joy and passion to work every day! We are so thankful for your efforts and for making the Commonwealth a better place.
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