The Caring Force is delighted to announce Lillian Macnamee as our June TCF Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree. Lillian, who currently serves as an Individual Support Worker at MAB Community Services, began her career as a day program specialist. In her current role, she has been instrumental in helping a participant transition to independent living after nearly 15 years in twenty-four-hour support settings since turning 22. Her unwavering commitment and support have been crucial to his successful transition, leading to significant improvements in his quality of life.
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
I started off as a mechanic, which ended up being too hard on my body. While looking for a job, I was told about Mabworks and went for an interview; I have been with them ever since. Working at Mabworks helped me decide on a career path and to go to occupational school, which is my next step.
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization?
I never have a typical day in my position. When I started, my first assignment was to help two visually impaired participants move. My days and hours were all over the place. Now that I have one client, it’s more routine. My goal for each day is to help them or remind them of ways they can be more independent each day.
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
My favorite professional memory was coming to the Halloween party with my participants in matching outfits as [the Dr. Seuss characters] Thing One and Thing Two!
4. This question is from our May Workforce Hero Spotlight, Steph Nigrelli: I am the type of person who is always striving to better myself and my community, so I would love to know if you could change one thing about the human services system, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the human services, it would be more funding. Participants love to do activities but tend not to have enough to enjoy them!
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
My question for the next honoree is what is an ideal day for a person in human services?
Thank you so much to Lillian 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.