This September, we honor Anjalique Benham, a Senior Program Director at Waystone Health and Human Services in Lawrence.
- Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
I started in the Human Services field 28 years ago. I first worked per diem for about a year in a residential home for adults funded by DDS and became the Assistant Residential Manager. After completing my Direct Support Professional certificate in the first graduating class at Northshore Community College, I pursued my Associate’s Degree in Human Services. After over 20 years in residential services I decided that I wanted to work with children and families. I have been working here at Waystone Health & Human Services for 6 years, currently as a Senior Program Director for our Intensive Flexible Family Supports (IFFS Program). I love how we support and provide services to the families in the Waystone Children and Family Services division. We all work together to provide the best services to our families!
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization?
A typical day for me isn’t always so typical! I arrive at the office and greet the front desk administrative assistant. Then at my desk, I check my email, voicemails and phone calls/texts from staff and families. I then look at my schedule to see what my day is comprised of, which is usually a mix of home visits, virtual and in-person meetings with families, DDS, or community agencies, team and supervision meetings, and documentation. The most important part of my day is the communication that I have with the families on my caseload and the families that I support my team of case managers with to provide the best services and support we can. Without our families, there would be no us! Every day is different, and we all learn from each other because we work together as a TEAM!
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
Waystone has an annual Core Values Awards Dinner where employees and individuals and families are recognized for living our values. Two years ago, I nominated one of my families I had been working with for 5 years for an award. When I notified them that they had won the award, they were elated. When they went up to the stage to accept the award, the family insisted that I go up with them to take pictures and be a part of their special moment. When the individual took his award, he held it up and stated, “I won, thank you!” and was given a box of cookies made by a local bakery, which as soon as he returned to the table, he quickly opened. He stated, “These are soooooo gooooddd!” Seeing the joy that the family received from being a part of the awards ceremony and having them express to me how much they appreciated being there and how grateful they were for Waystone’s support was one of the best moments of my professional career… There was not a dry eye in the venue.
4. This question is from our August Workforce Hero, Tamsin McNally: If you could go back to the beginning of your career, is there anything you would have done differently? If so, why?
I would not do anything differently to change the path that led me to where I am today but would have liked to have been able to start my educational journey sooner than I did. The experience that I gained prior to starting my education was priceless; having both experience and education has allowed me to start my career and be confident that I have the skills and knowledge. The Human Services Field is constantly changing. We are consistently learning new skills and knowledge through coworkers, parents, community partners, and especially the people that we assist with providing services. I would not change one thing!
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
If you were asked to rate yourself in your current job position, using 1 to 10, what would you give yourself? And if it wasn’t a 10, what would you need to do to get to a 10?
A heartfelt thank you to Anjalique and every human service worker across Massachusetts! The compassion, hope, and dedication you bring to your work each day transforms lives and strengthens our communities. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed—we’re incredibly grateful for all you do. Have someone you’d like to nominate a Workforce Hero? Email ilee@providers.org
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