The Caring Force is honored to announce Suzanne (Sue) Wegrzyn as our TCF November 2024 Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree. Sue has worked at Sunshine Village for over 35 years and is a compassionate supervisor, bringing high levels of creativity and commitment to respecting the dignity, independence and rights of the individuals Sunshine Village serves – “helping them to have GREAT days.”
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
I am a caregiver by nature, and I think I just kind of fell into the field. I started my career in human services in 1987 at Belchertown State School. I had a friend who worked there, and they said, ‘you would be perfect for the job’! There were rumors that the state school would close so I applied for an open position at Sunshine Village.
On July 5, 1989, I started my career at Sunshine Village as a direct support staff – and never looked back! I love what I do and love working at Sunshine Village.
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization?
At Sunshine Village, no day is ever the same. That is what I love about being here! You come in in the morning, hit the ground running and tackle things as they come.
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
I gave this question a lot of thought… I have 35 years of memories here at Sunshine Village and cannot pick just one. There is something GREAT happening everyday!
4. This question is from our August Workforce Heroes Spotlight, Javielly and Persida Rivera: What are your daily challenges in human services?
There are always going to be challenges in human services – it is more how you look at the situation. I typically have a ‘can do’ attitude. There is nothing you cannot do. When a challenge arises, I pause, breathe, and say, ‘ok which direction are you going to go’?
Making sure you have a GREAT team makes it all the much easier. Because if you can’t handle something in the moment, that is challenging, someone else will be able to help. It just makes it easier.
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
Do you have any advice for rising or emerging human service workers who are new to the field?
Thank you so much to Sue and all of our wonderful human service workers across the Commonwealth who bring joy, positivity and passion to work every day! We are so thankful for you and your efforts to make Massachusetts a better place.
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