Heroes Work Here: Barbra’s Story

Barbra always knew she wanted a career that involved helping people.

“It’s my natures,” she said. “Growing up, I always liked to help. And now that I am old and able to help, I usually think every time I get an opportunity, it’s good to use it to help others.”

When Barbra began higher education at the University of Phoenix after moving to the United States from Uganda with her husband in 2007, a conversation with her counselor helped find the exact career.

“Human services. That’s it. That’s what I want to go ahead and study.”

Barbra determined after completing her degree, she found an organization that assisted people with low vision. “I wanted to learn more about them.” That trait is consistently on display as Barbra visits with the residents every morning of Momentum’s Bradley House.

After four years assisting people with low vision, Barbra said, “I felt like I wanted more.” Resume in hand, she applied to Momentum, then UCPLA. That day she received a phone call.

Soon she would begin her journey as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, a role that fit her desire to help people.

“And the rest is history, it’s been five years,” Barbra smiled. “You have to understand the need. It’s there.”

Barbra, along with the team of Direct Support Professionals at Bradley, work each day to ensure the needs of the people supported are met.

“There is nothing as fulfilling as getting to know each person. Because when I look at these residents, each one of them was created differently. Each one has different talents. We have residents who can sing, we have residents who can do art with their feet,” she said. “That is one of the things that motivates me, when I look at how they are willing to participate. I am so grateful that I work here.”

Momentum is creating more focus on the ability of choice. People supported and their families can choose how to best live their life with the variety of resources and services made available.

Barbra says while the United States has outpaced other countries in providing access and opportunity, there is more work to be done.

“I feel like the United States tries their best. Because where I come from, people with disabilities are not recognized as much. So what I see what the United States is doing, I give them credit. It’s not at its best. But at least there is effort being done.”

“The work being done by the government is a sign to me that somewhere, someone is thinking about people with disabilities.”

For Barbra, every day the people she supports is on her mind, including their family. “People with disabilities, from my experience going on almost ten years now, they are just like you and me. My job is to point out their strengths and develop it. And see where they are struggling and lift that up.”

Being successful in providing the unrivaled support offered by Momentum is developing strong connections with families of the people supported. Barbra says that piece is one of the most important aspects to her job.

“I like to include our residents’ families in decision-making and that helps me provide better quality of care.”

One year after the pandemic began, Barbra reflected on the hurdles it brought with ensure safety and health of residents and staff.

“It was a very frustrating, a very challenging time. But we kept holding on to our hope, thinking things would get better. And indeed, they are better,” Barbra said. “I see a brighter future.”

Barbra couldn’t help but feel emotional when reflecting over the last five years and the many ahead at Momentum.

“I want to thank the family members for giving me the opportunity to work with their loved ones.”