Ruth Pierre – UCP of Greater Suffolk, Inc.
Ruth has shown exemplary care of our individuals during this time of crisis. She came to work when we were short-handed, even while her own family suffered medical concerns of their own. Over the past few weeks, Ruth’s husband and her 27 year old daughter were both hospitalized (for separate issues); tragically, both contracted the COVID virus in the hospital, and both passed away without ever returning home. Even if the face of such devastating loss, Ruth has shown up for work daily and continues to demonstrate a level of care for our individuals that is beyond comprehension.
Ruth works with severely medically compromised, low functioning individuals, several of whom became COVID positive during this crisis. To ensure the individuals health and safety during this time, the individuals were quarantining separately within the residence and there was not much opportunity for them to engage with anyone besides their roommates. But Ruth fostered conversations with those who could converse with each other as well as created a warm and loving environment by speaking and engaging with them herself. Ruth’s care and concern for the individuals she serves is evident in the happy demeanor of the individuals in her care. During this crisis, Ruth’s house has seen a decrease in behavioral problems, and it is my opinion that the dedication and care they are receiving during this time has had a positive impact on behavior.
Ruth’s current personal losses are extreme and unusual, and the fact that she shows up to work daily and continues to care for her individuals lovingly in the face of her own personal double tragedy is a testament to her high value as a DSP in our facility. We are lucky to have her. It’s easy to be a good employee when life is easy; but when life is difficult a person’s true qualities are exposed. Ruth has demonstrated genuine courage, strength and compassion to all the individuals she’s taken care of during this crisis. That is who she is.