Denise Riley has been a dedicated employee at the Teresian House since 2013. She worked for two years as a Dietary Aide before being promoted to Neighborhood Assistant in August 2015. Denise had expressed interest in the Neighborhood Assistant job because it allowed her to work more directly with the residents. Her responsibilities include cooking breakfast to order, assisting residents with breakfast and transporting residents to their rooms. Denise works 20-25 hours per week including every other weekend and some holidays and she loves her job. This year Denise won Employee of the Month and was invited to a special Employee of the Month dinner to celebrate.

“Why do I love my job? Because I feel like it’s more than just a job. It’s a second family to me, like grandmas and grandpas. I get to work with them in more ways than just the kitchen.”

In addition to assisting with breakfast, Denise goes shopping with the residents in the community. She has enjoyed this role and she has a goal to earn a certification as a PCA, Personal Care Assistant.

The residents love Denise. When one resident was asked about Denise she started by saying, “Oh my God, so many great qualities.” She elaborated by saying, “Denise is a total joy. She cares for and about the residents, she’s loving, sincere, prayerful, she loves what she does and she’s efficient.”

The most telling piece was what the resident added at the end. When she knows Denise is working she gets up extra early to spend time with Denise. This clearly demonstrates the positive effective that Denise has on her workplace.

Denise Riley moved from NYC to Albany in 2010 to attend the College Experience at The College of Saint Rose, run by Living Resources. Upon graduation in 2012 she moved into an apartment and continued to make Albany her home. She has a very active social life and her work is an important part of what defines her.

The Teresian House Center for the Elderly provides high quality care to their residents to enhance their physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. They have been a great partner of Living Resources’ Employment Services. They employ many people with disabilities and the Teresian House supervisors have been thrilled with the success of each individual.

To learn more about Denise’s experience at the Teresian House, please contact Maggie Erlich, Employer Network Coordinator for Living Resources at merlich@livingresources.org or 518-218-0000.