| At over six feet tall and 250 pounds, Kenny Rogers
is a big guy, but bigger still is his heart. For the last decade
he's brought joy to the residents of the Queens home where he is a
senior direct care worker. The residents have a variety of
needs --- some can't move limbs or talk, and may wear diapers.
The activities of daily living pose monumental challenges.
Whatever they need, be it lifting physically, or emotionally, the
gentle giant is up for the task, says Susan Moran, director of
residential services for Queens Centers for Progress.
Rogers says he entered the health services field because it was
where the jobs were, but it's turned out to be his life's work.
He can't imagine doing anything else. Although he and his wife
have six children, it's not unusual to find him loading up the van
to make a five-hour trek out of state so that a resident can spend
time with family members.
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| "It's a sacrifice, but seeing how
happy she is to see her family, makes me happy too," says
Rogers, 32, who lives in Jamaica. He says he's able to work
the way he does because of family and staff support. Moran says
Rogers is a role model for the male residents in the household.
"There aren't a lot of men in this field, so they're glad to have
someone to talk guy talk to," she adds.
Rogers often accompanies the residents on outings to a comedy
club or a Knicks game. Though the days can be long and hard, they're
rewarding, "When I see someone who has learned to brush their teeth
or comb their hair, these little things that we take for granted,
but are big things for them, and to play some part in that
----that's what I want to be remembered for, " says Rogers.
Sheryl Nance - Nash
Newsday |
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