The Magic of Showing Up in Meaningful Ways

“Working at The League is more than just a job to me.”

With a brother who has autism and more than 12 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, Charnette is a stellar Independent Living Coach for The League’s Meaningful Day Program and a Counselor for the Camping & Recreation Program‘s respite services. Every day, she clocks in with a smile and a mission: to make others feel important and valued. How does she do this? Through faith, positive affirmations, clear communication, and a determination to meet people where they are. As a direct support professional, Charnette provides empathy, validation, and encouragement to individuals with disabilities, empowering them to unlock their potential.

Charnette’s approach to connecting with people and making a difference consists of observing, listening, and showing up in meaningful ways. Whether it’s a hug, a compliment, or a creative idea, she improves the day-to-day experience of League participants and staff members alike. In a role that primarily takes her into the communities of Baltimore City, Charnette marries her compassion with innovation. She pays attention to the clues that help her identify the underlying causes of certain behaviors in participants. She also consults with other professionals and researches best practices for physical and recreational therapies, as well as assistive technologies and garments that can increase independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.

For the past year, Charnette has been supporting Kearia, a nonverbal young woman in The League’s Behavior Support Services Program. Through a bond of trust and understanding, Charnette has helped Kearia express herself in healthy physical ways like hugging and hand-holding. When volunteering with Meals on Wheels to deliver food to homebound residents of Baltimore, Charnette and Kearia overcome communication barriers and physical obstacles by learning from each others’ needs (and channeling their inner Beyonce!).

“I have a lot to give, teach, and expose the participants to.”

For Charnette, being the person who reflects the good in others is of vital importance. In a world that feels petty, judgmental, and transactional, Charnette brings kindness, inclusion, and purpose. She enjoys dressing up and cosplaying characters to bring joy and whimsy both to herself, and to others. The campers who attend the Spring and Fall weekend respites at Camp Letts truly appreciate the magical and compassionate presence that Charnette shows up with for each session.

The League is extremely fortunate to have direct support professionals like Charnette. They define, uphold, and carry out our mission to improve the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable populations of Maryland.

 

 

Together, we are able to live well by putting ideas into action, and showing up in meaningful ways.

Please Consider Donating in Honor of The League’s Incredible DSP’s