Gateways to Better Living Opens Doors to Fulfillment
Submitted by Kristie Rossi, COO
Gateways to Better Living
6000 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44515
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – I don’t know if I can put my finger on the moment I realized working in this field was my calling. But I can remember many moments that left a lasting impact on me and changed my life.
Gateways to Better Living serves adults with developmental disabilities in the Mahoning Valley. This makes your work life rewarding and not only a job but a career.
I have always felt a great respect for the individuals we serve and a lasting dedication to them since I joined the Gateways family. I have been so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of their lives every day for the past 20 years.
Early on out of college, I didn’t know what to do with my future. I was told about Gateways by a family friend. The position as direct care staff would give me the flexibility to have every other week off to search for the career best suited for me.
There are many advancement opportunities throughout the company and you can start with no prior experience – and we are trained from the start.
Gateways offers competitive wages, bonuses, paid time off, flexible schedules, a 401(k) match, overtime opportunities, insurance benefits, 10 paid holidays a year and much more.
Who knew that walking through Gateways office door would change my life forever? Once I started, I was filled with every emotion from excitement to fear. This was such an important job, caring for other people’s lives.
It was a responsibility I did not take lightly. I didn’t want to ever make a mistake, but of course I did. And, through my doubts, the individuals were there to brighten my spirits and to let me know it was ok to “not be perfect.”
Their overwhelming positivity and joy wrapped around me like a giant hug. To think individuals who I thought had been given such a tough path in life were the ones most optimist and genuine.
Their confidence in me made me who I am. They will never know the gift they have given me, and I will never be able to repay them for the lessons they taught me.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
