June's GEM Award Winner James Green!
Congratulations to our June GEM Award recipient, James Green!
“James Green is shining in his position in Connections! Always eager to help and make the day fun for the people we support and coworkers! Ever since James has been put into Connections as a part of my team, I have been thankful for him. James was in a room at first and did amazing and built rapport quickly with the people we support and his coworkers. James was asked if he was interested in a different position that I felt he would shine even more in and did this by using some matching! James said yes! I then asked if he was serious as I was thrown off by his yes. James has been working with the rooms in getting them engaged more as a team and supporting wherever it is needed. James is working to build rapport with some individuals he didn't know at first and now they get excited to see him and some say, ”HEY JAMES!" When James is gone, he is asked about, one of our friends even says, “Hey, where's that man at?” One thing the people we support love about James is his jokes and goofy side to make them laugh, including his coworkers. James helps the team out whenever he needs to and is okay with the constant changes that come his way. James is full of new ideas and creative ways and also gives shout outs to the people who help him stay successful. James even stepped up and helped trained a new staff with expectations of making sure the people we are supporting have a good day. His quote, "Connections is only boring if you let it be, it's your fault because there is so much to do and so many are willing to go places, you just have to want to make it fun." Now James is planning a picnic with the rooms including face painting, bubbles, ice cream makers, the big parachute, sidewalk chalk, temporary tattoos, and grilling out and then following it up with a movie of their choice! I think if we have a little more positivity like this in Connections, it will truly become a place of joy and of memories and laughter. Thank you for being you, James! Keep shining!"
“James recently switched duties in the Connection Program at State Street. Since the switch, he is providing a vast array of activities for individuals to participate in both at State Street and in the community. There is building, painting, gardening, cooking, walking, popcorn popping, and movie voting going on all the time. The hallways have new vibrant collaborative works hanging to enjoy as you walk through the building. James worked with a couple of individuals to build a wooden American flag. They put boards together, wood puttied the gaps, and painted it. It now hangs in the lobby. One of the individuals is so proud of his handiwork and has such a sense of accomplishment. You can't measure moments like that.”
