Mike Dunn, Family Advocate
Since I was young, I have always had a desire to be as independent as I possibly can be. As I approached adulthood, I had a strong desire to work. I am reminded of the song from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, “Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to work I go.” The dwarfs were so happy and determined to work. This is how I felt. I was determined to work, but what would I do? I was born with cerebral palsy and had limitations, but I was not going to let that stop me.
I went to college and pursued a degree in Education. I liked working with kids, and I wanted to help people. Once I earned my degree, I thought I would be up in front of a classroom. This was not the case. I worked as a substitute for five years but never had a teaching position of my own.
After my first child was born, I was hired by Rural King to be a greeter and pop popcorn. By this time, I was substituting teaching and working at Rural King. My thought was that I now have a child, and I need income year-round. However, I was never home. To solve this problem, I began working more hours at Rural King and let the substitute teaching go. I worked at Rural King for many years. Unfortunately, as time went on, my work environment began to change and the demands at home evolved as well. I had to make a choice, so I resigned from my position at Rural King.
For a few years, I stayed at home with our youngest daughter until she was in school full-time. Also, during this time, I went back to school and earned another degree in Ministry Studies with a concentration in counseling. Once our daughter was in school full time, I was ready to reenter the workforce, but what would I do?
I thought it would be great if I could work from home. I began looking for employment that I could do from home, but I was not having any success. I then asked for assistance from vocational rehabilitation services and began working with a job coach. I began searching the Internet with my coach. We found that The Arc of Indiana had a family advocate position available. I applied, interviewed, and was offered the position. I was very excited to be working again, and I would be working from home.
As I jumped into this new journey with both feet and all six wheels, I began to realize just how much this position was a godsend. I was able to use every aspect of my life, from my personal experience to my education, and the insight that I would gain almost daily from my coworkers.
Advocacy and helping others have never felt more right. I enjoy (just like the seven dwarfs) going to work every day, and I’m determined to help people to the best of my ability. I will continue to serve and support others, helping them in any way that I need to so they can live their best life possible for years to come.