“This Is Their Home, and I Get to Help Make It That Way”: Penny’s Story
By the Counseling Service of Addison County (CSAC)
When Penny Culer joined the Counseling Service of Addison County’s Developmental Services team more than 26 years ago, she wasn’t sure where the work would take her. But from her very first day, it felt like a fit.
“I realized pretty quickly that the people I supported appreciated the smallest things,” Penny says. “Just spending time with them, helping them do something they were proud of—it was really gratifying. And I loved it.”
Today, Penny is a residential instructor in one of CSAC’s staffed homes, supporting adults with developmental disabilities to live well, with dignity, stability, and joy. She’s had many roles over the years—Direct Support Professional, manager, mentor—but the core of the work has stayed the same.
“This is their home,” she says. “And I’m here to help make it feel like home.”
The Heart of the Home
Penny describes herself as a homemaker—and she brings that spirit to her work. Whether she’s making lunch, helping someone tidy their room, or heading out for an ice cream run, she sees herself as a steady, caring presence in the lives of the residents she supports.
“We paint, we play games, we make snacks—lots of snacks,” she says with a smile. “Just last weekend, someone wanted to bake cookies. They were so excited—and honestly, their level of enthusiasm really struck me. These small things? They’re not small to the people we support. That’s something I’ve never forgotten.”
The job includes personal care, medication support, and help with daily routines. Penny is also the first to say she’s always ready for an outing. “Residents love to get out into the community,” she says. “We’ve gone to lunch, shopping, walking, for ice cream. If it brings joy and connection, I’m in.”
Work That Changes With You
Penny’s path at CSAC hasn’t been linear—it’s grown alongside her life.
“There were times when I needed more flexibility,” she says. “When my family was growing, I was able to shift my schedule and still be present at home. I’ve had good supervisors who listened, and the agency has always been willing to adapt to fit my needs and strengths.”
Today, Penny works a schedule that gives her time to invest in what matters most—her relationships. “I have a standing pickleball date with my husband every Wednesday morning,” she says. “That time is sacred. I can do this work, and still show up for my family. That balance means everything to me.”
The Deep Reward of Stability
“This isn’t a job where you clock in and clock out,” Penny says. “This is a permanent home for people. It’s their safe place. That means when someone’s having a hard time, I walk beside them through it. That’s what we do here.”
Penny says she feels valued by the agency—and by the residents and families she supports. “It’s not always easy. But it’s real. And it’s important. People deserve to feel safe, cared for, and at home. I’m proud to be part of making that happen.”
Join Us
If you love people, find joy in the little things, and want work that grows with you, consider joining CSAC’s residential team. You’ll receive excellent benefits, a supportive team environment, and the flexibility to build a schedule that works for your life.
Positions are available full-time, part-time, or on a substitute basis—so you can work as much or as little as you’d like.
Learn more or apply today:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/796817
We’d love to meet you.
