For Community Habilitation Counselor Elisha Cruz, that work is built around relationships, flexibility, and creating opportunities for the people she supports.
Elisha has been with Starbridge for eight years. Her personal connection to disability helped lead her to the field—her daughter is autistic, giving Elisha firsthand experience navigating disability and an appreciation for a workplace that understands the needs of employees and their families.
“I felt that this would be a perfect job for me because I know already how to manage her disability,” Elisha shared. She also appreciates the flexibility and understanding she has found at Starbridge, particularly as a working parent.
As a Community Habilitation Counselor, Elisha works one-on-one with people to assist them with being a part of and participating in their community. She also spends time doing the things that matter to them. She sees herself not only as someone who accompanies people into the community, but also as a role model and source of support.
People Supporting People
One of the people Elisha supports is Renee, and together, they’ve built a relationship filled with activity, exploration, and plenty of fun.
Renee especially enjoys spending time at the community center, where she and Elisha have gotten to know others. Their outings have also included shopping, visiting museums, enjoying meals, and exploring new places around Rochester.
For Elisha, that variety is one of the best parts of Community Habilitation. Each person has different interests, needs, and goals, and the one-on-one nature of the program allows her to get to know the person and tailor their time together accordingly. Whether that means walking, attending an activity, trying somewhere new, or simply spending more time around town, the focus is on the person.
Those experiences can also highlight why accessibility and inclusion matter. Elisha and Renee recalled an outing where accessibility barriers prevented Renee from completing a tour because stairs were required. Experiences like these demonstrate that true community inclusion means ensuring people with disabilities can fully participate, not simply be present.
Connecting with the Community to Build Inclusion
Community Habilitation can also create opportunities for something just as important: connection.
During their visits to the community center, Elisha and Renee have met people over coffee, meals, and activities. Those everyday interactions create opportunities to build relationships and feel part of the community. “Coming [to the community center], we meet so many nice people,” Elisha shared.
And it’s clear the connection between Elisha and Renee goes both ways. When asked what she would say to the staff who support her, Renee offered a simple but meaningful response: “Thank you.” She also shared that she enjoys spending time with Elisha.
Elisha especially enjoys the variety that comes with the job. When asked about her favorite part, she said, “Taking people places and different places.”
She recalled bringing another person she supports to a comedy show and watching them laugh so hard that their stomach hurt. This memory brought a bright smile to her face.
More than a Job
For Elisha, being a Direct Support Professional means helping people experience more of what their city, their home has to offer while building genuine relationships along the way.
During Direct Support Professionals Week, we celebrate Elisha and all of Starbridge’s DSPs who show up every day to support choice, independence, connection, and inclusion.
Back to Success Stories