Monika (Nikki)

Meet Monika (aka Nikki) and her 2-year old daughter, Grace. Monica and Grace live on a quiet street in Ellsworth, Maine. Ellsworth is approximately 20 minutes from Bar Harbor and approximately 30 minutes from Bangor. Nikki decided to get into working with people because she loves to see the progress people make with the right support. Nikki feels that everyone has potential to grow and prosper and she would like to help someone do just that. Nikki currently works for Downeast Horizon’s and Nikki was recently promoted to a position over-seeing the children’s program. Nikki has worked for Downeast Horizons for approximately one year as a BS1 working with children with special needs. Nikki works full-time, but plans to work part-time or less once she is able to support someone in her home. Before she worked at Downeast Horizons, Nikki worked for Charlotte White Center for four years in a group home setting that supported two young girls. She also volunteers at the Bangor Children’s Museum occasionally. Grace goes to the YMCA daycare during the day when Nikki is working.

Nikki has some experience providing respite support to an individual supported through Momentum. Nikki is currently certified in Mandt, CPR, First Aid, and Blood Born Pathogens. Nikki is going to be taking the DSP modules training and will become CRMA certified as well.

Nikki and Grace love the outdoors. They go for walks, visit Bar Harbor, travel, visit with family especially Nikki’s sister, and they go to events in the community often. Nikki and Grace like to play games, watch TV, and read together. Nikki stated that she is Catholic and enjoys attending church when she can. Nikki stated that she would be happy to get the person she supports to the church of their choice. Nikki understands the purpose of choice in one’s life. She is a single parent and understands the need for respect, dignity and self-preservation. Nikki is young, but is fully aware of the effects of maltreatment and loss of self-reliance. She feels blessed with the knowledge and understanding of how to help someone who needs support. Nikki feels that her desire to help others is a natural part of her and she is anxious to become important to someone.

Nikki and Grace have a pet dog named Shutz. She is a great Pyeranese (Parisian Mountain Dog) and Nikki describes her as “loves everyone, but she barks a lot.” Nikki said she is very friendly and gentle around everyone.

Nikki describes her neighborhood as “quiet and friendly.” Nikki said she is right near a blueberry field and that at the end of her road, there is a nice public beach area right on Green Lake. Her next-door neighbor is a chef at the Bar Harbor Inn and his wife is a probation officer. The road Nikki and Grace live on is wooded and rural, but just a few miles down the road in Downtown Ellsworth are movie theaters, a mall, stores, restaurants and many other opportunities for recreation.

Nikki’s home is small, but warm and inviting. She has an open country kitchen and living room area with beautiful hard wood flooring. There is an upstairs to her home, but it is not used at this time. Nikki shares a large bedroom with Grace on the main floor, and there is a second spacious bedroom that is available and will be used for the person whom they share their home with. Both bedrooms are right off the kitchen/living room area. There is also a bathroom on the main floor.

Nikki’s references describe her as “fun-loving, caring, kind, gentle, observant, reliable, and honest.” Nikki has turned in all the required paperwork to become a shared living provider. Nikki has been thoroughly screened as part of the application process at Momentum. She meets all the requirements of Momentum and is considered ready to become a support to someone in her home. Nikki is anxious to begin supporting someone because she feels she has a lot to offer.

Nikki and Grace would like someone to come live with them and become an intricate part of their everyday lives. They would like to support a female of any age, who would like to “meet new people and have fun.” They would like to support someone who likes kids and is comfortable around them. Nikki would like to support someone who loves to be active and go out into the community regularly. She would prefer to support someone who does not smoke, but if they smoke outdoors that is fine as well. She would also like to support someone who is somewhat able to complete personal care tasks fairly independently.

The bedroom that is designated for someone living with Nikki and Grace is spacious and comfortable and will allow for privacy and Nikki understands that with the persons own personal things surrounding the room it will create a sense of belonging and comfort. Nikki would like to help someone feel welcomed and nurtured in her home.