Employee Spotlight: Alirio Magaña – this spotlight accompanies
last year’s interview with Alirio and some updates!
"The opportunities and success I have had are only possible thanks to the support and encouragement of everyone at Jawonio."
Alirio Magaña
DH: Tell us about your early years growing up in Rockland County?
AM: Growing up in Spring Valley, NY was difficult for me, my mom, my siblings. I have a twin brother, Mike, and sister Michelle who I lived with until I was twenty-one. I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 7 months old and had challenges with my physical abilities and speech. I remember being wheelchair bound as a young child, and how people would look or react to me, and that was hard because I just felt like me.
DH: Tell us about your Jawonio Journey
AM: As I look back now, I know that my mom was of course in crisis calling anywhere and everywhere she could. We hit the jackpot when she called Jawonio and finally reached someone who changed my life, and that was Jerry Staller. Jerry provided physical therapy services at home. And I will never be able to thank Joan Maurer, my speech therapist, who taught me how to speak. Joan and Jerry were my lifelines and set me on my path to living my best life. Following my early education years at Jawonio, I attended West Haverstraw Elementary School, Farley Middle School, Fieldstone Secondary School, and then graduated from North Rockland High School.
DH: So, during those early years and through school, would you say you were shy?
AM: Yes, as a kid, I was shy, especially when I met new people in my community or at school. I did not know how the students and/or teachers would react to seeing me in a wheelchair for the first time. But as the years went by, I felt increasingly comfortable and broke out of my shell around my friends, peers, and teachers.
DH: Six years ago, your life changed thanks to Jawonio when you moved into the Salmon Family Home. What was it like to move into your new home?
AM: The ability to move into Salmon and live independently has been amazing. Meeting Gerthy for the first time was a life-changer for me. I will never forget how I felt when she welcomed me that very first time with open arms. We have been family ever since. When I think about my journey, I always remember in good times and challenging times, Gerthy always tells me that I am one-of-a-kind. She listens to me, supports me and I am grateful to her and our staff every day.
DH: While you are living at the Salmon Home, you also continued to receive services through Jawonio. You also wanted to work, tell us that story and where you are today?
AM: I am someone who has succeeded in so many areas of Jawonio. Every program I have been through, starting with early childhood, summer education, day services, residential and pre-vocational services have brought me to where I am today.
As I gained more education and more independence, my goal was to get a job. I am so grateful to all the counselors and job coaches in Community Employment Services for helping me along the way. CES gave me the opportunity to be part of prevocational services to learn new skills. One day, a staff member from my Day Program thought I would be great for the front desk position at the Jawonio main campus. While I was unsure, Gerthy and my other staff gave me the confidence to fill out the application for the position. I can honestly say that I had the best day when I received the phone call from HR offering me the position. It was an unforgettable moment for me. I enjoy my job as a part-time receptionist and love meeting new people. I am proud to be part of the Jawonio staff and work with Will and my HR colleagues.
DH: With all your success and joy at work, what is the biggest challenge you face at work or in the community?
AM: When I think about challenges, I would have to say the biggest challenge is when I feel people see the wheelchair first rather than see me. It is so important that we see each other first as people, without judgement or labels.
DH: I could not agree more! So just a follow-up to sharing your feelings about working for Jawonio… what would you say to someone who is interested in becoming part of our team?
AM: I would share that to be part of the Jawonio culture and care is something you will not find anywhere else. Jawonio gives the staff the opportunity to gain experience, grow and bring out the best in themselves and the individuals they will support.
DH: Alirio, thank you so much for sharing a glimpse into your personal and professional life! Before we end, what are some fun facts that people do not know about you?
AM: I attended my first NY Knicks NBA game at Madison Square Garden last year thanks to Jawonio. I love watching all NBA/WNBA Basketball, buying new Apple Products, and going to live wrestling events, and eating Haitian Mac and Cheese. One of the best and most fun things I love to do is dye my hair and then see everyone’s reaction to the changing colors!
Alirio, on behalf of all of your colleagues, thank you so much for sharing your truth and your story.
And as you love to quote: Rasheed Wallace, NBA player – “Ball Don’t Lie”
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