A Lamont Homes “5 in 5” featuring Kennedy Lee McFerguson
Lamont Homes is dedicated to providing group homes to Washington D.C.’s most vulnerable residents. We pride ourselves on building strong, supportive communities. What follows is a five minute, 5 question interview from a member of our community: Kennedy Lee McFerguson, a staff member.
Question #1: WHO are you?
My name is Kennedy Lee McFerguson. I work at 1901 U Place.
Question #2: WHERE are you from?
I’m originally from Queen’s New York. I moved to D.C. a long time ago.
Question #3: WHEN did you start working for Lamont Homes?
I’ve been with Lamont Homes for ten years. It’s been a good learning experience, especially for someone that wants to get into the field of dealing with mental health patients. You can’t do it for the money. You have to do it because you have a heart and because you care about the consumers. You also have to have some patience. That’s something that I had to learn, but by the Grace of God I overcame a lot of challenges with that patience (‘cause I don’t have none!). So this has definitely taught me a lot, and I’m thankful for it. I’m thankful for the experience, and what I’ve learned, and what I can share with others.
Question #4: WHAT is the most rewarding part of your job?
For me the most rewarding part of the job is being able to help the consumers. Because, for one, they need the help. And you know, it’s not their fault. They went through a challenge; they went through something in their life that brought them here. So when someone comes along that has a heart, and cares, and can do for others… that’s just a blessing. I’ve heard quite a few times from the consumers that they’re glad I’m here. That means a lot to me. That means they care, too – that they understand that my presence here is a good thing. And I know sometimes they get tired of seeing me, because they see me all day, every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! But I try to teach them. I don’t just look at this as a job, I look at this as an opportunity to teach these guys how to do for themselves. That way, whenever it gets to that time that they are able to move on to living on their own or move into a different setting, they will always remember what I taught them.
Question #5: HOW can people help this community?
We need more people that care for the consumers. They have to really have a heart – you gotta have a heart. Once you come in and you do for the consumers, and they see it, it makes you feel good. It makes you feel like you’ve done a good deed, that you’ve given back, that you’ve helped someone who isn’t able to help themselves. So, it’s a blessing, and God sees it. In the end, you’ll be rewarded. You may not be rewarded right then and there; you may not see it coming, but it’s coming. So just be thankful for your blessings, and be thankful that you’re able to extend a hand to someone in need who may not be able to do for him or herself.
