Jessica Owens’ journey at Cedar Lake Lodge is a testament to the profound impact of dedication, love, and community. Joining Cedar Lake in 2011 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Jessica’s path has been one of growth, both personally and professionally, as she found her true calling at Cedar Lake Lodge.
Joining Cedar Lake
Before her time at Cedar Lake, Jessica spent a decade as a graphic designer at an advertising company. She started her career early, working at US Publishing in LaGrange during the summer of her junior year in high school. By her senior year, she was fully immersed in the world of advertising design, co-oping her way through the final year of school. Despite her success in the field, a desire for something more meaningful led her to apply for a position at Cedar Lake Lodge.
Initially, Jessica joined as a DSP with plans to stay for only 18 months due to a non-compete clause with her previous employer. However, after just two weeks, she realized Cedar Lake was where she belonged. She quickly fell in love with the work and the individuals she supported, and what started as a temporary role became a lifelong commitment.
Career Transition
Jessica’s career at Cedar Lake evolved as she transitioned from being a DSP to an administrative assistant. In this role, she took on various responsibilities, from answering phones and greeting visitors to managing reports, deliveries, and the Cedar Post and CLTV. Over the years, she’s worked under two administrators, and currently, she supports Jeff Miniard.
“Jessica is the first person visitors and families see. She is always welcoming with a nice greeting and smile. She is extremely helpful to everyone and is always willing to assist no matter the project,” said Jeff Miniard, Cedar Lake administrator. “Jessica is the “go-to” person, especially as it relates to computer and IT issues. She does a wonderful job with the Cedar Post and keeping everyone informed. For me, I know I can always count on Jessica!”
Jessica recounts how the COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges, including finding Jessica working as a DSP at a time when the Lodge needed team members the most. Despite the stillness of the lockdown, Jessica prefers the lively atmosphere that typically fills the front entry of Cedar Lake Lodge, where the buzz of deliveries and visitors reflects the vibrancy of life at Cedar Lake.
One of Jessica’s favorite memories is dancing with Cedar Lake individuals at the Shine Prom, an event where attendees are treated like rock stars. The joy and excitement of the evening left a lasting impression on her. She also recalls the recent Cedar Lake Lodge Olympics pep rally, where the outpouring of support and cheers brought her to tears, filling her with pride and gratitude for the community she’s a part of.
Favorite Memory
“What makes Jessica, Jessica is her love for the individuals we support. I often hear her interactions with the individuals as they visit her and it’s so heartwarming and genuine,” continued Miniard.
For Jessica, the love at Cedar Lake is reciprocal. She speaks of the unconditional love she receives from the individuals she supports, describing it as pure and refreshing. “People ask me how I work here,” she says, “and I ask how they don’t.” Cedar Lake is more than just a job to Jessica; it’s a home away from home, a place where bonds are formed, and love is shared.
Her connection with the individuals goes beyond the workplace. Jessica recounts taking Brian, one of the individuals she’s worked closely with, out to eat on her birthday since he was always “booked” for other holidays – Brian is quite popular! Her family would join them, and over the years, these outings, along with cookouts and other events, have deepened her relationships with individuals supported at Cedar Lake Lodge.
Jessica’s commitment to Cedar Lake over the years has extended to her involvement in various activities, from Sunday night chapel sessions, where she would help transfer individuals and keep them engaged, to attending outings like the circus, state fair, and ballgames. She’s a self-described Cedar Lake lifer, dedicated to supporting the community she loves for years to come.
Jessica Owens’ story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep love for the work she does and the people she supports. At Cedar Lake, she has found a place where she can make a difference, and in return, she receives the priceless gift of unconditional love and fulfillment.
