‘Marlon Jones has served as the community support coach at Quest Village since its inception in 2017. With a background in psychology and a passion for helping others, he fosters greater independence and community among residents.
Quest Village is an innovative residential community for independent adults with developmental disabilities. As a community support coach, Marlon provides services to meet each resident’s needs, including accompanying them to doctor’s appointments, helping them pay their bills, assisting them with their budgets, and filling their prescriptions. He supports residents with these everyday life skills so they can learn to live independently.
“We offer endless support; residents can come to staff for everything. I think they begin to feel more at ease and open up to us, allowing us to assist them with whatever they might need,” Marlon says.
Building Independence and Community
A crucial part of Marlon’s mission is promoting social interaction and community engagement. He ensures everyone feels accepted and encourages residents to share interests and activities with fellow residents and staff. Whether he’s ordering pizza for the group or working out with residents in the gym, he enjoys any opportunity to build relationships with the residents.
“Marlon’s office is the ‘party’ office of Village. All the residents hang out and visit him on their off days from work. He engages with everyone, and Quest Village would not operate without him,” says Shawna Wallace, director of Quest Village.
Over time, these interactions foster lifelong friendships, leading residents to participate in offsite activities like dinners and movie outings. Due to his efforts, they feel empowered to explore and independently engage within the community.
Milestones and Growth at Quest Village
Marlon celebrates countless milestones with residents. He’s observed remarkable transformations, such as residents breaking out of their shells and making friends or individuals who once struggled to maintain employment becoming supervisors in their fields. This growth reflects the residents’ progress and highlights the supportive environment the staff fosters.
“Seeing residents evolve is amazing. I’ve been here from day one, so seeing where they were and where they are now lets me know there’s a need for Quest Village,” Marlon says.
He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining close relationships with residents’ families, who offer invaluable insights into their needs. This collaboration significantly enhances his ability to provide adequate support and allows families to utilize his knowledge and kindness to remain up-to-date on their loved one’s progress.
Celebrating Inclusivity and Teamwork
Marlon embodies the spirit of Quest Village through his unwavering dedication to residents’ well-being and growth. As Quest continues to foster independence and community connections, we are grateful for Marlon’s commitment to building a supportive, engaging environment that enriches lives.
“Marlon is the best team player. He communicates well and ensures everyone is treated fairly and held accountable. He is a breath of fresh air to work with and brings smiles and joy to the workplace,” Shawna says.
Future residents and family members can learn more about Quest Village at Quest Village – Quest, Inc.
