NDVS/SB Houseparent
Safety and fun. Houseparents bring both of those things to their work at NDVS/SB. Since they are the staff members “in charge” during the evenings and overnights, they need to know all safety protocols and what to do in any type of emergency. As for fun, well, that is also a must. “The students especially really enjoy getting to know our houseparents,” NDVS/SB Student Program Coordinator Cindy Williams explains. “For our teens, houseparents are sometimes not much older than them, and with all the students, they often see the houseparents as ‘cool’ role models.” Houseparents are definitely “cool” in the eyes of the students who attend short-term programs, but that is often because of the deep connections that are made between the students and the houseparents. “We know a lot of bonding and sharing goes on between the houseparents and students,” Cindy says. “Many times, students seem to open up more to houseparents than to their teachers or instructors.” But that means communication is also important. “The houseparents are expected to share any concerns with daytime staff,” Cindy explains, adding “this ensures that everyone is safe and that all staff is aware of anything that may be affecting a student’s time at the School.”
Grace LeFevre may be one of the newer houseparents on staff, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t made an impact already. “She has done great learning her role,” houseparent supervisor Erin Storhoff says. “She has worked a lot of the evenings the students go swimming and is wonderful about getting things organized when she arrives for her shift.” Like many other houseparents over the years, Grace started out volunteering at NDVS/SB. During her volunteer hours, she made connections with staff and got to know the inner workings of NDVS/SB. Since becoming a houseparent, she has formed even more connections. “Students and adult clients all enjoy having conversations with her,” Erin says, which makes those students and adults feel safer – and have more fun. Read more about Grace below.
Tell us about yourself.
I am from Jamestown, ND. I attend UND. I am a junior, and I am majoring in forensic science and pre-med. I have a younger brother and sister. My sister is currently going to Valley City State University for education, and my brother is a junior in high school. My mom is a kindergarten teacher, and my dad is a judge.
What other jobs have you held?
I have worked at a childcare facility since I was a sophomore in high school. When I go back home in the summer I work their summer program.
How did you end up as a houseparent at NDVS/SB?
I started out by volunteering at NDVS/SB. They said that they were in need of houseparents and asked me if I would like to apply. After talking with Cindy about the position I decided that it would make for a good student job. It appealed to me because you only have to work certain weeks which is nice for being able to balance school. I started working as a housparent during the fall of last year.
In your own words, how would you describe your job as a houseparent?
As a houseparent some of my duties are driving the students to scheduled activities, making meals or helping the students make meals (depending on the group), and being there in case there is a certain task that a student needs help with. With the elementary through high school students, I'm there to help with any homework questions they might have. As a houseparent I also help with solving any problems that might arise, mostly room-related problems (such as a room being too cold or too hot).
What keeps you excited about your job?
Since the weeks rotate what group is with us, it's fun to see what students are with us. It's been nice to get to meet new students and also see previous students. It makes me happy that the students are excited to see me when I'm working, and I'm excited to see them.
What are your hobbies?
I really like to walk, play tennis, and play clarinet.
What are your future plans?
For the foreseeable future I will be studying to take the MCAT. After that, waiting for my score to see what options I have.
How has working at NDVS/SB affected your life or your outlook?
Working at NDVS/SB has been very fun and informative. It has not changed my future plans, but it has shown me a field that I would not have thought of.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a houseparent, reach out to Erin Storhoff (estorhoff@nd.gov, 701-795-2716) or Cindy Williams, Student Program Coordinator (ckwillia@nd.gov, 701-795-2704).