Staff Spotlight: For Adult Services Program’s Philip DelHagen, supporting someone in need is a blessing

Adult One-to-One Counselor Philip DelHagen loves his job and looks forward to it every day. “For me, being able to support someone in need is a blessing,” Phil said. “I was fortunate enough to have people in my life when l was struggling who genuinely cared. Now I have that ability and chance to do the same for others.”

Phil’s introduction to Latham came through Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands’ Mature Workers/Senior Community Service Employment Program. At the age of 67, Phil had thought of himself as semi-retired and limited to working part-time. But through the Mature Workers Program, he was able to transition into a full-time position at Latham Centers. Phil supports a resident who has Prader-Willi syndrome, and he couldn’t be happier: “This work allows me to tap into parts of myself that I had never used professionally before,” he said.

Latham Centers’ Human Resources Representative Betty Gray said Phil is a reliable team member and is well liked and respected by peers, residents, and his supervisor. He’s a wonderful addition to the Latham community and we’re grateful to Elder Services’ Mature Workers/Senior Community Service Employment Program for bringing job candidates to us.

Phil is grateful as well: “I would say it is not about what you give the clients but what the clients give to you for just being there… Thank you for giving me the chance to be at Latham. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it.”