Helping Others Is Important to Sharon
Sharon McCoy decided she “just wanted to help people.” Sharon knew when she was doing that, she felt better, finding a sense of fulfillment, accomplishment and peace. That feeling, Sharon said, goes hand-in-hand with her faith.
“I have wanted to live my faith, and not just talk about it. So, if I may answer freely, yes, my faith is a factor in what I do,” said Sharon, a CAREGiver℠ of the Month for owner Bill Dahlquist’s award-winning Home Instead® franchise office in Littleton, Colorado.
Before joining Home Instead on Nov. 1, 2019, Sharon always had helped people when the opportunity appeared. For as long as she can remember, Sharon has served as a family caregiver. One day, when Sharon saw a Home Instead television commercial, she was working in retail as a bakery clerk. And, of course, there was nothing wrong with that job.
“I had been thinking for a while that I wanted to do something more meaningful with my life. I like to help people. So, once I was ready to make those changes, I was compelled to apply with Home Instead. I’ve done caregiving in the past, but life had steered me in different directions over time. I’ve done clerical work in a medical office, and I’ve been a donut icer and cake decorator. I’ve spent a lot of time in retail,” Sharon explained.
She added: “There is nothing quite as rewarding as helping a population in our community that tends to be forgotten.”
Sharon had gotten a good feel for assisting the elderly when years ago she had helped care for her grandfather, who died of cancer. Sharon also said, “My grandma was one of my best friends. And now I’m reaching that time in my life where I care for my parents as much as I can, as they age and slow down.” Spanning the full generational realm of family caregiving, Sharon chuckled when she said, “I’ve raised a beautiful daughter who is now a teenager. Heaven help me.”
Sharon remembers experiencing the pleasure of spending time with her very first Home Instead client as she spent her last days with cancer. “I was blessed to know her,” Sharon said.
Sharon’s beliefs are important to her, but she knows faith is a multifaceted issue and needs careful consideration while she respects others’ outlooks. “I have never read the Bible to any client, but I would if they ask. I have told a client that I would and have prayed for them, and I would pray aloud with them if they asked me to,” Sharon said. “But I’m not one to push anything on anyone because it is also my place of employment. But I would hope that the clients would see Him in me in how I live and work.”
With a twinkle in her eye and a smile, Sharon offered: “When I think of the future, I would say if this is where God wants me to stay, I will stay. It's definitely rewarding work, and it would be hard to do anything else. I’ve considered going for CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). We’ll see.”
When she was asked about the most significant aspect of her job, Sharon said: “What I like most is ... helping. Simple.”
All Home Instead CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (303) 389-5700 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
