Now at 50, Jennifer Zywiak works as New York Connects coordinator for RCIL. She talks about her position, her condition and why she is very happy with her life
By Barbara Pierce
Jennifer Zywiak of New York Mills is a New York Connects coordinator for the Resource Center for Independent Living. She discusses her work and the work performed by RCIL.
Q: What does your position as a NY Connects coordinator involve?
A: We assist people and give information. For example, people often need transportation, medical resources, housing, Medicaid, Medicare and more. It often involves research to locate what they need. I just found a college student a ride to campus; he has cerebral palsy, like me, lives in Rome and goes to college in Utica. I was able to get transportation for him, funded through a Medicaid waiver. That was my biggest project this year!
I do outreach events to let people know we’re here for them. I go to fairs, Section 8 housing complexes, food pantries and hand out our flyers. I work full time as a disabled person.
Q: What more can you tell us about RCIL?
A: RCIL is a place where people can come and we’ll help you with advocacy, with benefits application of any kind and connecting people with services that support their needs.
“We’re an agency that helps people with any type of disability,” added Rose Zaloom, director of grants, marketing and fundraising. “Our approach is that all the services are consumer‑ controlled, which means we advocate alongside with the individual. It means the individual has autonomy and control over their decisions. Living independently looks different for everyone. We serve people in Oneida, Herkimer, Montgomery and Fulton counties. We have offices in Utica, Herkimer and Amsterdam.”
“People can come here, we’re very friendly!” said Zywiak.
Q: What is your background; how did you end up in this position?
A: I went to school to become a paralegal. It was difficult to find a job as a paralegal; employers said they couldn’t depend on me since I’m not able to drive. I ended up working as a phone operator at a bank for 25 years. Now I’m 50 years old and this is where I’ve always wanted to be, helping people. RCIL trained me on the job; I had no background.
Q: What are the rewards of your position?
A: I really enjoy my job, though sometimes it’s hard. I hate those rare cases when there’s nothing I can do to help someone. The best thing is I love talking to people, talking on the phone. I have quite a few repeat clients. We’ve formed a relationship. People say I’m a superstar!
Q: What are the challenges of your position?
A: The main challenge is to connect someone to a resource that is hard to find. Sometimes I can’t find anything for that person. Telling someone I can’t help them is hard.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I read; I’m in a book club. I go to movies. I enjoy being with my niece and nephews. I live alone, with two cats; I own my home. And I have a lot of family and friends’ support.
Q: How does having cerebral palsy affect your life?
A: “I was born with CP. School was hard. Sometimes people would make it difficult. My mother and father treated me like a normal kid. I never thought I’d be where I am today. When I went to college, my mother and father taught me how to be independent. I’m very happy with my life. I’m very blessed. I work full-time, have lots of friends and a great family. I clean my own home. What I can’t do, my niece helps me with. I enjoy my life. I go out with my family and friends. I do life like everyone else. Sometimes it’s difficult. There are lots of people in my circle if I need support.
I walk with a walker. Sometimes it’s hard to get around. But if you don’t keep going, you end up stopping. Keep going if you’re in a tough spot. If I can do it, so can you! Yes, sometimes it’s hard. I do get down. But I can’t get down or I won’t get up!