Thoughtfully Developing Character and Community: 5 Questions with Willie Mobley

1. How long have you worked at Dungarvin; in the IDD industry?

I have worked for Dungarvin and in the IDD field for seven years. My first job for Dungarvin was Program Director of four programs throughout the state. This is my second career. My first career was with the Connecticut Department of Corrections where I worked for 21 years.   

2. Why do you have a passion for this work?

I spent most of my professional career working in the prison system here in Connecticut. Unfortunately, I’ve seen people at their worst. After seeing people like this for so long, it changed my perspective. In that moment I went from a mindset of keeping people locked up to a mindset of lifting people up. This is where my passion for this work developed. It was important for me to be a part of the solution, to use my leadership skills and compassion, in a way that my success was determined by how hard I worked to help others. 

3. What is your most treasured possession?

I’m not one who puts a lot of value in possessions, but if I had to choose, it would be my Nikon D810 camera. I love photography!

4. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?

Increased funding for human service organizations, much of which should go to staff salaries. Increased pay would (potentially) lead to improved staff retention, reduced overtime and the need for staff to work two or three jobs. This would not only help our staff, but the individuals we serve as well. I find that individuals do well when they have consistency in their lives. Individuals who have staff that they are comfortable with and who have been supporting them for a long period of time, in my opinion, have better outcomes.   

5. Who are your heroes in life and why?

My mother is my main hero. She was strong, compassionate, intelligent, and authentic.  She gave everything she had to raise her children in a loving, nurturing and safe home.  When other children in our community needed something to eat, she would feed them as if they were one of her own. Her love and kindness knew no bounds.