For one social worker in Momence, a chance college class altered her career path significantly. Olivia Janisse has been a social worker at Momence since last fall. As an undergraduate, she completed her degree in communications. However, she realized something crucial early on – a job without passion and purpose wouldn't suffice. “By the time I got to the end of my degree, I realized that I'm a person who needs passion and purpose. And just any job wouldn't do,” she recalls. This epiphany struck her around the age of twenty-three, and Momence has benefited greatly from it.
It was during the latter part of her undergraduate studies that Olivia's calling to social work became clear. An elective course in social work introduced her to a field she was previously unfamiliar with. “I had never met a social worker before. I didn't even know what they did. And so that was like a four-credit-hour class that really introduced me to social work, and I feel that I was called to it,” she explains. The random course was a pivotal moment, shaping her future in unexpected ways.
While pursuing her Master's at SIU Carbondale, Olivia discovered an opening at Momence. “I wanted to go into schools originally, but last summer, I found out that there is a school social worker shortage. They offered a short-term emergency license to licensed social workers or those with bachelor's degrees. And so that's what landed me here at Momence. It was really like an alignment of the stars, because otherwise, that would have never happened,” she says.
Olivia's dedication to her calling goes beyond luck. “I love people. And I have a passion for service. I want to support people to be the best they can, even in their worst moments,” she states. Whether it's assisting kids in managing their emotions or supporting families through challenges, Olivia finds her work immensely rewarding. Her role is more than just a job; it’s a commitment to nurturing healthy, successful children.
Olivia also has a refreshing perspective on failure. “Failure is just a necessary part of living. That’s how we learn. We make mistakes,” she says. Rather than viewing failure negatively, she sees it as an opportunity for growth and improvement – a perspective that she brings to her work at Momence.
Her connection to the school and town is deep. “We still really try to be a family here. You want to look out for each other, especially for the kids. And in this community, that's our strength,” she notes. For Olivia, putting kids first is not just a job; it's a way of life.
Recently, on Veteran's Day, Olivia and the school honored war heroes with a breakfast and ceremony. “We were one of the only schools in the area where our students attended. We wanted to show our respect and support, and the kids took pride in it,” she recalls. This event exemplified the community spirit Olivia fosters – a spirit where even the youngest members are involved in honoring and respecting those who have served.
In Momence, Olivia Janisse is more than a social worker; she's a vital part of a community where not just any job would do. Her dedication to service, her love for people, and her ability to see the positive in every situation make her an invaluable asset. She’s here, doing anonymous good, making small miracles happen every day.