A Meaningful Journey: Velma Green

 

When Velma Green first walked through the doors at Bancroft more than two decades ago, she never imagined it would become her life’s work.

 

At the time, she was working at the post office when a neighbor who worked at Bancroft encouraged her to apply. Velma filled out the application, came in for the interview, and quickly realized she had found something special.

 

“I felt like I belonged here,” she says.

 

Velma began working in the school program as a one-to-one support staff member, helping a student navigate daily routines at home and in the classroom. Over time, she transitioned to residential services, where she now supports five women in their home, helping with daily life, medical appointments, and advocacy.

 

For Velma, the most meaningful part of the work is the connection she builds with the people she supports.

 

“What I love most is seeing them smile,” she says. “Being able to make someone laugh or feel comfortable with you, that’s everything.”

 

After 24 years, Velma is still committed to learning and growing. Recently, she enrolled in the nationally accredited Direct Support Professional certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, which Bancroft offers to help team members strengthen their skills. She has already completed Level II and is preparing to begin Level III, the final level of the certification. 

 

“At first I was nervous because I hadn’t been in school in a long time,” she says. “But it reminded me that I can always keep learning and keep getting better for the individuals we support.”

 

What keeps her coming back every day is simple: the relationships.

 

“For the individuals we support, consistency matters,” Velma says. “You show up, you listen, and you care. That makes the difference.”

 

 

Those connections often last far beyond a single moment. Velma remembers a young man she supported years ago who still sends her a birthday card every year.

 

“To know someone remembers you like that…it means a lot,” she says.

 

After more than two decades at Bancroft, Velma believes her work comes down to something simple but powerful: love. It’s a belief that echoes the philosophy of Bancroft’s founder, Margaret Bancroft, who built her work around patience, hope, and love.

 

“From helping one child to helping so many people today, it all started with love,” Velma says.

 

And for anyone starting their own journey at Bancroft, Velma has simple advice:

 

“Have patience. Be kind. Treat people the way you would want to be treated.”

 

Because in the end, she believes, it’s the people that make every day meaningful.

 

“Bancroft is family.”

 

For information on joining the Bancroft team click here.

 

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