Helemina Loh

Program Director, South Main Street

Helemina currently serves as the Program Director at our South Main Street residence and has been working in Residential Services at Charles River Center since 2009. (14 years and counting!) When Helemina first came to this country from Cameroon, she wanted to pursue a nursing career. She became a CNA, which she enjoyed, but felt something was missing. Then she was assigned to a residential group home, and suddenly she realized “this is where I wanted to be.” After that experience, she was committed to working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Most rewarding part of her job? Being able to get through to an individual and understand their challenges. “Once you understand them, you get beyond the diagnosis, and you see a beautiful person.” She admits it is not always easy, but once she establishes a connection with an individual and gains their trust, she finds she really bonds with them, which is incredibly satisfying. As she says, when they thank her for what she does, “it takes her heart away!”

Helemina is equally attentive and caring towards her own two children, a pair of middle school-aged twins, who keep her occupied and busy when she is not at work.

Thank you, Helemina, for your many years of service – you have earned the gratitude of the individuals you work with (as well as that of their parents and guardians) and the utmost respect of your peers.