Featured photo: Flint resident Terrell Presnall, photo provided by Terrell Presnall
Written by Tanya Terry
Flint Resident Terrell Presnall is a direct support professional for BrightSpring Rescare in Lapeer and works in an adult foster care (AFC) home for individuals living with mental health issues. Presnall told the Courier he got started in his current field because of his belief in “karma. “
“So, I figured that I’d put good energy out, then if something happens to me, I believe I’ll receive good energy back,” said Presnall. “Now, it’s just about the guys. They don’t want for much, and from day to day, we tend to overlook the little things. One guy likes to sit and watch movies. It puts life in perspective that somebody wants something so simple to make them happy.”
Presnall said he shares similarities with a resident at BrightSpring named “Jahaw.”
“We like going out for rides; we like watching movies, so I think I identify with him,” said Presnall. “Another guy that I identify with is named ‘Jo Hus.’ He likes playing video games.”
Presnall was previously diagnosed with anxiety. So, he said he also identifies with some of the things those he cares for go through, as well.
On October 26, Presnall will celebrate his eighth year of being with BrightSpring. It is the first place he worked in rescare and the best fit for him so far.
“I worked at Halo Burger, and I worked at Meijer, and I was horrible at both.”
Presnall currently cares for six males. He works 40 hours weekly: two 16-hour doubles from 3 p.m.-7 a.m. the next day, and one 8-hour single from 3-11 p.m. He is also attending Lansing Community College part-time, where he is studying nursing.
He talked to the Courier about the stigma surrounding direct support professionals. He said even he had pictured a home as being “like an asylum” before getting his position.
“I thought everyone would be violent.”
According to Presnall, the word “crazy” is not said at the AFC home he works in.
“We get out and do activities. I think interacting with the community has helped change the stigma….Mental health issues can happen to anybody.”
Presnall was recently recognized on a national level as Michigan’s Direct Support Professional of the Year. To Presnall, receiving the honor was “overwhelming.” He said it made him very happy.
President Joe Biden also issued a proclamation recognizing April as Careworker Recognition Month.
“For those who feel burned out, for those who feel forgotten, I feel that can go a long way.”
Presnall feels this is especially important because of the “toll COVID took on everyone.” During the height of the pandemic, Presnall notes the men in the AFC home got aggravated because they couldn’t leave the home, which he understood.
He said some of the other individuals who received the award he received had worked in the field 20 years or more.
“I applaud them. It’s a rough field.”
Presnall feels fortunate to be able to help make communities more inclusive for everyone. He said this is possible because each resident has a personalized plan in which they can say if they want to attend church and what other activities they are interested in.
