Pulled up to the dining room table, Typical Life Corporation Lead Direct Support Professional Jalyn Evans begins writing out the week’s grocery list. Sitting beside her, Khalil, an individual she supports, occasionally chimes in with additions. Watermelon. Orange juice. Pickles.
Together, they move through the rhythms of everyday life, completing the small but meaningful tasks that keep a home functioning. Jalyn helps Khalil put his laundry away, sweep his bedroom floor, and navigate routines that build independence. In these moments, she is creating a space where he feels comfortable, capable, and in control of his day.
A hands-on calling
Whether she’s helping with meals, assisting with appointments, or simply spending time building relationships with co-workers and the individuals she serves, Jalyn approaches her work with intention.
“To me, being a DSP means advocating for people that can’t necessarily advocate for themselves,” she says. “Not just like being a caregiver but being a voice.”
After starting at TLC as a DSP more than three years ago, Jalyn moved into a Program Manager role. She missed the one-on-one time with individuals, though, and ultimately returned to a more hands-on position as a Lead DSP.
“I take more out of being a DSP,” she says. “I feel like I was called to actually be in the house, being hands-on and assisting people day to day.”
A leader who lifts others up
The most rewarding part of Jalyn’s job is seeing growth in the individuals she serves. Since working with Khalil, she has noticed that his one-word responses occasionally have expanded into full sentences. He’s able to better communicate his wishes and desires to TLC staff.
Jalyn’s impact extends beyond the individuals she supports.
In her role as a Lead DSP, she takes on additional home-management responsibilities while continuing to work alongside her peers to directly support individuals. She helps coordinate staff schedules, assists with weekly audits, makes sure all individuals have their medications, and helps manage the house budget.
“I’ve had the opportunity to grow with Jalyn over the last couple years,” says Autara Hampton, Director of Residential at TLC. “To see Jalyn come in as a DSP and grow in that aspect has really stood out to me.”
In the primary home where she serves, Jalyn recently helped oversee a major transition. Khalil had been living alone in the home for over three years, but the goal always was for him to have a housemate. When a new individual moved into the home recently, Jalyn played a key role in helping residents and staff adjust.
“Jalyn has really helped the transition, supporting the staff but also the individuals,” Autara says.
Building community inside and outside TLC
Away from TLC, Jalyn coaches Little League baseball, bringing her contagious energy to the community. She takes the individuals she serves to her baseball practices and games.
“Being able to coach in the community, the individuals going, supporting her coaching but also watching, it allows our community to see that not everyone’s the same. Not every job is the same,” Autara says. “It allows for new opportunities within the community, whether it’s connections with individuals and community members or it’s connections of new people starting with TLC.”
Through coaching, Jalyn not only builds relationships in the community but helps others to better understand the work she does and the individuals she serves, opening the door for new connections. While she says that endeavor can be challenging, she finds it deeply meaningful.
“I benefit from being here as much as they do,” she says of the individuals she supports. “I just like helping. I feel like this is what I’m good at. Everybody’s not meant for an office job; everybody’s not meant to go to school. If you’re not really sure what you want to do but you know you want to help, TLC is a great option.”