By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — Lara Lee Saunders is no stranger to caring for others.

Her new job as a direct support professional at Brandi’s Hope is allowing her to put her skills to use by assisting the individuals in the home by helping them acquire the skills they need to become successful in the community.

Brandi’s Hope provides day support to older individuals with special needs. The goal is to help them become more independent in the community. The organization helps those in the program gain employment, and for those who live on-site, the staff works with them on day-to-day activities, such as cooking, cleaning and doing laundry.

Saunders’ sister, Sadie, was born with Down syndrome. Sadie is the reason Saunders wanted to make a difference in the lives of others living with special needs.

“As a kid, I didn’t really understand what made my sister the  way she was, and I admit I made fun of her at times,” Saunders said. “As I grew and got more involved with going to her sessions at Hudspeth in Jackson and being involved with Special Olympics, I knew I wanted to make a difference.”

Saunders obtained a degree in therapeutic recreation from the  University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and is a nationally board certified recreational therapist.

“Caring for my sister has been a fun journey,” Saunders said. “It has prepared me for this kind of job. It takes a special person to work with these individuals and not everyone can do it. It takes a lot of patience and a huge heart. My sister has definitely taught me patience and also to love unconditionally.”

Saunders is happy about her new position because it allows her the opportunity to put her skills to work in the community and provide recreational activities for residents with special needs.

“I love what I do,” Saunders said. “I get to see firsthand the progress (they) are making and I get to be a part of that — it’s very rewarding.”

Saunders said those in the community with special needs who are looking to be considered for participation in the day programs need to have specific waivers that are issued by the Department of Mental Health and Bureau of Intellectual Development.

Area businesses and residents can also participate in the program by offering employment opportunities to those that Brandi’s Hope serves.

Brandi’s Hope program participants have various skill sets, Saunders said.

“Some of them are higher learners that may only require verbal prompting,” Saunders said. “Others, may need more hand-over-hand guidance.”

With training and nearly two decades of involvement in the Special Olympics, Saunders says she was born for her line of work.

Saunders said her faith and a close relationship with her mother, Ellen Saunders, who died two years ago, helps reinforce what she does on a daily basis.

“I look at these individuals every day, and I know that I am very blessed, even on the rough days,” Saunders said. “ I know God made them in his sight and they are walking miracles. I see God in every one of them, every day.”

For more information about Brandi’s Hope, visit brandishope.com or call 601-443-1415.