Testimonials

Our dedicated staff members ... in their own words

My name is Takoyia, and I’ve been working at Diakon since September 2024. What I enjoy most about working here is that I get to be me with the youth. I’ve always had a passion for working with teens. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges during my own teenage years, and now I utilize those experiences to foster genuine, honest relationships with the young people I work with.

Diakon has helped me grow in so many ways, both personally and professionally. My experiences here have allowed me to recognize areas where I can improve—not just for the agency, but also for my own family. I didn’t even realize how much I needed support in certain areas until I started this work. By working closely with the youth, I’ve been able to apply some of the same teaching techniques to my own life, and that’s helped me show up as my best self at work, at home, and everywhere in between."

Takoyia - Diakon Youth Services

My name is Abbey, and I work as a Recruitment and Family Development Specialist. I love working at Diakon because I get to see the impact of my work firsthand. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch families show the drive and motivation to change a child’s life forever. When a child is placed in a home, it’s such a great feeling to know that I played a part in making that happen. After spending time with these families and getting to know them, it makes me so happy to see them matched with the child or children of their dreams.

Working at Diakon has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Coming straight out of college, I was a bit timid but eager to learn. Now, as I have surpassed my one-year mark, I can clearly see how much I’ve grown. My supervisor has played a big role in that growth—he’s always encouraging me, reminding me that “you got this” and “I’m super proud of you.” That support has made a huge difference in my confidence.

Personally, I’ve become more outgoing thanks to my work at Diakon. I interact with the community regularly and communicate often with my supervisor and coworkers. In just a short time, the people I work with and the mission we serve have helped shape me into the person I am today. I’m so grateful to be part of the Diakon team.

Abbey - Diakon Adoption & Foster Care