Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Wollin.
Hi Stacy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up very poor living on a hog farm. My parents definitely instill work ethic in myself and my three brothers. Growing up on a farm, I learned to work hard and learned if you want something, it’s on you go out and do it becuase it won’t happen any other way. By the time I was 10 I had my first job babysitting. All through high school I had multiple jobs.
I was a kid that never really knew what they wanted to do when they grew up. I went to community college right after high school and changed my major no less than six times. I always really loved people. So I decided I would try working in a group home with disabled adults…… I was scared to death! Half of the adults were very aggressive, all of them need a great deal of care and assistance. Within 6 months of working there, I had gotten significantly injured twice, causing lifelong injuries. This didn’t stop me, I was hooked but still really new to this work. About a 18 months later, I had moved to St. Cloud for college and moved on to another group home where the adults were more medically inclined. Another area I had not dealt with. I nearly walked out…. I thought there is no way I can do this! I stuck it out and eventually took on many roles from working all 3 shifts, to dietary aid, to my first leadership role. I had moved around quite a bit the next few years, but everywhere I went I took on new roles and learned new things to expand my knowledge. I always commanded some type of leadership role.
In 2006, after working for numerous companies, and seeing so many things I felt I could do better… I started my own company– Libra Support Services, LLC. We have just celebrated our 20th year! Even though there have been so many challenges and hardships, I know all the individuals that we serve and their families. This is truly important to me!
In 2021, I added two more facets to my life and my business. I added family foster care in which I opened my home to Eric, who still lives with me and I share responsibility for his life/care. My husband and I are very proud of the work we do with Eric daily. I also added Libra Consulting Services, LLC where we support over 125 (and growing weekly) businesses to be compliant with Minnesota Department of Human Services 245D compliance in licensing, learning and various supports in these systems.
I couldn’t be more proud of my teams that help me support the homes, the individuals and the service providers we engage with AND I couldn’t be more proud to be a female business owner in this state!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road…..
Rules and laws are always changing. Keeping up with current markets and demands. We all had to deal with and are still dealing COVID. Lack of employees, High stress. Now that I’m getting older, it can sometimes be harder to maintain stamina, health….
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We provide services to adults with disabilites in homes (Community Residential Settings–CRS). Most of the adults have been with us for many years and love their homes, their housemates and their staff. This is what it is all about, they live where they want to live. Their choices are being met. They live in a nice home, receive awesome care, are active, safe and having fun!
I am most proud that our homes are very clean, well maintained, they have nice, homecooked meals, our management team is invested and amazing at their jobs. They are active in a variety of community events. The families are highly involved. They have excellent medical care.
I am most proud of my involvement as an owner. Many to most owners are not involved in their businesses. I am there 5-6 days a week. I am accessible to indviduals, served, families, employees, vendors. We try to make as much happen for events, needs and training as is possible with the resources that are available. We have gone above and beyond for individuals and employees with higher needs….. no one is a number a Libra!
What matters most to you?
My and the businesses INTEGRITY and REPUTATION!
I believe these are the foundations, if you don’t have sound integrity and reputation, everything else seems fake. I’m very much a walk the walk, talk the talk type of person. If you can’t do that or be that…..don’t say you can. I feel this follow through in every aspect of your life. Family, friendship, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.librasupportservices.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibraSupportServices#
