Taking the Leap into Caregiving
Six years ago, Kat Perry Kanoho never imagined she would find herself in the caregiving field. Her husband and his family, all deeply rooted in home care and healthcare, often spoke about their experiences and the fulfillment they found in their work. Inspired by their passion, she decided to give it a try and took a job in an adult foster home working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To her surprise, she loved it.
Kat then transitioned to an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) center for children with autism, where she found great joy in the work but began feeling drawn toward an administrative role. She wanted to be part of the field she loved while developing new skills behind the scenes. This desire led her to seek out a position that would offer both career growth and purpose.
Kat Finding Her Place at Family Resource Home Care
As Kat explored new opportunities, she came across an opening at Family Resource Home Care. She knew what she wanted: a workplace that encouraged professional growth and genuinely supported its employees. However, her initial interview took an unexpected turn—she had COVID during the call and worried she hadn’t made the best impression. Fortunately, she was invited for an in-person interview, and when she landed the role of Caregiver Manager, she knew she had made the right choice.
“Everywhere else I worked, it was just a job. Family Resource Home Care made me feel like I had a career.”
From day one, Kat was struck by how much Family Resource Home Care emphasized development. The team was invested in her success, and she quickly saw that the organization didn’t just talk about growth—they actively made it happen. She spent over a year in the Caregiver Manager position, working closely with caregivers and clients, sharpening her skills, and learning the ins and outs of the business.
Then, an unexpected experience reshaped her career path.
A New Perspective on Integration
About six months into her Caregiver Manager role, Kat’s branch in Salem, Oregon, went through a remediation process, and she worked directly with Annabelle, Director of Integration and Remediation, who led the integration efforts. Kat was fascinated by the structured approach Family Resource Home Care took to provide support where it was needed.
“I had worked places where they wanted to help but didn’t know how or where to start. At Family Resource Home Care, there’s a process, a person, and a plan to make it happen.”
She became deeply intrigued by the Integration Support Specialist role, which focused on onboarding new branches and supporting existing ones that needed extra guidance. Though she wouldn’t be working one-on-one with caregivers and clients anymore, she saw how vital the role was in ensuring that teams had the support they needed to thrive. When a position opened, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to combine her administrative skills with her passion for caregiving.
Thriving in Her New Role
Now, as an Integration Support Specialist, Kat sees her impact from a broader perspective. She helps bridge the gap between new employees and the established Family Resource Home Care culture, ensuring that no one feels like they are on an island. Her past experience as a caregiver and a Caregiver Manager gives her a unique ability to relate to the challenges that caregivers face and offer meaningful support.
“I remember walking into an office full of people who had been there forever, feeling like the new person. Now, I get to help others navigate that transition and feel at home.”
Her journey has solidified her belief in Family Resource Home Care’s mission of internal growth. She often tells caregivers considering career advancement that the opportunities for development are limitless at Family Resource Home Care.
Words of Wisdom for Caregivers and Clients
Kat reassures those hesitant about home care that Family Resource Home Care puts tremendous effort into matching clients with the right caregivers.
“Caregiving isn’t about making someone more reliant on you—it’s about giving them more independence. It’s about making sure they can enjoy the things that matter, like having coffee with their adult children while their caregiver handles the household tasks.”
For those considering a career in caregiving, she encourages an open mind.
“You never truly know what to expect until you’re in it. The connections you make with clients will surprise you. Every shift you work impacts someone’s life—sometimes in small ways, sometimes in huge ways.”
No Limits, Just Growth
Looking back, Kat sees her journey as proof that when passion meets opportunity, incredible things happen.
“The grass is always greener where you water it,” she says, reflecting on how Family Resource Home Care cultivates career growth from within.
Her role as an Integration Support Specialist is just another stepping stone, and she knows there is still more to come. She loves knowing that Family Resource Home Care is a place where careers flourish, and she is proud to be part of a company that truly values its people.
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Kat’s journey has sparked your interest in the fulfilling world of caregiving, we invite you to embark on your own transformative path. Family Resource Home Care is always on the lookout for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. With over 40 locations spanning across Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho, there’s an opportunity waiting for you to join our compassionate community. Whether you’re an experienced caregiver or considering a career change, take the leap and explore the rewarding realm of caregiving with us. Discover the joy of creating meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Your journey begins here – join us in spreading warmth, care, and support.
