Meet Henry Anyafulu
“I sincerely enjoy the diversities both in clients and staff members!” This is what weekend floating counselor Henry Anyafulu said when we asked what he enjoyed most about his job at Youth Homes.”
What is your role at Youth Homes?
My role at Youth Homes, Inc. is referred to as a Weekend Floating Counselor, especially for nights which entail:
Supporting all the overnight staff members in the various homes
Serves as an interventionist in terms of crisis for example - picking up residents from AWOLS at odd hours, trips for emergencies at the hospital, and helping in de-escalations
Covers any of the houses whenever a staff member calls in
Engages in anything to better our services to clients and staff members
What was the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had before working at Youth Homes?
Before Youth Homes Inc, I worked in various agencies that spanned up to 15 years. Such jobs included work in retail - especially a firm known as Shiekh's shoes, of which I resigned as a deputy district manager controlling the Bay Area after 10 years for the love of working with group homes.
What do you find most challenging about working at Youth Homes?
Well, it depends on what one refers to as challenging else I am non-judgemental and open-hearted to the behaviors I encounter through my work. I always think of positive ways of impacting the clients. Christal Black STRTP Supervisor for Pyror House said,
"Henry is undeniably one of the most hard-working staff I have ever encountered. He will come in at the drop of a hat to help support any of our four houses, no matter the time. I’ve never seen him lose his cool or stray away from a challenge. He takes initiative to get things done around the house like making sure our cars are all in working order, oil, tire changes.”
What do you enjoy most, working at Youth Homes?
I sincerely enjoy the diversity both in clients and staff members! Henry loves the rich and vibrant diversity of clients and staff from Richmond, to Ethiopia and from Ireland and Alameda.
Do you have a particular Youth Homes memory, event, or moment that sticks in your mind the most?
Something that remains with me to date is a chat that I had with past CEO Stuart McCullough before his retirement. Henry remembers Stuart sharing,
"As we work to provide a healing place for the population we serve, it reminds me of my growing up and the over 50 years of experience in the field."
These words ring true for Henry as he recalls gazing at Stuart to see a very candid face that would have loved to continue but age was a factor. It also reminds him of his humble childhood, growing up away from the village, as his father chose to work and not depend on royalty. This matched his desire to leave the retail industry and choose fulfilling work within the foster system.
Any favorite line from a movie?
"Love me for who I am and not what I am" - Eddy Murphy, Coming To America.
What is the last joke you remember telling?
I am really not good with jokes, rather riddles: An object that decides to store its water until badly or really needed is what? Answer: Coconut.
If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you bring?
I am not a religious fanatic- but I would like to have a bible, water to drink, and possibly a chewing stick!
Tell us something most people don't know about you?
During our interview, Henry humbly admitted, “Some people know that I am a Prince of Anyafulu dynasty/royal family from a town known as Oko-Anala of Oshmili south LGA in Delta state - Nigeria”.
