A Special Tribute to Direct Support Professionals:
THANK YOU for providing
quality care to citizens of our community who have
developmental disabilities. Your investments of time and love are improving the
quality of life for many persons with developmental disabilities.
This special edition of SPEAK the News is a tribute to our 2006 DSPs of the Year. Each of our SPEAK Partners agree that their frontline staff are the most valuable resource their agency has for meeting the needs of the folks they serve. For the 2006 DSP Appreciation banquet, SPEAK asked each Partner to select one DSP to highlight and appreciate for their excellence in this field of work. Each recipient of this award received a framed DSP of the Year certificate and gift certificate(s) to local restaurants, museums, and/or events. Additionally, SPEAK asked each agency to collect letters of appreciation from co-workers, supervisors, associates (consumers), and family members of consumers. Due to the volume of letters that we received for each of these DSPs, we are not able to include all of those letters in this newsletter. We were, however, able to include many of these letters. Our hope in publishing these letters is twofold. First, we hope these letters give further appreciation to these particular heroes of the direct support profession. Second, we hope that as you read these letters, you are inspired to follow these heroes in their values, commitments, and excellence in this field. From all of us involved in SPEAK, thanks again for all of your hard work and dedication. Each of you are an inspiration to all of us!
DSP of The Year
Marian
Montgomery, Mattingly Center
She is our SPEAK rep. and has spent many hours outside of her work day
preparing to give us info on the SPEAK programs. She gives 200% on the job at
MC. She has wonderful programs for participants that she prepares outside of
work hours. She has fantastic art projects and displays outside art program to
give recognition to the Mattingly Center and gives us connection with many
talented and loving artists in the community. She’s always smiling and giving
top quality attention to our participants and their families. –Phyllis Ridge
Now that it is spring it is so easy to describe Marian. She is a
beautiful flower in the sun! To know Marian is to love her. She has made me feel
special since I first met her. She is my friend, my confidante, my mom away from
mom. I love her. I loved being in her core group, we have had some memorable
times together. We’ve have had fun at the “Chow Wagon,” Christmas time and of
course shopping together. Remember especially the time she, Debbie, and my
father took us on an outing and got lost. I still laugh about it. I could go on
and on but I think you understand what she means to me. She has a beautiful poem
about the girls in her room when I was there a couple years ago. I have it
hanging in my room. –Kelly Knoop
When we think of Marian we smile and praise the day she came into our lives. She
is such a delightful lady to be around. We feel so fortunate for Kelly to have
had the privilege of being in her room, a couple years. She has had a good
influence on all our adult “kids.” She is so loving and special, and
understanding of each individual. She is such a hard worker; George has done
quite a bit of volunteering with Marian, and he is always so impressed by the
consideration and love she demonstrates toward all the clients. On a personal
note, her wonderful qualities overflow into her artwork, and also she is such a
delight. We just love Marian! –George & Joey Knoop
Marian Montgomery has worked at MC since Nov. of 1996 and I have had the
privilege of working with Marian during this time as a site member, becoming a
friend and now supervisor. We have laughed and cried over accomplishments and
loss of our participants. Marian is truly a DSP and now a Mentor. She shows this
by putting such effort and devotion when working with the participants. Marian
let’s others know her passion that she has for her position as a DSP. I want to
say “Thank You” Marian for all that you have given to the participants and staff
members at the MC.
-Debbie Meador
Viola
Toni, ETA
Thank you so very much for brightening our day when you come to work. Ms.
Toni, you’re smile is like the sunshine breaking through a cloudy day, I look
forward to your coming to work. Thank you for your kind spirit, warm heart and
caring personality. You are a very special person. –Judith Mansfield
You mean a great deal to everyone at ETA because you are always around whenever
we need you. Some days when we have a hard day you come ready to talk to us all
about it. To me this shows just how much you care for people. –Kathie
I want to thank you for the way that you carry yourself with our clients and
your co-workers. In talking with you I know that you are a special person gifted
at working with people who have special needs. Thank you ever so much. –Mrs.
Betty
Thank you Ms. Toni for being so sweet to me. For all the days that you helped me
during breaks, and all the times that you stay at work when I had to go home, I
am grateful. –Suzie
Nneaka
Cooks, Day Spring
Nneaka is patient and kind spoken.
She takes a personal interest in each of the residents.
-Tara Alfiero
Nneaka is a nice person and a good helper. -Ellen Sheridan
I like Nneaka because she is very friendly. -Debbie Seger
Nneaka is like a sister to me. I really feel as if Jesus sent her to me on
purpose. In her kind, loving & gentle way she re-directs me when I need help
with the food choices I am making.
-Mary Ann Lewis
Nneaka is such a true blessing to the Day Spring community. She knows what it
takes to juggle 10 things at a time while working a shift here and is able to do
it all with such ease. Nneaks's spirit is so very kind and she has a
personality that is fun to be around.
-Mary Ellen Howard
Kim
Burchett, Community Living
Kim is a smart and good woman. She is into ghetto like me she dresses
really cool and she understands the things I like. Kim is very pretty too. She
fusses at me when I need it and then grins at me. She is like the little sister
I never had and I’m very protective of her. She understands my needs even when I
don’t. She makes better lunches than anybody else. I still remember the Harley
cake she made and it was the best cake ever! She is very honest, open and
respectful with me. She is one hell of a cook too. I like her as a friend
because she is a tom-boy. I know she’s got my back when things are going wrong.
I bring her cookies for all the nice things she does. I hope she never quits her
job because she has three people who would like her to stay with us and keep
encouraging us to grow as productive people. –Jeremy Smith
I like the way she cooks. I like the way she takes care of me. She helps me pick
out my clothes. Kim is a good girl. She makes an awesome breakfast casserole.
She is the queen of casserole. Kim is my friend too. We have good days and bad
days and she helps us when we need it. –Jages
I love her very much. There are so many things I love about Kim she is my angel
face. She takes me shopping and to Taco Bell and to the movies. I appreciate all
she does for me. I lover her dog named Doogie, too. We had so much fun last
summer when she took me to the state fair, it was a blast! She keeps me out of
trouble too. I enjoy my fish tank she made for my birthday and “Pee Wee” has a
great home now. She is my inspiration when I’m having a bad day. –Bill
Kim gives of herself in so many ways! Many times I’ve been working in my office
and in the background I’ll hear Kim interacting with our guys, Kim can you put
this bracelet on for me? Sure she replies, and then 3 minutes later, Kimmie can
you take this bracelet off for me? And with a soft sigh she’ll reply, sure. I
can’t count the times I’ve laughed when Kim and Bill (one of our residents) have
shared a private joke. With a cheeky grin he’ll say “Yes Maw” and Kim will
reply “you dork.” This will set them off howling with giggles you can hear all
over the house. If I tried to tell you all the things she does this letter would
go on for pages. So just let me say this, Kim you are a vital part of the Whipps
Bend family and we hope you will be with us for many years to come. One of our
residents gave Kim the nickname “Angel face” I think that says in one word what
100 pages could only begin to say. –Darlene Asberry
Joyce Robinson,
Louisville Diversified Services
You are truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. You always go
out of your way to bring joy to those around you. You are dependable and honest,
which is just a couple of qualities that you bring to our site each and
everyday. Your sensitivity reflects on the participants as well as the staff.
You show dignity and respect to all that cross your path. No matter how
difficult things get, you always handle them with a smile and a kind voice that
sets an example for everyone. You have inspired me to be a better person and for
that, I thank you. –Anna
I am writing this letter to share my strong admiration and appreciation for
Joyce Robinson, a cherished direct support professional at LDS. I had the
pleasure of meeting Joyce six years ago. Joyce is a behind–the–scenes hero at
LDS. Her gentle nature never demands attention, gratitude or praise for herself.
She quietly carries out the mission and values of our organization, having a
profound effect on the vulnerable individuals we serve.
If I were marketing our agency’s commitments, I would include a picture of
Joyce. Our commitments are:
professionalism,
integrity, joy, kindness, humility and respect. Unfortunately, even our
commitments do not encompass all of Joyce’s many wonderful attributes. I would
have to at least include,
compassion, empathy,
patience, creativity, and selflessness. I’ve seen Joyce’s caring spirit
in her interactions with our program participants and the positive, loving
impact she has in their lives. She always encourages them to be independent,
all the while letting them know she is there to support them.
Joyce is not only a gift to our participants, but she has been a wonderful
blessing to her colleagues. Even the administrative staff who rarely see her
often comment on her gracious nature. We could not find a harder worker or more
dedicated team player.
My greatest regret is that I have not often enough said to Joyce how much she
means to me, our participants, and our organization. I am very grateful for
this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Joyce Robinson.
-Ann Rosenberg–Sattich, President
Lisa Johnson, Cedar Lake
Residents
Lisa Johnson is a great asset to CLR; she puts 100% into her job. She is
a very kind, fun and loving person. She always has a smile on her face whether
she is having a good or bad day. She makes the clients laugh and smile. She is a
great person and I’m glad to call her a friend. Since I have moved to a
different position, I really miss her outgoing personality. She has grown
immensely in the last year and she takes pride in the job we do. She’s great! –Heather
Walker
Lisa is a beautiful good woman! And I love her. -Ralph Kemper
Lisa helps me a lot and gets me in the community. I like her a lot! -Tami
Beck
When I think of Lisa the first word that comes to mind is generous. She is
generous with her time, her patience, her persistence, and everything else that
she knows someone needs whether it is a client or co-worker. She is someone who
comes to the table and offers everything she has in order to solve problems or
just make someone's day a little better. Lisa is a genuine person who puts her
whole heart into this job. She is a team player and not only works to improve
the lives of the three ladies she works with, but also the other nine clients
that live in the area where she works. I believe Lisa is a great asset to CLR
and a wonderful role model to her fellow co-workers. She is an over achiever in
this field. She continuously is willing to go the extra mile. -Danyel
Tingle
Vicki
Walker- Seven Counties Services (SCS)
Where have the years gone, we have been co-workers for the past six years
in PASRR and in that time we have shared many happy moments as well as sad.
Vicki, I treasure your friendship and your bubbly attitude.
powerful
influences on day-to-day
relationships are more pleasant and rewarding with the individuals you support.
ou
provide a positive impact in the lives of others,
that shows in the love of your work
and the competent and enthusiastic way you carry out your duties…Vicki you are
an amazing woman!
Some of the individuals
you support do not have a voice, but if they could speak they would tell you how
much they appreciate everything you do for them; fresh coffee, donuts with pink
icing, filling
bird feeders,
shopping, going to the movies, root beer floats from Sonic, labeling CD’s in Braille,
going swimming, listening,
visiting hospital, going to
doctors appointments
,
being patient, assisting
different ones out of
room, cutting
hair, cutting and painting
nails, washing faces, brushing hair,
bringing your
puppies to visit, assisting
with anger problems, helping
find homes, assisting in purchasing clothes, always
remembering birthdays with
balloons, a card and a cupcake.
You make your associates a
part of your own family!! Thank you for being the person you are. -Deborah Kay
Johnson
In looking back over the last 6 years we have worked together I am
humbled with the impact of your work. You have been a steady force in the lives
of at least 15 individuals, offering each of them friendship, laughter, caring,
advocacy and love. You have done this with care, through adversity and with
unfailing good humor. You are gentle and persistent in offering support to
people, always keeping in mind their needs, abilities and wants. It has been a
joy to work with you and to watch the people you mentor grow and reach new
heights with your involvement. It is obvious to me that this is not just a job
to you but a way of life and a part of who you are—a kind, caring person who
feels deeply about all individuals right to be offered the same opportunities
and the means to achieve them. You have offered these same attributes to the
PASRR team along with creativity and artistic ability; you set the bar for
measuring the type of services that need to be offered to individuals.
–Martha Casper
It is my great honor to write this note to you to thank you personally for your
years of loyalty and commitment to the PASRR program. I can’t even count all the
individuals you have loved and helped as a Community Coach here at SCS, but I
can tell you that if one person could ever make a huge difference in the quality
of life for our clients, you have done it. As far as I am concerned, Vicki, you
simply exemplify the “P” in “DSP”. You are always so professional and objective
in your work. Yet, you are also compassionate and extremely respectful with all
the individuals you see week to week. You use a highly individualized approach
with the people you serve- always looking for strengths to build on. You are
uncompromising in your advocacy with the nursing homes while respecting the
difficult job they have to do as well. You are such a gift for all who work
with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your efforts and commitment
over the years. SCS is so fortunate to have you here in our family.
-Becky Wolf-Klein
Evelyn
Francis- Dreams With Wings (DWW)
Evelyn has been the manager of the Browns Lane residence since it opened
in 2001 and Cindy became its’ first resident. Cindy was instantly drawn to
Evelyn and all of us have come to love her and value her friendship. She is
devoted to those she serves and genuinely believes in the mission of DWW. She
is wonderfully patient, kind and generous and strives to be sure that all of the
residents have an opportunity to reach their goals and dreams in life. Cindy’s
life is much richer because of Evelyn. We are very grateful for all the love,
time and energy she has given our daughter thus far.
-Nan and David Reece
Evelyn is helpful, fun, and kind. -Cindy Gardner
I love Evelyn. She is my best friend and she takes good care of me.
-Mary Alice Dorman
Evelyn is dedicated and she has always been willing to help and listen. As a
mentor there is nothing she won’t do for me and always will ask if there is
anything she can do to help me.
-Theresa Patterson
My work with Evelyn takes place over the last 18 years. Her commitment to those
she serves is incredible. The work that she does is not a job to her but an
opportunity to help bring possibility and hope to those she works with. Over
the years, she has continued to find a special place in for everyone. Birthdays
are always acknowledged. Special events in their lives are special events for
her. She has worked tirelessly to help folks transition from 24 hour support to
apartment living. She has become a friend to the families, helping to ease the
fears and concerns of transition. She is a sounding board for those she has
mentored. As with all of those who take their work seriously, she has become
frustrated on occasion but always sees that as an opportunity to step back and
re-focus. She returns with determined dedication to find the best in each and
every person and each and every day. She continues to be open to ideas and
possibilities and realizes the importance of listening. Her loyalty and
commitment to those she works with and DWW is inspiring!
-Jenifer Frommeyer
Ask Beth...
Dear
Beth,
I am new in this field and I like most of my job, but there is one person I
support that I don’t like at all. He doesn’t have appropriate boundaries and
often wants to hug or grab and any one (especially females) that walks in the
door. How can I provide services to a person that I don’t really like? Should I
ask to transfer sites within my organization? Please help,
~New DSP
Dear New DSP,
First and foremost, have you discussed this with a supervisor or your peer
mentor? Since this appears to be a behavior that is not particularly directed
at you but most people, I have to believe that this has been discussed and that
there is a possible protocol that you should follow when this person approaches
you. As written in “Positive Behavior Supports Guidelines” at
www.thearclink.org/news/articles, people do not “have” behaviors; rather,
they use behavior for very specific reasons and our job is to listen to what the
person is saying with their behavior and then to respond to their communication
in a way that uses their strengths to meet their needs and does not harm
themselves or others. So, my advise to you is before you ask for that transfer,
ask for some help and guidance from your supervisor. I believe that you can
build an acceptable relationship with this person given some guidance and
support.
~Beth
Do you
have a question that you would like to
“Ask Beth?”
Email
your questions to:
brichardson@councilonmr.org
Or send them to:
Beth Richardson
101 Witherspoon St
Louisville KY 40202