Perhaps the best highlight of the DSP Appreciation Banquet involved Betty Smith receiving her appreciation award.  The award simply included several letters of appreciation written by co-workers, consumers, and family members of consumers.  Betty received this award with tears streaming down her face.  The following letters were written to thank her for her valuable contributions:

Betty Smith has worked at Dreams With Wings, Browns Lane House since it opened and the affection and respect that the women who live there have for Betty and for them is very obvious.Betty is very generous, spending her own money on the ladies, buying things they need and can’t afford to buy or things they just happen to want. She takes them to the movies and out to dinner. When they are back at home she helps them with laundry and cleaning. She says she is going to retire someday. That will be a very sad day. All of us who know her will certainly miss her, but especially Cheryl, Cindy and Mary. We all love ya’ Betty, don’t you ever retire- we couldn’t stand it! - David and Nan Reece

Betty Smith is very nice, she helps me clean my room, do my laundry and cook. Betty helps if you are struggling, and she encourages me to do my best and be the best person I can be. She never complains and is thoughtful and sincere. She does more than is expected of her at work. Betty is good at making my favorite coffee in the morning. When I think of her, I think of good things. Betty has a cheerful attitude, always laughs and has a good sense of humor. There is just something special about her. I know she likes always being with me. I can count on her for advice. She is sweet, loving, caring and giving. - Mary Smallwood

Betty Smith has worked with adults that have disabilities for seventeen years and is the person that goes beyond what is on her job description. Betty provides a loving and caring environment for our ladies at Browns Lane. Betty is generous with her time and provides many things to make Browns Lane a wonderful home. All of this is done out of love for Cheryl, Cindy, Mary and Mary Alice. Betty is a team player, great co-worker and an asset to Dreams With Wings. Words cannot express my feelings and the gratitude that I have for Betty. Many thanks for all you do for each of us. - Evelyn Francis

Betty is like many of the direct support professionals that we see involved in the lives of individuals with disabilities. She is compassionate and loving, while at the same time, she  works very hard to help those she works with become the best person they can be. What makes Betty special her intuitive sense of what people need. For many of us, life is special, but not for everyone. Betty takes it upon herself to make life special for those she works with. The saying that “it is the little things that make life special”, is certainly true for the participants Betty works with. She makes sure that their every need is met, and if they want or need something, she makes sure that they get it. The ladies always have that special outfit, pair of shoes, or accessories for the occasion. What is so heartwarming is that these gifts of love are truly from the heart. Betty is able to see and recognize the special things that help to empower these women to feel respected and special. It takes a special DSP to know all the intricate likes and dislikes of an individual and how to make someone feel special. The relationships you have established with these women is treasured. Thank you for all of your good work and for your relationships with some very special ladies! - Jenifer Frommeyer

I met Betty in 1989. She has worked with me for many years. Betty helped me out when I was sick. We went together on a lot of vacations and we always had a great time. She has taught me how to cook and how to fix my hair. She has helped me reach my goals. - Mary Alice Dorman