Join Us In Celebrating National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 13-19, 2015) is a reminder for everyone to give praise and support to the direct support workforce and the tremendous difference they make each day in the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities. Below are members of The Foundling’s Developmental Disabilities Program we’d like to highlight this week:
Gavin V. began his career at The Foundling in 2014 as a Disabilities Specialist in The Bronx. From the very beginning, Gavin built strong relationships and connections with staff and program participants and was adored by everyone at the program because of his good nature and quiet manner. In November 2014, Gavin saved the life of a person that The Foundling supports with his swift and attentive oversight. He noticed that the person was in distress and not breathing. Gavin immediately called 911 before starting CPR, until EMS arrived. The person was taken to the ER and eventually recovered. Everyone at The Foundling is grateful for Gavin’s calm and deliberate nature, as well as his support and dedication to the people we serve.
Luz P. supports the individuals in her care wholeheartedly and goes above and beyond to make sure that their needs are met every day. Luz cares for them with a motherly love, listens to them and ensures that they live an enriched life.
Georgia C.has worked at the Ardsley residence since March 2013. In that time she has shown The Foundling that she is kind, caring and compassionate. She is a strong advocate for the individuals we serve and expects the best for them. Georgia ensures that the people she is responsible for live their lives to the absolute fullest. Georgia is known for over extending herself when help is needed, for example, she always comes prepared to stay during inclement weather and never questions when she will be going home. She truly values the men and women she helps each day, and can always be found talking to them about what they would like to do, and how they, together, can accomplish those things.
For National Direct Support Professional week New York Foundling’s Day Habilitation Without Walls Program would like to acknowledge the entire staff at the Bronx location. As a new program, we started with only one staff member and one person to support. Over the past nine months, this team, made up of Direct Support Professional’s that are brand new to the field, and others that have transferred from our residences, have done phenomenal work, ensuring that the people we support are safe and happy at all times.
Together they have created an environment where people can thrive, grow and learn. Foundling staff are always willing to lend an extra hand when needed, smile regardless of how challenging their day may have been, and put forth 110% effort in everything they do. With over 10 years of experience combined this team exemplifies the meaning of “team work.”
