We ❤️ Our Direct Support Professionals
In the month of September, Graceworks Enhanced Living’s leadership team celebrated Direct Support Professional (DSP) Month to recognize the individuals who work directly with people that have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Throughout the month, 20 direct support professionals were highlighted on the Graceworks Lutheran Services social media platforms. Each photo and submission came directly from their peers, submitted anonymously in order to remain a surprise on social media. Take a moment to meet four direct support professionals who we recognized in September.
Peggy Reams and Yao Akakpo – Schul Home: “These two are the best; they always go above and beyond in everything they do. I do not know what I would do without them!
Jennifer Hatcher – Cincinnati Day Program: “Jennifer has worked at the Cincinnati Day Program for over two years. She is a gentle person who has formed special relationships with clients Ian, Ryan, Virginia and Steve. She is always looking for new adventures for the individuals to participate in.”
Hannah Neal – Glen Hollow Home: “Hannah has always gone above and beyond to make sure the residents at Glen Hollow are cared for and loved. She is a great example of what Gentle Teaching should look like! Sam, one of our residents here at Glen Hollow, has always said that he wanted to take a vacation to Hawaii, but has very limited funds. Knowing that he could not afford Hawaii, Hannah offered to take Sam camping! Sometimes it is easy to make promises, but hard to follow through, but Hannah kept her word.”
To Protect and Serve!
Nathan, a resident of Kelsch Home, has worked at Walmart on Red Bank Road in Cincinnati, Ohio for three years. In September, he was named, for the first time, Employee of the Month! Nathan caught a woman trying to leave the store with over $300 worth of unpaid merchandise in her shopping cart. Per the request of Nathan, Kelsch home manger, Angel Tisdale, submitted the story and photo to the communications department for a social media post. Little did he know that Walmart would reply back to Nathan as a thank you for his leadership and passion for his occupation!
Gideon Home Soaked in the Florida Sun
Gideon Home residents took a wonderful vacation to Destin, Florida this summer. Their days were spent relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, listening to music and enjoying the beach life. The residents and staff went dancing one night and, what a night it was! As they walked into an outdoor bar, the musician announced that he was going to play one more song before he took a break. That one song turned into an additional hour of music. Another evening, everyone ventured out of their comfort zones and went on a dolphin cruise. The residents loved it!
Quote from Gideon home manager, Jen Cronin: “I am humbled and grateful to have been part of this experience. This trip truly defined the meaning of Faithful Caring. The staff members that attended were nothing short of amazing and devoted 100% of their time to making sure the guys’ needs were met and desires were achieved. Their love and compassion towards our guys is no different than the love you would witness between a mother and child or a brother and a sister. I have said many times before that the Gideon home is not a staff/resident place of employment; we are a group of people that somehow found each other in this great big world and have formed our own little family!”
