It’s That Time of Year Again: Let’s Celebrate Exceptional Direct Support Professionals

Monarch’s more than 900 direct support professionals (DSPs) across the state help dreams come true for the people we support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

And the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) together with the U.S. Senate organize an entire week each year to celebrate the incredible work DSPs do. This year, we will celebrate from Sept. 10-16.

“Our exceptional direct support professionals are what make our long-term services and support programs thrive. They ensure day in and day out that the people we support have all the resources they need to achieve their goals,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Kelley. “They are truly the heartbeat of our organization.”

Recognizing the level of dedication direct support professionals offer Monarch, managers of direct support staff are encouraged to celebrate the teams in different ways throughout the month. President/CEO Dr. Peggy Terhune continues to randomly hand-pick 10 DSPs from a list of MERAC award recipients to attend The North Carolina Alliance of Direct Support Professionals Conference at Great Wolf Lodge in September. She will announce them on Monday Memo throughout the month of August.

“Direct support professionals maintain the most trusted relationships at Monarch – with the people we support, their families and the communities our folks live in. They assist the people we support with tasks like medication management, meal preparation, and dressing, to more elaborate support like helping with mobility, vocational training, and respite services. That requires an intimate level of selflessness that deserves to be celebrated and honored,” adds Kelley.

Monarch’s managers will organize and host a series of celebrations next month. If you capture photos or videos, please share them with [email protected] for a chance to be featured on Monarch’s social media channels as we celebrate the amazing work DSPs do throughout the month of September.

Photo: David and Direct Support Professional, Leslie McBride enjoy a fun game of Connect Four at Ridgefield.

Posted on: Friday August 25, 2017