Center for Independence support staff and individuals they serve are recognized this week
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September 13-19 is recognized as Direct Support Professionals Week.
The Center for Independence would like to recognize the efforts of the dedicated and well trained Direct Support Professionals committed to helping everyone create friendships and to live the life they choose. They would like to introduce you to several DSP’s who act as a bridge to the community for individuals with disabilities.
The most important part of a DSP’s job is to help people make and keep connections with their families, friends, co workers and others in the community.
Darielle Schmitt and Debbie Jones
Darielle Schmitt has worked at the Center for Independence for 10 years and was recognized as this year’s Employee of the Year.
When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Darielle said, “I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they are having fun and enjoying life. My favorite part of the job is getting people involved in activities and seeing their face light up like it is the most fun the person has ever had.”
Debbie Jones said, “Darielle and I play Yahtzee together.”
Nicole said, “I like working here because every day is different. You never know what is going to happen and it keeps things fun and interesting. The people you support will teach you more abut life than you will ever teach them.”
When asked what the most rewarding part of the job is, she said, “I like developing different relationships with each person I work with.”
Tracy Pfeifer and Kadye Hall
Tracy Pfeifer works in Miller at the Blachford House and has worked there four and a half years. One of the people Tracy works with is Kayde Hall.
Ashley Conkey, LRI at Blachford House said, “Kayde loves working with Tracy. She gets super excited when she sees her car pull up at the house to work.”
And Tracy said, “Kayde is a joy to be around. She is always happy and will put a smile on anyone’s face. She loves to dance and sing and to play jokes on people. I have known her since she was a baby.”
Tracy also said that to her, the most rewarding part of her job is “seeing people happy and watching them grow and learn new things.”
Kathy House and Mark Niewenhuis
Kathy House works as a vocational instructor and has been with the CFI for 19 years.
When asked what the most rewarding part of her job is, she said, “Seeing the look on someone’s face when they understand something that I’ve been teaching them, and you can see they finally understand it.”
When asked why she chose to work at CFI, she said that when she was younger her parents worked in a group home and she was really interested in that kind of work. When a job came open, she applied and got it.
While talking to Mark, he said, “Kathy is nice. She makes me coffee and we go for walks together and look at tractors.”
During this week, designated as National Direct Support Professionals week, the Center will be recognizing and showing appreciation to the DSP’s we employ. In gratitude, the Center invites you to help us recognize their skills and efforts.
