dIRECT sUPPORT dIRECT sUPPORT pROFESSIONAL pROFESSIONAL rECOGNITION rECOGNITION wEEK wEEK 2026 2026
From Sept. 13-19, we shared the stories of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) whose dedication, positivity, and compassion empower the men and women who reside at Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs), forwarded words of gratitude from families, friends, and colleagues, and celebrated DSPs with parties, visits, and delicious treats. We hope that during DSP Recognition Week, DSPs felt the gratitude and appreciation we have for them! Without them, we couldn’t fulfill our mission of supporting people to live the lives they choose.
Words of Gratitude
In June, my son, living on Carol Street in West Hempstead, had to have surgery. The wonderful team came through with having someone sit with him overnight. They brought him his clothes for the next morning and brought something for him to eat. They were great and I felt comfortable that Noah was in great hands. Thank you for letting me have this moment to rave about the wonderful people that takes care of Carol Street, and my son. -Sherri Ackereizen, Parent of a Person Supported-
Words of Gratitude
We are truly grateful to the staff at the Lake Grove house for their incredible care and support of our son Joseph! Special shout-out to the house manager, Alister, and assistant manager, Blake. We can't thank you enough for your hard work and compassionate care and support of our son Joseph! -Suzanne Reek, Parent of a Person Supported-
Words of Gratitude Jaxon Placide is one of the most caring, dedicated, and extraordinary DSPs I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Jaxon is a natural leader and caretaker. He loves and cares for the men who live at Kirkland and treats each of them with respect, dignity, patience, and kindness. He goes above and beyond to make sure they are safe, comfortable, included, and happy. Jaxon performs countless tasks throughout the house, always making sure everyone has what they need. He has a positive attitude and is respectful and welcoming to all of the family members who visit. He is always willing to help – not only the young men who live at Kirkland, but also their families. When Jaxon walks into a room, my brother William's face lights up with a huge smile. That smile says everything. -Kerry Hagan, Sibling of a Person Supported-
Words of Gratitude
Thank you Port Washington staff: Emily arrived to you in December. We were very happy to again find a house of caring DSPs. You can’t do enough for her. Obviously, Emily looks forward to coming home, but toward the end of her visit will say she misses her friends and asks to go back to Port Washington! I thank you all! -Nancy Furlong, Parent of a Person Supported-
Words of Gratitude
The Helen Kaplan Center is a community of caring and talented people. The DSPs are terrific in supporting residents with a multitude of needs. Their responsibilities include everything from implementing behavior plans to nursing care. No day is the same and fluctuates with the behavior and needs of the residents. House C staff are amazing! They are able to read the body language of every resident, make the day brighter and protect the dignity of all as they work. Our daughter recently celebrated a big birthday, and everyone pitched in to make the day special. This included HAB DSPs, Residential staff, managers and administrators. There is teamwork every day at House C and our daughter is fortunate to be living there. House C deserves a huge shout out!!!! Thank you House C staff for all that you do, every day!! -Sandra and Rich Bolbrock, Parents of a Person Supported-
Words of Gratitude
Thank you and God bless the staff at the Greenlawn house. Paul is so happy there! He receives such excellent care! You have truly made this house his home! Thank you so much! -Tom Cusanelli, Parent of a Person Supported-
Words of Gratitude
Many thanks to all the incredible support staff, especially those who work with my daughter, Emily. You have each showered her with kindness, patience, care and love. You have made her life more enjoyable, and mine be less worrisome. I can leave her with you knowing she is in a great, safe place. "Shout out!!" to Meridith, Neschel, Evens, Seanie, Carlene, Anais, and the lovely Jubge! Thank you are for all you do!! -Lina Carman, Parent of a Person Supported-
A heartfelt thank you to the Direct Support Professionals of Citizens Options Unlimited Direct Support Professionals are the heart of our organization. Day and night, every month of the year, through every season and in every kind of weather, you show up with commitment, compassion, and strength. You often stay late, come in early, and make personal sacrifices during inclement weather and difficult circumstances to ensure that the people we support continue to receive the essential care, comfort, and consistency they depend on. Each day, you provide support, personal care, companionship, encouragement, and dignity. You help people remain engaged in their homes and communities, accompany them to medical appointments, support them during hospitalizations, and spend weekends and holidays caring for others with patience and kindness. Your work changes lives. Through every act of support, every moment of reassurance, and every choice you make possible, leading by example, you promote community belonging, independence, and respect. It is because of each of you; the broader community gains a deeper understanding of the people we support and the importance of the work we do. -Sallyanne Burgess, Vice President of Operations
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Elsie Bien Aime-Dumond, Direct Support Professional Commack Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA)
During her seven months as a Direct Support Professional at the Commack IRA, Elsie Bien Aime-Dumond has quickly become a strong asset to the team. With a strong work ethic, initiative, and genuine commitment to providing high-quality care, Elsie is dependable. She has gained the trust and respect of the people she supports and her team, and she’s made a lasting impact on the Commack crew. Before she became a DSP, Elsie worked in healthcare. Her passion for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) comes from caring for her own family. She especially enjoys driving the people she supports to and from their day service. “Everyone tells me about their day, and some of them are singing their favorite songs,” Elsie said.
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Carlos “Rene” Saravia, Direct Support Professional Kirkland Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA)
Carlos “Rene” Saravia has worked as a Direct Support Professional at the Kirkland Drive IRA for six months. A friend introduced him to this field, and he decided to try something new so he could learn how to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He also wanted to use these skills to help his own family. Since joining, Carlos has learned to be more patient and always focuses on making sure the people he supports are happy. Carlos’s favorite part of his job is getting out into the community with the people he supports. “We go to the movies all the time, or we go to the park, or we go for a car ride,” Carlos said.
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Dewayne Harrison, Direct Support Professional Northport Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA)
For more than 12 years, Dewayne Harrison has been a reliable part of the lives of those he supports. At Citizens, he has worked as a Direct Support Professional in the Respite program and at the Individualized Residential Alternatives in Westbury and Northport. Before he became a DSP, Dewayne did not know much about this kind of work. Over time, he has learned to be patient and to communicate well with the people he supports, helping them live the lives they want. He was surprised by how many skills DSPs need, from keeping people healthy and safe to being a role model and a source of comfort and inspiration. Dewayne is inspired by his late manager, Cecilia Maudlyn Guillaume-Rennie. He said, “Without her, I wouldn’t be the DSP I am today. Her knowledge, wisdom, and guidance taught me so much, and I will always be grateful for everything she taught me.”
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Ibukunoluwa Ajiborisha Direct Support Professional Red Spring Lane Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA)
Ibukunoluwa Ajiborisha, for almost 11 years, has been known as an extraordinary Direct Support Professional whose dedication, compassion, and commitment makes a lasting impact on the people she supports and her fellow team members. Ibukunoluwa brings with her a wealth of experience as a DSP, and in her current role, she has continued to prioritize the safety and happiness of the housemates at Red Spring Lane. “I love the people I support,” Ibukunoluwa said. “I love everyone, the teamwork.” Red Spring Lane is a great house, Ibukunoluwa said. And it’s her positivity and unwavering commitment to personcentered support that helps foster the great environment that everyone feels comfortable in.
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Nicholas Stewart Direct Support Professional Shoreham Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
Nicholas Stewart has spent more than a year advocating for the men and women at the Shoreham ICF. He joined the Shoreham team because he wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives, and he’s been able to do that here. “The most important thing is to be understanding and try your best to understand what the person’s needs are,” Nicholas said. “You need to know different allergies, different things about their physical needs, but being around them and really listening to what their needs are or observing what their needs are is 100% the most important thing.” For Nicholas, the best part of being a DSP is sharing small moments each day when he can smile and laugh with the people he supports.
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Joseph Fritz Leger Direct Support Professional Helen Kaplan center
During his two years at the Helen Kaplan Center, Joseph Fritz Leger has formed close bonds with both the people he supports and his coworkers. With his background as a DSP, he is a steady presence for the men and women who live there. Every day is different. Some of the people Joseph supports like to play bingo or watch TV, while others prefer dancing or spending time outdoors. “It’s good for me,” Joseph said. “I have a friendship with them.”
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Norma Mendoza, Direct Support Professional Helen Kaplan center
Norma Mendoza’s care for the people she supports and her positive attitude shine through every day. She has worked as a DSP at the Helen Kaplan Center for three years. Norma says her favorite part of the job is “when I see them smiling, when the person is happy.” Norma brings joy to the people she supports by sharing their interests. For example, Robert “Bobby” Karp, who lives at the Helen Kaplan Center, enjoys going to the train station with Norma to watch the trains. Norma believes that if everyone is happy, everything is okay. She says, “Love what you do.”
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Connie Buckhannon Direct Support Professional Helen Kaplan center
Connie has spent nearly nine years supporting the men and women who live at the Helen Kaplan Center. “My favorite part of the job is talking with the people I support,” Connie said. “I enjoy hearing their feedback, going on outings, and just spending time with them.” Connie believes that patience and compassion are essential qualities for this job. “You need to truly care about the people you support and have a passion for this field to work here,” Connie said.
Get To Know Citizens DSPs
Clarentz Louis Direct Support Professional Helen Kaplan center
At Helen Kaplan Center, Clarentz is known for staying on top of everything, ensuring everyone gets where they need to be and has what they need. Two years ago, a friend referred him, and during his time here, he’s learned a lot. When asked what his favorite part of the job was, he said supporting the men and women who reside there. Clarentz is a hard worker who shows up fully each day, as he truly cares for everyone at Helen Kaplan.
Celebrations!
Medford IRA
Pearl St. IRA
Celebrations!
Saddle Rock IRA
Port Washington IRA
Celebrations!
William Street, Red Spring Lane, Rugby Road, Ivy Avenue, Pickwick Drive, West Seamans Neck Road
Celebrations!
A R I t e s s a h Man
Port W ashingt o
n IRA
Lake Grove IRA
Celebrations!
Commac k IRA A R I p i l Is t s e W
Bay Shore IRA
Celebrations!
Shoreham ICF
Celebrations!
Helen Kaplan Center
Celebrations!
DSP of the Year Luncheon
Celebrations!
DSP of the Year Luncheon
Celebrations!
DSP of the Year Luncheon
Celebrations!
DSP of the Year Luncheon
Celebrations!
DSP of the Year Luncheon
Direct Support Direct Support Professionals, Professionals, we we appreciate appreciate all all you you do! do!