Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week 2021

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DIRECT SUPPORT

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK

SEPTEMBER 12-18, 2021

To Our Direct Support Professionals, This week, we recognize you for all the dedication, love and assistance you give the people we support at The Arc Westchester.

You make a difference each and every day.

From learning about individual interests and passions, to helping people become more independent, you are part of a dedicated group of hardworking and compassionate individuals who play an important role in strengthening our entire communities while fulfilling our values, vision and mission.

As we celebrate Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, I am so proud and reminded that your talents and skills demonstrate a level of care and commitment that is vital to the work we do in supporting people with developmental disabilities to live happy and meaningful lives in their communities.

Every day, you are part of a workforce that fosters independence, ensures safety, supports good health, cultivates relationships and promotes happiness.

You took the journey with us through a very challenging year. Each of you went above and beyond ensuring that our individuals were healthy, safe and engaged with each other. For that I am extremely grateful to all of you.

Thank you DSPs for everything that you do! You are truly the heart of this organization and we couldn’t fulfill our mission without you. I hope you will enjoy the heartfelt messages of thanks in the following pages from your colleagues and many families who share my sincere gratitude for all you do.

Tibi Guzmán Executive Director/CEO

To Our Direct Support Professionals, We pay special tribute to each of you during Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.

Your extraordinary efforts over the last year have been nothing short of amazing. We are so grateful to you for your ongoing commitment in providing a safe and happy environment to the people we support.

You are a special group of our workforce who live the mission, values and vision of our organization every day. All of us are so proud of the work you do.

We take this week to thank you, however, the love and support you provide people with developmental disabilities is appreciated all year long.

The Arc Westchester Board of Directors

To Our Direct Support Professionals, On behalf of The Arc Westchester Foundation Board of Directors and Foundation Staff, we wish to thank you for your dedication and unwavering commitment providing services for people with developmental disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week is one week out of the entire year that we take pause and pay special tribute to each of you for the love and support you give every day.

Your heroic work during this pandemic allowed us to continue providing excellent programs and services to over 2,000 people we support. You inspired us to pursue new, innovative ways to deliver these vital services that enrich the lives of so many people.

They counted on us — and we counted on you!

Congratulations everyone!

The Arc Westchester Foundation Board of Directors FOUNDATION STAFF

Nancy Patota. Executive Director Fran Higgins,Asst. Executive Director/ Director of Development Elyse Fowler, Director of Individual Giving Todd Bazzini, Director of Volunteer Services/ Fund Development

Messages Of Appreciat ion Thank you, DSPs for being • • • • • • •

Encouraging Supportive Unshakeable Hardworking Dedicated Caring Professional

Through both good and challenging times, you show up and never give up. You are the eyes and ears and hands and hearts of us, family members of those for whom you care. Our loved ones are entrusted to you.

– A family member

Thank you, for who you are and for what you do.

Our loved ones are safe because of you.

– A family member

Thanks to Sandy Woods for direct supports for Amy Kurian.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou

Words cannot express how much I appreciate all you do. My daughter attends the summer enrichment program and spends weekends at the respite house. The staff at both are amazing and patient.

Lauren lives with me and the only respite I get is when she attends these programs. Not only is it important for her, it is important for me, too. Lauren loves both programs and I trust the staff that has taken care of her which is not easy for me to do. Your jobs are not easy and I want you to know how much you are appreciated. Thank you again for all you do.

– The LePage Family

Messages Of Appreciat ion My sister Donna is a resident in an Arc Westchester home in White Plains, NY. On behalf of my family, I would like to thank all the staff for the wonderful care they give to her each and every day. Donna is loved and respected by everyone who works in her house.

My family has always felt comfortable knowing Donna is well taken care of.

We truly appreciate everything that is done for her.

Thank you. You truly are very special people. ❤️💐💐 Sincerely, Toni

My sister Maureen Cody has been at Cortlandt House from the beginning which I think is 35 years now! The staff are all outstanding, dedicated and caring people. My family and I are truly blessed to have Maureen in their care.

Thank You, Colleen Dresser Thank you all for your dedication and special care.

We appreciate your hard work and dedication.

– Dr. Christopher Orlando To the DSPs at Katonah and Borcher house: You do an outstanding job, going over and above your duties to take care of our sons during this most difficult time. We are eternally grateful to you.

All our best, Rebecca Abramson and Neal Dobuler

Messages Of Appreciat ion DSP's are the heart of everything we do at The Arc Westchester, in fact they are the heart of the organization. They are the vessel that keeps the blood pumping from Residential, Day Services, Respite, Recreation, etc... Without them we wouldn't survive or thrive! We at The Arc Westchester appreciate them, need them, recognize them and commend them for the amazing, heart-warming, compassionate and life-sustaining work that they do! Thank you from the bottom of all of our hearts for being the best DSP's!

– Julie Cook Coordinator of Quality Outcomes

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

– Booker T. Washington

I truly want to thank my staff Rickey, Sena, Will, and Hector for all the hard work they do. Their caring attitude brightens the lives of the people they serve. Thank you for being committed to this work as it makes a difference in every life you touch.

– Nicole Grossett Coordinator of Community Choices

To Every Choices Hawthorne DSP, I am honored to work with each and every one of you every day. I am very grateful for your dedication to provide support & guidance to everyone in our Choices program. You work hard every day, all day to make the people we support have a purposeful day at every volunteer site or recreation program.

It takes a very special person to do what you do.

Thank you so much from ME!

– Teresa Lombardi Choices Activities Specialist

Messages Of Appreciat ion I sincerely thank all of you for your dedication and commitment towards Nicholas Petillo’s progress.

Your work is truly commendable and appreciate your contribution to Arc Westchester.

Best, Doreen Engelsher and Nick Petillo

I have nothing but kudos to Lori, Dominique and Teresa! They are the best of the best! They are always there, in good times and bad, for my daughter and me. Just like a marriage. They strive to solve all problems, big or small. Always thinking of my daughter and me. They are true credits to their profession. I hope they are appreciated as much as we appreciate them!

– Angela Hirt

My special DSP is Teresa. On September 5th 2019, she came to my softball game underneath the lights. Teresa took her personal time to make me feel special. She visited with me, on my deck , during the pandemic last year and we read books. She also gave me the opportunity to volunteer.

I want to thank her for giving me the opportunity to read to kids and to help out the individuals at Tappan Hill School. She also made a special trip to my house for my birthday. Thank you Teresa, for always being there for me.

– Diana Hirt

Messages Of Appreciat ion 😍😍 TO MY GREAT DSP's @ THE ARC OSSINING DAY HAB AND MY DSP'S @ THE RESPITE HOUSE(❁´◡`❁) You are the very best and I greatly appreciate all the caring activities which you do with me.👌👌 🎈🎈⭐ You have superpowers💥💥 to help me thru out the day; rain or shine😎😎 A giant THANK YOU to some very special people in my life👩👩👩👩👧👧 💕💕 LOVE, Jamie O'Toole💁💁♂️🧏🧏♂️

Messages Of Appreciat ion DSPs, I salute you for all you do to keep our loved one, Beth Ferguson, and all the loved ones you keep happy and healthy every day.

Special recognition to Paulette, Angela, Jessica, Leslie, Jackie, and Venetta who lovingly care for the ladies at Mamaroneck Manor. Among other activities, they planted, watered and maintained a very productive vegetable garden this year minus the squirrels and are still enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Greenridge dayhab staff also deserve to be recognized for their participation during the pandemic, keeping the ladies actively engaged. Kudos to Lisa and Juliana who came daily. The ladies received cocoons and learned all about them, naming them, watching them hatch and eventually participating in the butterfly release ending in a pizza party. Lisa also influenced Beth to use the treadmill for 70 minutes and she continues back at dayhab.

– Cynthia Ferguson and family

“It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.”

— Mother Teresa

Messages Of Appreciat ion The Entire Lombardi family would like to send most undying gratitude to all of the Direct Support Professionals and staff at the Yorktown Linette Court Residence, and the Ossining Day Site. The day that our Joey graduated from high school was one of our proudest moments, but also one of the single most terrifying.

Our whole lives had been built around getting Joey all the services through school that he needed and, in what felt like an instant, over 15 years had flashed by. For years we had heard about the “Great Cliff ”, and were steadfast in finding the best supports possible.

Thankfully, we found The Arc Westchester. Joey began going to the Ossining Day Program in late August of 2018, we as a family were a little anxious on how he would take to his new environment. However, the incredible and compassionate staff in Ossining quickly turned all of our fears around. As they provided Joey with a welcoming and loving environment, where Joey is kept safe, exposed to amazing experiences, and is challenged to use his skills to be an active member of his community. Even when Joey experienced personal challenges, and challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the DSP staff in Ossining was unshaken and continued providing incredible services for our Joey.

Fast forward a few years, and the Lombardi Family decided it was time to take the next big jump – Residential Services. The previous two years had shown us the importance of looking into The Arc Westcheser’s Residential program. While every home run by The arc seemed impeccable and wonderful, we had such a hard time fathoming taking that step. That was until we were shown the Linette Court Residence in Yorktown. The seasoned and knowledgeable staff there assured us that Joey would not only do well, but would thrive in this environment their home. They explained to us that, “This isn’t just our job, this our family”. We soon came to witness the pure love and affection that these DSPs developed for our Joey, something that we could never put a price on. This past July, Joey’s house threw him a birthday party – It was the first time that Joey would celebrate it while not living with us. There again, we saw the joy in Joey’s eyes and the pure delight in the eyes of the staff as we all sang “Happy Birthday”.

Truly, there are no amount of words that we could say to fully express our gratitude to these heroes.

You all provide an invaluable service, and provide families with the peace of mind that they never knew was possible. Thank you for all that you do!

With Much Love, The Lombardi Family

Messages Of Appreciat ion Dear DSP’s, You are truly angels and heroes! It is hard to find adequate words to describe how grateful my family and I are for all you do.

You are there day in and day out to share the little joys and victories with my brother Robbie. You are also there to support and coach him through tough times and challenges.

You are an extension of our family and your presence is a blessing not just for Robbie and his housemates, but for the entire family. Knowing that you are there and knowing how much you care brings tremendous peace of mind.

Your job is a difficult one on a good day and we appreciate all the additional sacrifices and stress that you have been dealing throughout the pandemic - taking care of our family members as well as yours, and yourselves.

Special thanks to the staff at Surrey Way for helping Robbie (and me) through some very difficult times. Much thanks also to the staff Del Rey Robbie’s new home and Bronxville Glen his original residence. You are ALL heroes and angels.

May God continue to bless you and your families and give strength.

Most sincerely, Adele Rota, sister of Robbie Rigano “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

–Dalai Lama

Messages Of Appreciat ion To every Day Service DSP: Your nurses, Joanne and Christine, are beyond grateful for all of your help, insight, and reliability. So, we thank you for being there, understanding and communicating. Roses are red, violets are blue you are wonderful and we rely on you!

– Christine Smith and Joanne Perfetti

I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of the DSPs at The Arc Westchester. Your support and dedication has enabled us to get through over 18 months of COVID, while providing compassionate support and care to all of the individuals in both our residences and day services. Thank you for all that you do every day.

Best, Deb Mondello, Senior Assistant Executive Director

I love coming to Hawthorne in the morning and seeing everyone buzzing and starting their day. I get to catch up with some of you out front but if not, I see the warmth in your eyes above your masks.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

–Helen Keller This past year has been so challenging yet I see such commitment. I was so impressed how well the Day and Residential staff worked together. I am continually amazed by how well our Direct Support Professionals know and understand those they support.

I send you all a heartfelt...

THANK YOU! – Avery Valins Assistant Executive Director, Day Services

Messages Of Appreciat ion Thank you Arc DSPs for all the hard work and sacrifice you do. Truly appreciated especially during this time!

A BIG SHOUT OUT especially to the Staff of the following residences: Bedford Women, Bedford Men, Croton IRA, Del Rey, Dobbs Ferry, Gallows Hill, Inverness, Linette Court, Ossining, Park Circle, Scarsdale, Scott Place, Hunter!

–Ethelinda Tadena (Clinic)

Dear Rickey!

Your passion and dedication every day DOES not go unnoticed.

You are a change-maker and I feel blessed to call you my colleague and friend.

This week is dedicated to YOU!!!

– Teresa Lombardi Choices Activities Specialist

Too often, we are faced with challenges and have to overcome many obstacles.

Our DSP’s inspire me in many, many ways…for the services you provide, the values that you show, and the professionalism that you represent. Having been a DSP myself, I sincerely appreciate and thank you for your incredible example of commitment and dedication to the individuals that we support.

Hats off to you this week, and always, – Myriam Vocke Assistant Executive Director, Human Resources

Messages Of Appreciat ion My Name is Xian Edwards, Residential Services Director at The Arc Westchester.

It's with sincere pleasure that I share the following from the depth of my heart.

I started my career 20 years ago as a Direct Support Professional, and I can genuinely say you all are the most valuable asset/brick to the success of The Arc Westchester. Your integrity, passion, love, honesty, compassion, understanding, ethics, morals, pride, and everyday professionalism, creates the unique fabric that allows our men and women continuous growth and success.

You all continue to play various roles daily for the men and women. You all are teachers, mentors, problem solvers, event planners (e.g. recreational outings and vacations), personal and family connections. Don't forget the role of an authentic advocate as you continue to engage and communicate with medical professionals, families, and outside entities in the level of mannerism and professionalism that represent The Arc Westchester.

The list is not limited to the myriads of essential functions that you continue to do effortlessly, passionately, and selflessly. In addition, the exemplified heroes, you Direct Support Professionals are. As we continue to combat the fight of COVID-19, you continue to show up and being front and centered on ensuring all the men and women are safe and is provided the appropriate services. Most notable, you all continue to motivate and inspire the men and women. For this, you all are deserving of the highest standing ovation. I salute you all and have my utmost respect.

Be free to reach out to me should you have any questions or concerns, and know that your work as Direct Support Professionals is vital and respected.

Xian Edwards Residential Services Director

Messages Of Appreciat ion As Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), you are one of the most important arms of this agency. You are the ones that have everyday contact with the individuals and families to whom we provide services. You make sure the everyday needs of the individuals are met. Without DSPs this agency would only be a dream, but you make it a reality.

The past year was extremely challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic-nothing we have ever experienced before. You stepped up to the plate: working long hours, ensuring the safety of the individuals, engaging them in activities, while keeping things as normal as possible to ensure their emotional health. During this past year, families were comforted knowing that their family members were in good hands-your hands. We love, appreciate, and solute you for everything you do. You are TRUE Heroes.

– Deana Beckford, Residential Services Director Congratulations to everyone during DSP week! The perseverance, creativity, innovation and dedication shown every day during this pandemic has been amazing and inspiring!

Thank you for all that you do!

– Shari Lewitt, Career Development & Supports Director

To our amazing DSPs, Many thanks for your hard work, dedication and care to the individuals we support. The Arc Westchester could not fulfill our mission without each of you!

Sincerely, – Nancy Succoso, Guardianship & Individual Support Director

Our Choices Hawthorne DSP's at Choices BBQ 2021 YOU ALL ROCK!

Messages Of Appreciat ion To: Dobbs Ferry, Hunter, Avalon, Decatur, Sterling, Granada Women, Granada Men Staff I am truly excited to send out a Special “Thank You” & Congratulatory message as you Celebrate DSP Week!

D edicated S uperb P assionate All of you have been TERRIFIC! Your sacrifice, especially during the pandemic, has been just Amazing! You are the LINK that continues to keep the chain together. Your Can-Do attitude, Smiles, Touch light up the men and women in their homes. I continue to hear families echo these sentiments for all you do to help keep their loved ones safe and happy! Know that you mean a lot to us.

Continue to light up that corner where you are! Your efforts are appreciated and noticed.

Bravo!

– Viris Adejimi, ClinicalTeam Leader

Everyday you support people in living their lives fully and with dignity.

Whether it be a snowstorm, a holiday, or a pandemic, you leave your home and show up to help people in their homes and communities. This work deserves to be the most valued, elevated and well paid and we work to make it so.

Your hands, hearts and minds hold up so many other lives. This is heroic!

– Rosemarie Crisafi Assistant Executive Director Residential Services

Messages Of Appreciat ion Thank you to all our Direct Support Professionals, Over the last year, I have had an opportunity to see many of you not just through the lens of the camera or stories I have written, but up close in our homes, at our program sites and supporting our individuals remotely.

The ongoing love and support I witnessed during this very difficult time is nothing short of amazing. Each one of you provide our individuals with a safe, loving and happy environment and I am proud to have you as my colleagues. You make a difference is so may lives.

– Regina Moore Community Engagement & Communications Director

To my incredible team, Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Know that it is recognized, valued and greatly appreciated. I am constantly impressed by your dedication and work for the individuals we serve.

I am so lucky to work with some pretty incredible people.

Thank you for making work enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate all that you do.

– Lori Delgado Community Day Services Director

To Every Choices Hawthorne DSP, I am honored to work with each and every one of you every day. I am very grateful for your dedication to provide support & guidance to everyone in our Choices program. You work hard every day, all day to make the people we support have a purposeful day at every volunteer site or recreation program.

It takes a very special person to do what you do.

Thank you so much from ME!

– Teresa Lombardi

Messages Of Appreciat ion Our Crotty IRA went through a very challenging time during the entire year of COVID-19, but most recently were challenged again with the onset of the Delta variant. It required staff to go above and beyond with the staffing shortage they experienced.

I would like to commend the following staff for their extraordinary efforts and the many hours that they worked throughout the recent weeks.

They exemplify the giving, caring and dedication that we see in so many of our staff. I am personally very grateful for their efforts and determination in keeping the residence safe and properly staffed: •

• • • •

Stephanie Foster/Program Coordinator Sharna Balmer, Assistant Manager Deborah Harris/DSP Natesha Thomas, Shift Supervisor Adrianna DeStephano, DSP – Larry Rufo Residential Services Director

Happy DSP Recognition Week to my Yonkers team!

I am very fortunate to work with the best team ever and am in awe of all you do.

Your dedication, hard work and compassion shines through! You are the reason the people we support are excited to come to program everyday.

Thank you for being so awesome!

Yonkers Direct Support Professionals #1 – Robin Burnett, Community Day Services Director

“Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.”

– Albert Einstein

Messages Of Appreciat ion A huge thank you to all of the DSPs in the Northern Westchester Day Habs. It has been a crazy, difficult 18 months but you all continue to be the glue that holds our program(s) together.

A huge thank you to all of you who provided Day Hab supports in non-traditional settings, whether in family homes, group homes or virtually! I am so proud of the programs you run, day in and day out, and I'm thankful for all of the wonderful activities you offer for all of the folks we support!

– Patty McGuire Community Day Services Director To The DSP's of Greenridge, New Rochelle, and Portchester Day Hab - Thank you for all that you each do every single day. Our Program Individuals are lucky to have you supporting them.

We couldn't do it without you.

Thank you so very much.

– Dalinda Caceres Community Day Services Director

Simply the Best!

• • • • • • •

Tim Knowles Millicent Latty Juliana Anokyewa Natacha Bien Aime ‘ Lisa Marino Faybian Grant Kevin Gannon – Gail Barker PCS Director

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world.

For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

– Margaret Mead

Our

Than

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DIRECT SUPPORT

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK

SEPTEMBER 12-18, 2021