♥ Celebrating Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week 2025 ♥
This week honors our DSPs, who play a vital role in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their dedication provides not only daily care but also helps build inclusive, supportive communities.
Thank you to all DSPs for your commitment and impact. Join us in appreciating them this week and beyond.
A special note of gratitude to Channa and Jennifer at House C for their dedication and commitment to the residents. I've seen them mentor new staff, and set an example of caring that makes the house a home. Because they transport so many to medical appointments, they retain the information the doctors share and advocate for the residents every day. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable. AHRC-Citizens and families are very grateful they are there.
Sandra Bolbrock - Parent of Person Supported
In the spring of 2020, Michael Wager was temporarily assigned to Pearl St CLS. He remains there five years later. The residents affectionately call him “Pops” If you ever visit Pearl St in the evening, you will notice the aroma of a great home cooked meal as soon as you enter the home. The residents frequently will say “ Pops, when are you opening up your own restaurant?” Michael is honored to be a DSP, encouraging friendship, emotional support, and aiding in day-to-day activities. The gentleman of Pearl St enjoy their daily evening walks in their neighborhood with Michael as he encourages them to engage in conversation with their neighbors and businesses.
Beverly Campbell - Staff Member
Thank you to Patricia Jarett, site manager and the Carle Place Hub site staff for your devotion and daily acts of kindness. GLORIA loves her Carle Place Hub Site and it shows by her advancement and successes. Thank you Carle Place....you Rock. Sincerely. GLORIA SNYDER
Gloria Snyder - Self Advocate
Words just aren't enough to express my appreciation to the DSPs out there. These are special people that work in a field that can be challenging. They approach it with kindness, patience, and empathy each day. DSPs see the beauty of what each person with special needs has to offer when many people don't want to see this in their path or out in the community. The DSPs at the Farmingdale PWOW (formerly Clocks) are an outstanding group. My daughter can be very challenging some days and I thought she could never join a PWOW due to her behaviors. From the management to the DSPs, they have shown that they can handle these challenges with compassion and patience. I could probably write a book on the wonderful DSPs AHRC has working for them but I will keep it short.
THANK YOU to all the DSPs for your hard work and tireless efforts each day you work with our family members.
Faylene Bonasia - Parent of Person Supported
There are no words to express our appreciation to the Staff at Circle Drive, Glen Cove. Our son Robert is so very content at “his house”. Robert likes to come home on Saturday, enjoys it but up on Sunday morning ready to go back to “his house”. And, we as parents, are so very thankful and appreciative that he is so content and happy. A very special thank you to Stephen, Carol, Audrey, Vanessa, Michael, Calvin and Antonio. You are amazing Staff and very kind. Thank you.
Margaret O'Shea - Parent of Person Supported
It’s Impossible to state how much the DSPs mean to our family and particularly Richard. The love and caring they show every day is beyond just saying THANK YOU. The staff at Bourne Ct goes above and beyond every day. They never hesitate to do the right thing for the individuals who reside there. Our manager Joanne is a true leader who leads with passion and love for our individuals and staff. When Richard was born my mom use to say God sent us an angel . What she didn’t say but I know. He also sent us Guardian Angels called DSPs.