Direct Service Professionals awarded for their efforts
Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities is hosting its DSP Awards event.
Direct Service Professionals awarded for their efforts Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities is hosting its DSP Awards event. Check out this story on newarkadvocate.com: https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/2019/05/11/new-dsp-awards-banquet/1162974001/
Dave Weidig, Newark Advocate Published 9:39 a.m. ET May 11, 2019
NEWARK - Friday's Celebration of Direct Service Professionals was live-streamed through Newark High School, and that was no coincidence.
"More and more people are becoming familiar with the field, and we're concentrating our efforts on educating young people about it," said Angie Finck, Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities Director of Provider Services. "It's actually a way for them to look into a number of fields in Licking County."
Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) help those with developmental disabilities through employment, counseling and getting them involved in the community. From 2006 to 2016, LCBDD supported over 1,600 people, and that number continues to grow. So DSPs are in heavy demand.
Joyce Dollings reacts as she is announced the winner of the Soar Award from the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Dollings is the Direct Support Professional at LICCO. (Photo: Jessica Phelps/The Advocate)
On Friday, some of the best in their field were honored during an event at the Doubletree By Hilton. "We focus on the person, rather than what the system offers," said Jason Umstot, LCBDD superintendent. "We constantly believe in what people want, and are passionate to help them make their dreams come true."
Jeff Davis, Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, said Licking County's program is recognized statewide, and presented Umstot with a proclamation from Governor Mike DeWine. "What you're doing in Licking County sets the stage for everything in this country," Davis said.
Bev Young, activities coordinator for PALS Chrysalis Health, received the Horizon Award for her ability to match people's interest to events, and helping them expand their horizons. "Because of her, we have people who test their limits and that now participate in Together We Grow, Special Olympics, library events, canoeing and rock climbing," her nominator said.
Bev Young reacts as she is announced the winner of the Horizon Award from the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Young is the activities coordinator at PALS Chrysalis Health. (Photo: Jessica Phelps/The Advocate)
Mary Dunlap, career services specialist at Goodwill, was honored with the Momentum Award for her work in helping young people develop employment skills, and matching employers to people's interests. Through her, youth explored and developed vocational interests not just at Goodwill, but at Newark Care and Rehabilitation, Rural King, Dawes Arboretum, Olive Garden and the Trout Club, her nominator said.
Joyce Dollings, a DSP at LICCO, was presented with the Soar Award for supporting people to form lasting friendships that allow them to stretch, grow and soar to greater heights. She has been supporting an individual with a passion for music and love of God who wanted to have friends to spend time with. They practiced music together, which led to the individual playing violin at a local church and finding a friend who walks the paths at Ohio State-Newark with them.
Dollings was deeply moved by her award. "I'm totally in shock," she said. "I've been working with people most of my life, and it starts with being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother." She has worked in foster care, as a child care provider, at Good Hands Habilitation in Columbus and in nursing homes.
"I love caring for people, children and adults," Dollings said. "I work with a lot of Christian people, who show their love in so many ways. Staff is just as important as the people you're caring for."
Steve Carpenter reacts as he is announced the winner of the Constellation Award from the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Carpenter is the program coordinator at Consumer Support Services. (Photo: Jessica Phelps/The Advocate)
Steve Carpenter, program coordinator for Consumer Support Services, received the Constellation Award for providing opportunities for growth and advancement, helping co-workers become the brightest stars. "Steve is a proponent of getting individuals into the community and taking them to do what they enjoy," his nominator said. "He can often be seen at ball games, parades, fairs and many other community events and venues."
Presenting the awards was Nick Miller, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities DSP Developmental Specialist. "Like the video said, 'they teach me more than I teach them,'" he said. "It can be frustrating, but it really is a fun and beautiful job."
"If you are looking for a rewarding job that truly makes a difference, you can join their ranks and become a DSP," Umstot said in an earlier column written for the Advocate. "To find out how, contact the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities at 740-349-6588 and ask to speak to DSP Eligibility Specialist Brandi Body."
dweidig@newarkadvocate.com
Twitter: @noz75
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