SUNRISE, FL – (September 5, 2016) – With National Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week coming up on September 11-17, Arc Broward is doing its part to honor frontline workers who support people with disabilities and other life challenges.
Arc Broward, a nonprofit organization that provides services for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is hosting a number of appreciation events throughout the week.
The festivities include two special luncheons, a “Wellness Day” provided by Baptist Health, PNC Bank and Walgreens, breakfast and dinner delivered to community living residences and an ice cream social. Also, Arc Broward’s main Sunrise campus lobby will be filled with hundred of cards of appreciation for DSPs from parents, relatives, volunteers and ARC Broward staff. Throughout the week, Arc Broward will recognize a “DSP of the Day” each day on its social media sites.
Arc Broward has nearly 200 dedicated and hard-working Direct Support Professionals who support individuals in its residential homes, adult day programs, Workforce Division, ABLE (Alternative Behavioral Learning Environment) Afterschool and Camp Programs, Respite Care, Preschool and as parent educators.
“I love being a DSP because it allows me to build meaningful relationships while providing quality support and assistance to men and women as they strive to achieve their life goals and desires,” said Vennis Ellis, one of six Arc Broward DSPs who recently attended the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Conference in Atlanta, GA.
“Being a Direct Support Professional, I get the opportunity to make a difference the lives of the individuals receiving services from Arc Broward. Each in their own way, show you a tremendous amount of appreciation,” said Jeff Pierre-Louis, who has been working at ARC Broward for nearly four years now.
Jeff also graduated from Arc Broward’s DS PATHS (Direct Support Professional Advancement through Training and Education in Human Services) program. Offered by Arc Educates, it provides individuals with skills necessary to be a high quality professional caregiver to support children and adults with disabilities. For more information, visit (www.arcbrowardlearning.com/dspaths).
“We are very grateful for our Direct Support Professionals who work every day with skill and compassion to support the children and adults we serve,” said Arc Broward President/CEO Dennis Haas. “Without them, we could not effectively provide quality services and opportunities for these individuals to realize their full potential.”
ABOUT DSP Recognition Week
In 2008, the United States Senate began proclaiming one week in September as National Direct Support Professionals Week. The celebration is part of the American Network of Community Options and Resources’ (ANCOR) National Advocacy Campaign, whose mission is to enhance the lives of all people with disabilities who rely on long-term supports and services by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a highly qualified and sustainable workforce. For more information, visit (www.nationaladvocacycampaign.org).
ABOUT ARC BROWARD
Since 1956, Arc Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community to provide the encouragement and opportunities that create life-changing outcomes so that people with disabilities and other life challenges can live, learn, work and play in their communities.
The not-for-profit organization operates three “mission-based” enterprises that provide training and employment opportunities for individuals served while generating revenue to help fund services. These include the Arc Educates, Arc Culinary and Arc Tech. Arc Broward also provides services through 21 programs in nine locations across Broward County. To learn more or to donate, visit (www.arcbroward.com) or call (954) 746-9400. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
