The Children’s Residential Program Celebrates Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
From Sept. 8 to the 14, the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) spotlighted dedicated staff members who always go the extra mile to support the children.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) make our mission of caring for and empowering young people possible. It was an honor to give DSPs the recognition they deserve highlighting their personal stories and sharing messages of support from parents and family members.
We heard the stories of DSPs Solidad Francis-Louise, who supports the girls living in Wantagh, and Jennipher Abel, who supports the boys living in Lido Beach.
Solidad, who has a background in caregiving, learned about becoming a DSP through a friend who knew she enjoyed working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
She applied for and landed the role. A year later, she is very fulfilled in working with the girls she supports as well as the teamwork and camaraderie among the staff.
“We work together,” Solidad said. “We love the children. We work like a team.”
In 2020, during the pandemic, Jennipher wanted to find a way to give back to the community when she saw the listing for the DSP role. During her work over these past four years, she’s supported many of the boys in learning new skills and growing more independent and confident in themselves.
“When you start with them, you’re teaching them how to cut their food or how to speak for themselves,” Jennipher said. “I’m really big on advocating for them and having them advocate for themselves also.”
Families were ecstatic for the opportunity to thank DSPs for everything they do for their children.
Michele Iallonardi, whose son Jackson is part of the CRP, shared that her son is very happy – at home with his family, his roommates, and his caring team in Lido Beach.
“The kindness, patience, and love from the staff are what make the house a home,” Michele said. “We are so grateful for everything they do to help Jackson have a happy, productive, and fulfilling life.”
Carolyn Armstrong shared a story about how her son had a serious allergic reaction but was safe because his caregiver was quick to administer his EpiPen. Carolyn offered the caregiver a gift for her heroic work, but she declined because she was just doing her job.
“So that was a big thing, but the Direct Support Professionals take the small stuff seriously too. They do not let the children get away with not doing their chores, being unresponsive when spoken to, or even walking their guests to the door when they are leaving,” Carolyn said. “And, they must go to great lengths to be patient because there are times when I’ve seen it with my own son as well as with the other housemates.”
Michele and Carolyn’s messages are just some of the entries we received from families. View our DSP Appreciation Book here.
We hope the DSPs of the Children’s Residential Program feel our admiration and pride for this amazing team. We are eternally grateful.