FARMINGTON – Direct support professionals provide functional and emotional support to individuals born with significant intellectual or developmental disabilities. There are millions of DSPs around the nation, and their jobs are to assist people of all abilities to lead a healthy life of inclusion within their communities.
It has been said that quality starts and ends at the point of interaction between the individual with a disability and the person who is paid to support them. An organization like LEAP tries to recruit people who understand that their words and actions can be the difference in how someone feels about their day, and indeed, their life.
Being a DSP can be very hard work, and the pay is not great. Sometimes, very good people leave the field because the money is not adequate. The issue of low wages is something we are advocating to change, because the work is too important to not have the best people in DSP roles.
At LEAP, the role of all employees is honored by involving them in the decision-making processes and through events and recognition throughout the year. Also recognized is that in any organization, it takes a good support team to keep things moving in the right direction.
A gathering was held recently to celebrate the achievements of six people who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to helping others. Symbolically, LEAP is using stone to recognize longevity, and the accessibility of the site represents the helping spirit of these devoted individuals. The following employees were recognized on May 25: Megan Goodine, Joyce Daggett, Karen Clary, Kathy Downing, Marge Taylor, and Kathy Purington.
LEAP is a local non-profit residential service provider who strives to empower people of all abilities to believe in themselves, live healthy and well, make friends and have hope for the future. Our foundational principle is to provide services that encourage well being, self-expression and experiences of joy For more information on LEAP, and to learn more about our mission and services, please visit us at www.leapcommunity.org.
Congratulations to all the ladies listed above. LEAP is a great organization and a wonderful place to work!
Thanks to everyone for all that you do.
Congrats Ladies!
You’re all a treasure to our communities, and to the many awesome people supported by LEAP!
These people and all the staff at LEAP play an important role in supporting individuals and their families throughout west central Maine. To last 20 years is a testament to dedication, service and selflessness. Well deserved ladies!
Congratulations and Thank You to these deserving recipients. The LEAP organization is as wonderful as it is because of the dedication, love, and hard work of people like you. And I also extend a heartfelt Thank You to everyone at LEAP!
We love you Marge for all you do! Thanks to all the LEAP employees.