Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week
Core member Joni sits in her recliner in the living room wearing a maroon apron, while assistant John sits in a wooden chair facing her.
Every year, during the second week of September, our Nation celebrates the work of caregivers who work with children and adults with Developmental Disabilities. Affectionately known as DSP Week, all over Oregon, we offer special recognition for hard work, dedication and love that Direct Support Professionals provide.
And L’Arche Portland is no exception.
The past two weeks have been a real time illustration of why L’Arche Portland Assistants are some of the best in the world. Because of an unexpected COVID outbreak we had to cancel some of our DSP Week celebrations, so I wanted to write this blog to share with all of you just how amazing our team truly is. Under the leadership of Therese Deslippe:
Assistants are working overtime covering shifts for each other as the virus has moved through the house.
Assistants are smiling, laughing, and keeping core member spirits up while many are quarantined to bedrooms or small areas of the house.
Assistants are keeping core members comfortable, treating symptoms, and making sure core members have everything they need to rest, keep busy and recover quickly.
No one complained about masking, or using the required PHE when caring for core members.
What an incredible team! Join me this week, and all weeks really, in recognizing the exceptional care and love that our assistants provide at L’Arche Portland!
Jessica Leitner
President of the Board