Direct Support Professionals Play A Critical Role

Dear Editor:

Jawonio is proud join hundreds of other healthcare providers across the country in celebration of NATIONAL DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS WEEK (Sept 9-16).  What I know for sure is that this integral group of staff has played and will continue to play an invaluable role in the lives of the people we serve and our families.

Direct Support Professionals are responsible for developing meaningful lifetime relationships with people and their families.
Direct Support Professionals make a world of difference as direct care workers, in-home supports and personal care aides.
Direct Support Professionals ensure that people with disabilities live happier, healthier, meaningful and inclusive lives in their community.  

They are the friends, family, healers, listeners, caregivers and support systems all rolled up into one. Each and every day their hands lift people up and their hearts pump hope for people with special needs.

When Jawonio first began, we served seven families and their children. As we moved forward, those tens became hundreds, and today, those hundreds have become thousands of people whose lives have benefitted from the care and dedication of each and every direct support professional.

I am so proud to have been a direct support professional in my own career, and hope that we can all appreciate this critical work. If you know a direct support professional at Jawonio, or any other healthcare agency, please thank them and let them know how important their work is for all of us as a community and a country.

Sincerely,

Jill A. Warner, CEO
Jawonio
www.jawonio.org