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Dear Editor:

I was hoping that you would assist me in recognizing a group of people that are too often under appreciated; Direct Support Professionals working with adults with intellectual disabilities.

The week of 9/13-9/19 is national Direct Support Professionals week and here at Walnut Street Center, Inc. we want to acknowledge our dedicated, hardworking employees.

Trusting the care of a loved one to an organization is difficult, especially when the loved one is vulnerable. However our employees are true professionals and provide family members with the peace of mind they need and most importantly support the residents to meet their needs and desires. Despite our efforts we cannot please all of the people all of the time.  This group is the first to receive criticism if something is wrong and last to receive thanks when it is fixed. The work can be thankless and yet they persist.

DSP folks have high stress low paying jobs that require an incredible amount of patience, flexibility and dedication.  These employees help individuals with all aspects of care.  This care is often very personal in nature whether it be helping a person process why their family doesn’t want to see them over the holidays or assisting someone to accept a terminal diagnosis.  The work is grueling and yet they persist.

These are people that work nights, weekends, holidays and cannot leave shift until someone comes to relieve them.  I cannot count the times that staff have been mandated to work double shifts because of snow storms, client illness or staffing shortages.  When most of us are home with our families these employees are with those who do not have families.  The work is challenging and yet they persist.

Many of you reading this may ask why.  Why do all that and more for $13.00 an hour?  I believe it’s a calling and that those who hear it know that the value of their service far exceeds their wages.  Walnut Street Center, Inc and the Human Services industry as a whole is lucky that to have employees that put their own wants and needs secondary to those of the people they support.

I ask everyone to thank a Human Service worker, they deserve it.  Specifically, to the employees at Walnut Street Center, Inc. – THANK YOU!!

Sincerely,

Carolyne Guffey
Chief Operating Officer
Walnut Street Center, Inc.