Showing DSP Pride
Job Training and Day Programs Direct Support Professional (DSP) Chelsey Roberts and Job Training & Day Programs Activities Coordinator Christina Ryan created these t-shirts to recognize the essential role DSPs are playing during COVID-19 DSPs, including Job Training & Day Program staff who are working in our homes while day programs are temporarily suspended, are on the front lines of this crisis, providing 24/7 care and supports to our residents. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are saving lives and we are so grateful to them for their heroism. We salute you!
DSPs: Our Heroes During COVID-19 and Always
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- Todd
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- Sarah & Tashara
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- Barbara, Shannon & Inez
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- Trinity
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- Paulette
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- Neandra
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- Molly
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- Eric
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- Aniqua
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- Amanda
Cloth Masks Donated to Empower
Administrative staff wearing donated masks
We would like to thank Community Sourced PPE: Operation Sewing Squad, who donated over 550 cloth masks to Empower. This donation is critically important because 1) masks protect staff and people supported from COVID-19, and keeps us health ad safe, 2) PPE is in short supply and hard to procure, and 3) it saves the agency money that can be directed to the people we support. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Community Sourced PPE: Operation Sewing Squad, for your generous and much-needed donation.
Staying Connected
Director of Managed Care Readiness Eric DesSoye talking with residents at one of Empower’s group homes via Zoom
During COVID-19, Empower staff and people supported are staying connected virtually through Zoom. Each week, Empower staff use the platform to engage with people supported, having both one-one-one chats and group meet-ups in which multiple individuals at different sites participate. So far, virtual activities have included weekly Bingo games, reading and singing.
Snack Package Deliveries
Although visitations to our group homes have been temporarily suspended for the safety of our residents, Empower CEO Jeff Paterson stopped by each of Empower’s 10 group homes on two different occasions during the crisis-staying outside, six feet away from those at the door, to deliver snack packages to DSPs. In a video address to staff, Jeff stated “DSPs do something powerful, and this is a small gesture of my deep appreciation for their dedication and hard work. Thank you.”
Keeping Busy
Staff and residents have come up with all kinds of creative ways to keep busy while sheltering-in-place. Using recyclables to make pins for bowling games, doing arts and crafts, making signs of appreciation and solidarity, playing games and connecting with family, friends and staff using platforms like Zoom are all ways residents and staff are staying occupied.