ANCOR Names Dawn Doak as 2010 Direct Support Professional of the Year in Maine
Honored for work in support of community living for people with disabilities
Augusta, Maine – The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) has awarded Dawn Doak of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England its 2010 Direct Support Professional of the Year in Maine. “Goodwill is proud of Dawn’s recognition. This honor is a reflection of Dawn’s commitment and the quality of services provided by Goodwill,” noted Michael Coughlin, Executive Director of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England.
Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s), often referred to as caregivers, personal assistants, direct care or homecare aides, provide daily support services for individuals with disabilities. Thanks to DSPs, people with disabilities are able to live fulfilling and independent lives and be active participants in their communities.
“It is important to recognize the vital services provided by Dawn and direct support professionals throughout the country,’ said Peter Kowalski, president of ANCOR. “They make an incredibly important contribution to the social and economic fabric of our communities. Dawn Doak represents the highest caliber of DSP.”
The ANCOR Direct Support Professional Recognition Award is judged on criteria in concert with the overall philosophy of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign. Among other criterion, nominees are judged on their effectiveness in building social networks, meaningful and productive participation in the community for person(s) served and advocating or effecting change on behalf of people with disabilities. “ANCOR evaluated 231 nominations of highly qualified DSPs in selecting the national and state winners,” said ANCOR CEO Renee Pietrangelo. “Dawn’s indefatigable commitment to improving people’s access to and participation in the community-at-large is worthy of public recognition as well as our utmost regard and respect.”
Dawn has worked as a DSP with Goodwill for more than ten years. She has set up volunteer opportunities for service recipients with the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen and the Good Shepherd Food Bank. She has worked with the Maine State Legislature, advocating for and supporting participants in their work as State Senate Pages. She has developed and produced several plays, encouraging participants’ self expression through the vehicle of drama. In all she does, Dawn works diligently on behalf of those she serves.
Through its National Advocacy Campaign, ANCOR advocates for increased federal funding to support training opportunities and higher wages for DSPs employed by private providers. ANCOR is committed to passage of HR 868, The Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act of 2009. This federal legislation would increase Medicaid funding for support and services for people with disabilities specific to increase wages for DSPs working to provide the best in community supports and services. People with disabilities would benefit through stabilization of this high turnover workforce. Direct support services are funded through Medicaid reimbursements; reimbursement rates are set by state governments.
About Goodwill Industries of Northern New England
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England has a 77-year history of providing innovative services that help individuals with disabilities or other barriers achieve social and economic independence. Goodwill’s Workforce Solutions helps people find good jobs and supports individuals through our developmental disability services, deaf services and brain injury programs. Last year, we served over 7,000 individuals with education, job training, and support services as they work to achieve their independence. Our programs are funded by revenue from our 26 retail stores, grants, and financial gifts. Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.
About ANCOR
The American Network of Community Options and Resources is the premier national association representing more than 850 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 385,000 individuals with disabilities. As a nonprofit organization, ANCOR successfully addresses the needs and interests of private providers before Congress and federal agencies, continually advocating for the crucial role private providers play in enhancing and supporting the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The ANCOR National Advocacy Campaign was established to provide a focus on this critical workforce issue. For more information about the DSP workforce shortage visit www.youneedtoknowme.org.
###
