The Catskill Chronicle

 (L-r) Standing: ichelle Clark, Trainer John Raffaele, Kim Bibbo, Latevia Hilliard, Shannon Ross, Denise Solta, Albert White II, and Karen Barnes;sitting (l-r) are Sandra Vine, Manny Miranda, and Natalie Willis. Raffaele, NHC Director of Staff Training and Development had just completed an annual training workshop with a group of Direct Support Professionals.

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (October 4, 2011) – The State of New York Legislature proclaimed September 12-16, 2011 as Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week. This group enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities of all ages throughout the State and nation. In celebration of the honor bestowed on its DSP staff, New Hope Community recognized their DSP staff for the entire month beginning with a toast to them all on September 13, 2011 with sparkling apple cider in the lobby of the Maxine Belson Administration Building at the Loch Sheldrake Campus.

Executive Director Art Moretti welcomed everybody and introduced Leni Binder, NHC Board of Director Chair, who unveiled a proclamation of acknowledgment written by the Board and the Self-Advocates. Ms. Binder then toasted the DSP’s with the following words: “Our Direct Support Professionals are special. You made us what we are today. Our families, our Board, our whole organization can never forget what you mean to us.”

Designated DSP, Juan Journet thanked the Board for the honor on behalf of all his co-professionals. Barbara Mazer, one of those grateful people that benefits from their service, a new member of the NHC Board of Directors and avid member of the Self-Advocates Group, raised a glass in thanks to everyone present.

The month-long celebration of the DSP’s began with a breakfast during the first week of September, and will include ice cream socials, workshops, and special trainings throughout the remainder of the month. All activities are in the spirit of acknowledging the mission of Direct Support Professionals that people needing support are more likely to fulfill their life dreams if they have well-trained, experienced, and motivated people at their side in long-term, stable, compatible support relationships.