DSP Appreciation Week 2024
It’s DSP Week and we are celebrating all of our AMAZING caregivers! We are so thankful for all of you!
DSP Lisa
"I had the pleasure of partnering with Lisa at the Zoo and got to see firsthand just how amazing of a DSP she is. Lisa is kind, gentle and thoughtful with her participants. She is attentive and pays mind to the individual needs and wants of each participant and ensures that they have a great time! Balance would certainly not be the same without DSP Lisa and her contagious smile!" - Stephanie Casper, HR Director at Balance
Thank you, Lisa, for everything you do for our participants and residents! We are so lucky to have you on our team!
DSP Kathy
"Kathy has been such a ray of sunshine since she started at Balance in August of last year! Kathy has a wonderful way of engaging the participants, all while still giving them the freedom to do things independently. She is always on the lookout for fun programs and activities, bringing ideas to coordinators on local things going on in the community that she came across. Kathy not only works at Day Program, but also helps out at the Adult Family Homes as well, which is such a huge help. The smiles you get from participants when they find out they get to hang out with Kathy for the day are unmatched. Thanks for everything you do, Kathy! Balance would not be the same without you! " - Shannon McCann, Assistant Director of Programs.
DSP Lydia
AFH resident Claire wanted to honor DSP Lydia by writing a shoutout!
"To Our Youngest Sister, Lydia
Lydia is currently studying to be an elementary teacher. She’s got patience, extrovert, talkative, and charm. She helps Joslin with her struggles. If one advice doesn’t seem to stick, she goes another way to teach Joslin.
We love when Lydia is over at Fransee Ln! She worked as DSP on Sunday except that’s not how we see her. We, Fransee Gals, see her as a sister because she interacts with us and we’ve made a great connection! She sends me snapchats on what she’s doing, joins us on BeReal (an app that captures the real you every day and we see what she’s up to), gets excited when I have a boyfriend or relationship questions, and is eager to ask how my relationship is going.
We appreciate that she vacuums and when she has spare time watching us, she’ll check on the recent Tlogs. She’s always willing to help out in our She Shed and go forth on what SHE thinks she did wrong with Fransees dinner, but it always tastes delicious. Like that time where the french fry went down the back of the oven and made a time-bomb noise. We ran for the hills forgetting our 3 things you’d take with you in a fire. We ALL went into freak out mode but Lydia had a smile on her face.
She was even more freaked out when I broke my clavicle while with a group during Balance's Adult Day Program! Just as everybody had got settled in, we were back in the Balance car looking for the nearest hospital. Lydia didn’t even know if it’s allowed to take a participant there! 3 coordinators were unavailable at the time putting more pressure on Lydia to decide what to do.
When we got to the hospital, she told one of the participants to stay with the group as she met me inside the ER trying to reassure me it’s ok when I was in 10 pain. Kelli, a coordinator, came and Lydia took her group back to Balance.
She’s still new to this world. Learning from the book and her experiences. She’s our 19 year old younger sister and we appreciate EVERYTHING she does! Including me who’s going to need more help with limited arm access for a while. " - Claire, AFH resident and Adult Day Program participant
DSP Cinnamon
"Since Cinnamon started with Balance, she has always brought a bright energy into the space. I love her enthusiasm! She is ready to greet participants and families each morning. Cinnamon is also working in our Adult Family Homes and will often step in to fill shifts if asked. When Cinnamon is working at the Adult Family Homes, she takes the time to get the residents out into the community on the weekends. She comes up with fun activities for them to do to stay busy. Cinnamon has been very dedicated and reliable and I truly appreciate her presence in our Balance programs. Thank you so much Cinnamon! We're glad you're on our team!" - Alyse Sandow, Director of Programs
DSP Terica
"Terica is coming up on her one-year anniversary as a DSP with Balance. While Terica has a much more quiet personality, she is attentive to the needs of her participants and it shows that she cares. She always seems to have a smile on her face and is ready to take on whatever the day brings! Thank you for choosing to be on our team. We are lucky to have you Terica!"- Alyse Sandow, Director of Programs
DSPs from Children's Programs
"Balance has been so incredibly lucky to find the most amazing Children's Program DSPs around! The individuals that help us in our children's programs show up each day with the most cheerful energy, and make each day memorable for every single kid in our program! Even when they leave for college, they reassure us that they WILL be back in time for Summer Rec. We want to thank each and every one of you for the joy you bring to our kids when they come to Balance! We could not do it without you all!" - Shannon McCann, Balance's Assistant Director of Programs
Thank you, ALL, for everything you do for our participants!
DSP Babatunde
"It is with great pride and profound gratitude that I recognize Babatunde Akintunde for his exceptional contributions not only to our immediate team but to the entire Adult Family Home (AFH) program. Babatunde has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary level of dedication, embodying the principles of integrity, compassion, and professionalism that we hold in the highest regard. In a display of unparalleled commitment, he has selflessly volunteered to assume additional shifts at other homes, ensuring that the needs of our residents are met with the utmost care and diligence. This willingness to extend beyond the confines of his regular responsibilities is a testament to his deep sense of duty and altruism. Furthermore, Babatunde exhibits an exemplary attention to detail in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of our homes. This meticulous care not only enhances the physical environment but also fosters a sense of dignity and respect for our residents. Babatunde’s unwavering dedication, impeccable work ethic, and genuine care for our residents and colleagues set a standard to which we all aspire. Babatunde’s contributions are not merely appreciated; they are integral to the success and harmony of our community. I am honored to have him as part of this team, and his exemplary service will not go unnoticed." - Tenesha Grace, House Coordinator for Balance's Adult Family Homes
Thank you, Babatunde, for everything you do for our participants!
DSP Tim
"Tim immediately fit into the Balance Family once he started in May! He is easy going, and is always engaging his participants by either socializing, coloring, playing games, you name it! Tim is also such a great role model for our male participants. There aren't a ton of male staff at the Day Program, so all of the guys look up to Tim and appreciate what he has to say, and everyone in general just gravitates towards his calm presence. Tim is always willing to step in and help out wherever needed, including arriving 30 minutes early every morning to help other staff so they can get their kids to school on time. Thank you for all that you do Tim, you are appreciated more than you know!" - Shannon McCann - Assistant Director of Programs
DSP Karen
"Karen is the ultimate "house mom" over at Stanford! She keeps the frat house in line and holds them accountable. Karen truly goes above and beyond to have fun with the guys while also guiding them to be more independent. Karen helps to create the menus and grocery lists for multiple houses which is so appreciated. She has supported the residents by swapping out menu items for healthier choices. Karen has been a true blessing to not only the residents, but the coordinators at Balance. Thank you so much for your hard work, dedication and love for our residents. We appreciate you!" - Daniel Shepherd, AFH House Coordinator.
DSP Mary
"Mary has been with Balance for almost 2 years and has been reliable, flexible and up for anything! She does great with all of our participants and residents. She has worked in all of our programs and is willing to step up wherever needed. Mary is a natural at guiding our participants and encouraging them to participate in each activity. She is upbeat and always smiling which makes our participants and residents feel comfortable when she is their staff. We are extra grateful that Mary continues to come back during her school breaks and miss her when she's gone! Thanks for all you continue to do for Balance!" - Alyse Sandow, Director of Programs
