Recent News

Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week

Governor David Patterson, in response to a congressional resolution, proclaimed the week of September 8, 2008 as “Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week.”  This formal recognition provided ucpn with a wonderful opportunity to honor those individuals who enhance the lives of the individuals we provide services for.  We were encouraged by the Diana Jones Ritter, Commissioner of OMRDD to show our appreciation in some small way.  Well, at ucpn we celebrated all week long!

Luncheons were held all week at the center, UCP Bayville and the community residential program.  For those residential staff who could not attend one of the luncheons, meals were delivered to their work site during their shift.  While enjoying their meals, the staff received personalized thank you cards, created by a program participant in the Life Options program, which included a “Thank you to our Direct Support Professional” pen and a lottery ticket.  Although we were hoping for an instant millionaire, the biggest winner in the residential program is $17.00 richer.  Decorations at the luncheon sites displayed quotes of appreciation on the walls from the staff and thank you centerpieces from the consumers for our direct support staff.  Eight direct support professionals were honored as Employee of the Quarter: Jennifer Hibbert (Site-based Day Hab), Vernon Black (Sensory Site-Based Day Hab), Adam Tobias (Adult Day Treatment), Leslie Martinez (Community-Based Day Hab),Brian Vasselman (Life Options), Rose Pierre-Louis (Bayville), Sheronia Howell (Residential) and Will Lowry (Leisure Services).  Each Employee of the Quarter received a $100. appreciation check and their nomination signed and framed.

Once again, thank you to all the Direct Support Professionals who provide services to our individuals at the Center and in our residential programs.  We applaud your energy, enthusiasm, passion, dedication, commitment, work ethic and caring hearts.  You truly meet the spirit of our mission as you continue to provide the highest quality services to the children and adults at ucpn.