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Sertoma Centre Celebrates National DSP Recognition Week


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Individuals start their morning exercising with the help of Vocational Coordinator Sandy Baker at our 123rd Street facility. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Alsip, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Sertoma Centre will show appreciation for all direct service staff during National Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week, September 8-12.

Direct support professionals are the in-home support workers and daily support staff of individuals with disabilities. At Sertoma Centre, individuals with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and/or mental illness are provided services in a variety of areas including vocational training, day programs and residential care. DSP’s comprise about 30% of Sertoma Centre staff, and work with individuals daily on developing essential skills for an independent, productive life.

For those served at the Centre, National DSP Recognition Week is a chance for them to say thank you to the people who care for, work with, and teach them every day. From job coaches, vocational coordinators and program staff at our two day facilities to the service facilitators at each of our nine CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) homes, these are the people our individuals interact with most frequently, and it is only fitting that these integral staff members are recognized.

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Vocational Coordinator Pam Cogwell takes a break from exercising to pose with a few individuals in the program area at 123rd Street. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

“Direct support staff probably know [the individuals] the best personally and socially, they really can give other staff more insight into their goals, what they like, what they don’t like,” Dina Raya, director of developmental training and vocational services at the 127th Street facility explained. They are a huge resource for us.”

Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to over 650 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness.

For more information, to schedule a tour, or to make a donation, please contact Melanie Jones, director of advancement and communications, Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street , Alsip , IL 60803 . (708) 371-9700 ext. 206, www.sertomacentre.org.

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