Honor Our Dedicated Direct Service Staff

posted on Thursday, September 17, 2020

In the summer edition of our newsletter we highlighted a story about Kim - a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who quarantined for 17 days and nights with three men who tested positive for COVID-19. These men were also dealing with the grief of losing one of their roommates to this devastating virus, and Kim answered the call to care for them during possibly one of the hardest times of their lives.
                        
Since then, we have had an additional six DSPs selflessly quarantine with persons served who became ill with COVID-19 for an average of 15 days. That is 15 days of wearing full personal protective equipment, providing physical and emotional support for persons served day and night, and not being able to see their families.
 
In addition to these folks, all 200 of our DSPs have continued to display their dedication to those we serve, even during a global pandemic. They fearlessly show up, work with their whole heart, implement enhanced safety precautions, and continue to provide essential services 24/7.
 
Every September we celebrate Direct Support Professional recognition week, and we couldn't think of a more fitting time to celebrate and honor our DSPs' commitment to those we serve. These last 6 months have presented unprecedented challenges, and our staff continue to prove their dedication through their compassion, perseverance, and advocacy as we navigate these uncharted territories.
 
"Every DSP has a purpose, a calling to do something to make a difference in the world, but some of us go through times that redefine our lives and our abilities to go much further than we ever thought possible and come out on the other side stronger for it. I would do it all over again if needed." - Kim Bumgardner-Bergman, DSP
 
Direct Support Professionals are absolutely essential to the quality of services we provide. DSPs work evenings, weekends, and holidays, often in people’s homes where they cannot practice social distancing. DSPs support people who need help with basic hygiene, health and nutrition, connecting with loved ones, taking medications and more. Without DSPs, people with disabilities are at risk.
 
This dedicated workforce needs your help. Please consider a gift to ensure the safety and security of EPI's 200 fearless DSPs.

By supporting EPI with a gift to the greatest need, you can help protect critical services when funding gaps arise and ensure the stability of our DSP workforce during increasingly uncertain times.

Would you consider making a contribution to the Exceptional Persons Foundation today?
 
Help us celebrate DSP recognition week by making a gift to the Exceptional Persons Foundation in honor of EPI's direct support staff. Simply return the enclosed response card or visit us online to set up a recurring gift today.
 
We sincerely appreciate your support of EPI, our dedicated staff, and the individuals we serve.