The week of September 7-13, 2014, has been declared State and National Direct Support Professionals Week in an effort to recognize and express appreciation for the work of community providers who provide supports to our friends, family and neighbors with intellectual, developmental, physical, and other disabilities.
To celebrate the kick-off of this week of recognition, Alternative Community Training (ACT), Boone County Family Resources, and Woodhaven are hosting a proclamation reading, ribbon cutting and reception to honor our unsung heroes at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8th at the Boone County Courthouse Plaza.
Boone County District II Commissioner, Janet Thompson, will present a proclamation from Mayor Bob McDavid declaring the week of September 7-13, 2014 as the City of Columbia’s Direct Support Professionals Week. An additional County proclamation will be read and presented on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the regularly scheduled Boone County Commission meeting at 9:30 a.m.
All are invited to join the celebration from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Monday which will also feature remarks from ACT Executive Director, Mark Hassemer, Direct Support Professionals from Woodhaven and Boone County Family Resources, and will close with a ribbon cutting by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.
Much of the work completed by the more than 725 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Columbia goes unseen by the general public, but that in no way makes it any less impactful or important to this community and the individuals whose lives are enriched daily by these incredible men and women.
The need for quality supports provided by DSPs is constantly growing as the residents of this community age and the number of people living with disabilities continues to increase. Boone County is fortunate to have so many dedicated men and women who have chosen the Direct Support profession. Their work empowers so many individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently as members of this community.
During Direct Support Professional Week, ACT, Boone County Family Resources and Woodhaven would like to encourage the public to learn about the services provided by DSPs and to help us celebrate the great works of Columbia’s unsung heroes. Individuals interested in a DSP career at BCFR can visit www.bcfr.org/career-opportunities/ to learn of current opportunities to support people with developmental disabilities in becoming more independent, connected members of our community.