As we try to come to the reality that summer is winding down; schools are opening up and soon we will face the cooler temperatures; we reflect on our accomplishments over the summer and plan for the fall season...
In early August I was able to go on Joe Condon’s radio show,
Albany Street,
with Kirk Lewis, CEO from Schenectady Arc. We talked about the importance of Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and the work they do. It was an excellent segment, and we are grateful for the opportunity to talk to a broader audience about what DSP do and how we need help in filling many positions. DSP are vital to the person they support playing roles of a life coach, counselor, community connector, medical assistance, wellness coach, and supporters of other daily living tasks. These skills are not easy to do as you also are working towards supporting a person in their life, not instructing the person in life. We focus more on the teaching of how to do something and let the individual do as much as they can for themselves, as that fosters independence and allows them to build skills of their own. We will continue to fight for better wages for all employees, in particular, the DSP.
August was kicked off with our second annual Ice Cream Social recruiting event where we had 38 applicants attend. We currently are working through the process of hiring many of them. We then moved into our second annual Employee Night at the Joe Bruno Stadium where the rain held off and a great time was had by those who attended. We are looking forward, in hopes to expand partnerships with local sporting and other activities, to give our employees opportunities for discount tickets. We brought August to a close working with Cap Com Federal Credit Union to show appreciation to employees. All of these efforts are to help us in a workforce shortage and to help show our dedicated staff our appreciation.
In September we have more events to show staff we care for them. The Annual Employee Picnic on September 6
th
where we will recognize 22 employees with five years of service, 3 with ten years, 5 with 15 years, 5 with 20 years, 3 with 25 years, 1 with 30 years, and 1 with 35 years. We will also hand out 22 Staff Nominated Awards. The event kicks off the National Direct Support Professional Week, where we will take dedicated time to show the DSP how important they are to our work. We have several events planned from activities, lunches, dinners, and special visits. We are excited to showcase the exceptional work of the Arc staff. Look to our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds for updates and photos of the various ways we show appreciation to the DSP and the workforce. If you see one of our employees during your next visit to the Chapter stop and tell them thank you for their efforts. Enjoy the final days of summer, and we will be in touch in the fall.
