9.2.2009 - Pittsburgh, PA –Fayette Resources will be hosting three open houses on September 15th and 16th in honor of National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide a broad range of support for the disabled with the most intimate needs on a daily basis. Whether it be the preparation of meals, helping with medications, bathing, dressing, mobility, getting to school, work, religious, and recreational and daily activities, DSPs enable individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, productive lives.
To pay tribute to these indispensible employees and to provide a first hand look at how DSPs touch the lives of the individuals they serve, Fayette Resouces is opening its doors to the public for a day of education, compassion and discovery. All attendees will have the opportunity to explore different program areas throughout the facility and meet the individuals as they participate in various activities including arts and crafts, pre-vocational training, educational programs, social enrichment, and domestic activities.
At each open house, individual awards will be presented to recognize Direct Support Professionals that exemplify the highest standards of their profession. “We are so proud to have employeed the best and the brightest caregivers over the years,” said Kathy Morris, President and CEO of Fayette Resources. “Our DSPs are like family, and they provide care and compassion like family. They truly deserve our deepest thanks and this kind of special recognition—our services could not continue without them.”
To pay tribute to these indispensible employees and to provide a first hand look at how DSPs touch the lives of the individuals they serve, Fayette Resouces is opening its doors to the public for a day of education, compassion and discovery. All attendees will have the opportunity to explore different program areas throughout the facility and meet the individuals as they participate in various activities including arts and crafts, pre-vocational training, educational programs, social enrichment, and domestic activities.
At each open house, individual awards will be presented to recognize Direct Support Professionals that exemplify the highest standards of their profession. “We are so proud to have employeed the best and the brightest caregivers over the years,” said Kathy Morris, President and CEO of Fayette Resources. “Our DSPs are like family, and they provide care and compassion like family. They truly deserve our deepest thanks and this kind of special recognition—our services could not continue without them.”
About National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week :
The campaign was created after the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 228 designating the week beginning September 14th as "National DSP Recognition Week." Sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), the resolution recognizes the invaluable supports Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide and the difference this workforce makes in the lives of Americans with disabilities.
The campaign was created after the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 228 designating the week beginning September 14th as "National DSP Recognition Week." Sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), the resolution recognizes the invaluable supports Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide and the difference this workforce makes in the lives of Americans with disabilities.
As of 2009 the majority of DSPs are employed in home and community-based settings. While this trend is projected to increase over the next decade there is a documented critical and growing shortage of DSPs in every community throughout the United States. Such shortages are due in part to inadequate wages and benefits which create high turnover and vacancy rates, adversely affecting the quality of support to individuals with disabilities.
About Fayette Resources:
Mission: To support people with disabilities in the community by providing the highest quality individualized services, which promote independence, choice, growth, acceptance and respect.
Background: Established in 1991, Fayette Resources, Inc. serves adults and children with disabilities using a wide variety of carefully constructed person centered services. As a well respected provider, Fayette Resources' programming includes innovative residential services, adult training, behavior management and individual program planning consultation, training for professional/support staff and families, employment training and technical assistance.
