Lifeworks Community,
September 8-14 marked the annual Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. This nationwide observance is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the dedicated direct support professionals who partner with people with disabilities every day.
At Lifeworks, we are proud to employ nearly 5,000 direct support professionals (DSPs) across the state of Minnesota. These employees work directly with people with disabilities in the community and their homes providing more than just care. DSPs are champions of inclusion and advocates for choice. At Lifeworks, we have always believed that true inclusion means that every person has the opportunity to live their life with dignity and respect. Our DSPs are the ones who bring this belief to life each day, ensuring that every individual they partner with can choose the life they want to live.
The role of a DSP is both challenging and rewarding. It requires a unique blend of skills, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Our DSPs work tirelessly to provide personalized support, whether it’s assisting with daily activities, facilitating community involvement, or helping individuals achieve their personal goals. They are the ones who create an environment where people with disabilities can thrive, feel valued, and be fully included in their communities.
Here are just a few of the things our clients and their families have to say about our amazing DSPs at Lifeworks:
“My daughter’s Lifeworks staff person gives her all the support she needs – when she needs it. I am very grateful for the support she gives.”
“The great staff at Lifeworks support me and my decisions and help me reach my goals.”
“We stay with Lifeworks because we trust our staff person. They are a great person and always there to help whether the question is big or small.”
“My son has developed a great working relationship with his job coach. I can’t imagine better service.”
“Our son’s job coach knows him very well and his intuition helps our son operating at his maximum capacity.”
“Me and my job coach always work things out and he’s really awesome. I like him because he’s helping me work together with other employees at my job.”
Our DSPs are the heart and soul of Lifeworks, and their work is integral to making Minnesota a more inclusive and disability-friendly state. The demand for DSPs is growing, and the need for compassionate, skilled professionals in this field has never been greater. As we continue to expand our services and reach more communities, we must also ensure that we have the workforce necessary to partner with people with disabilities across the state. This is why it is so important for more people to consider direct support as a career. At Lifeworks, we are committed to providing our DSPs with competitive compensation, training, resources, and support they need to succeed. We believe that when our DSPs thrive, the individuals and families they support thrive as well.
As we look to the future, the role of Direct Support Professionals will continue to be critical to our success. The work our DSPs do is not just about providing support; it’s about building inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It’s about challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers, and creating a world where people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of life.
I want to extend my deepest thanks to our DSPs for their incredible work, dedication, and passion. You are the heart of Lifeworks, and we are so grateful for all that you do. I also want to encourage anyone who is looking for a career with purpose to consider joining our team.
Together, we can continue to make a difference and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Warmly,
Gertrude
