Making it memorable: DSP Week lavishes recognition on staff

Erdac staff at the start of DSP Week

MOHR member programs around the state are planning fun, simple and engaging activities to show appreciation for direct support professionals (DSPs) during 2021 DSP Recognition Week.

Ita-Bel-Koo

Tim Stanoch, the new executive director for Ita-Bel-Koo, is bringing his staff to Northome’s Shining Light Café to enjoy their famous, gigantic caramel rolls. Everyone is receiving a mum plant, as well.

Jackson County DAC

Much further south, Director Jody Rizzi at Jackson County DAC was treating everyone to the Clay County Fair in Iowa. Each DSP received a fun “survival kit” containing earplugs, Tylenol, gloves, sanitizer, wrapped masks, and other goodies.

Ample doses of pop and candy flowed, with T-shirts designed by management. One features a female with bulging muscles and the words, “Direct Support Staff-it is not for the weak.” For the guys, the shirts read, “DSP  because Full-time, Multi-tasking Ninja is not an actual job title.”

Polk County DAC and ERDAC

Polk County DAC and East Range DAC (ERDAC) have each day designated with food and fanfare. Executive Director Jo Bittner in Polk County scheduled Monday- Coffee and Donuts; Tuesday- Make your own nacho; Wednesday- Hero sandwiches; soft drinks on “Thirsty Thursday,” and Spa Day Friday with relaxing items to take home.

WCI

All staff at WCI in Willmar celebrated DSP Week with Monday morning donuts and a sloppy joe dinner on Friday. Everyone will receive a WCI tumbler.

At ERDAC, Robin Harkonen and her husband are purchasing daily treats from local businesses. Monday is “Breakfast for champions” with pastries, fruit and yogurt; Tuesday brings “Awesome to the core,” featuring area caramel apples; Wednesday  “You’re our hero” hero sandwiches; Thursday is “You are a treat to work with day” with grab bags of assorted snacks. And, Friday is “Super DSP Day” with hometown pizza, designer DSP cookies and gift cards. Also available are an assortment of full-sized candy bars for residential DSPs who are picking up participants at the end of the day.

Employment Enterprises

Employment Enterprises in Little Falls is issuing pay raises in September and asking for individuals to share input about the organization. A scavenger hunt combined with staff training is planned for teams of four to visit either a historic setting, park, river landing or church. Their task it to take photos and plan for three or four activities on field trips around each site.

The photos are emailed to the executive director ahead of a debriefing on their discoveries. Staff spend the day “in character” by playing the role of an individual with a disability or a staff person serving them. Supervisors separately handle special goodies for DSP Week.

 

Photos, from top: ERDAC staff were joined by St. Louis County Commissioner and Board Chair Mike Jugovich and Eveleth Mayor Robert Vlaisavljevich. Ita-Bel-Koo staff enjoy some large cinnamon rolls. Staff enjoyed "Breakfast for Champions and LSS staff members also joined with the mayor, commissioner and ERDAC staff.