By Chris Chica, Residential Services Coordinator

Each month, we will recognize two DSPs of the Month as well as a Program Manager of the Month. We are thankful for all the ways they bring the best of themselves to those they support and their colleagues. Please join us in celebrating them:

May DSPs of the Month: Ashely Bebeashelyend & Jamie Yang

Ashely

Ashely Bebeashelyend [9th Ave] – Ashely started working at our 9th Avenue home via GrapeTree (staffing agency), and after her first shift at the home, Ashely expressed interest in becoming a Hammer & NER employee, and she was soon hired as a DSP at 9th Avenue! Ashely set a high standard for herself and her work immediately at 9th Avenue, and since then, she has only exceeded that standard – Ashely has stood out with her dedication and strong work ethic, dependability, proactiveness, and being a team player. A terrific example of the great work that Ashely does is how she has encouraged and played a direct role in the increased mobility of one of the women at 9th Avenue, where she has helped her make notable progress in using her walker to get around – Ashley’s level of care, patience, and initiative has been undeniably impactful! Ashely caught-onto the routines and needs of the women at 9th Avenue seamlessly, and her impact not only includes the women at 9th Avenue, but the entire staff as a whole – with all of that being said, Ashely is more than deserving of being one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Ashely!

Jamie

Jamie Yang [1st Ave] – Jamie is one of the stellar DSPs at our 1st Avenue home, and she has been an extremely valuable member of this staff team and plays a huge role at this home! While 1st Avenue has been without a Program Manager, Jamie has been someone that can be relied on to make activities and community outings happen for the guys at the home, and this has kept the men at 1st Avenue happy and engaged. Jamie is not one to sit still during a shift – whether it’s cleaning, getting groceries for the home, taking inventory of supplies, or making sure that there is a proper supply of all medications – Jamie keeps busy at all times! Jamie ensures to spend quality time with the guys at 1st Avenue, and she has a direct focus on engaging with the men via conversation and (plenty of) laughter! Jamie is known for her wonderful attitude, clear communication with others, follow-through to ensure completion of tasks, and being supportive of her fellow staff members at 1st Avenue – as a result, Jamie is undoubtedly worthy of being one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Jamie!

May Program Manager of the Month: Tomeko Champion Patrick

Tomeko

Tomeko has been the Program Manager at our Zealand apartment program for a few months now, but before that, she led our Black Oaks home – whether it’s her leadership from when she was the Program Manager at Black Oaks, or now at Zealand, Tomeko shines! Tomeko has always been someone who cares deeply about the people we support, and she takes the time and energy to get to know everyone on a personal level. While she was at Black Oaks, Tomeko recognized that there was a health issue with one of the women there that the doctors did not see themselves, and she tirelessly advocated on her behalf until proper medical care was administered. Tomeko brings positivity day-in and day-out, and she is also known for her sense-of-humor and ability to make others laugh/smile (not to mention her notorious ability to make fantastic meals & baked goods) – which naturally brightens the days of the people we support, as well as her fellow staff team members. Tomeko consistently steps-up whenever needed, and she is someone who goes above-and-beyond on a daily basis – which all leads to Tomeko being our ‘PM of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Tomeko!