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:

June DSPs of the Month: Catherine (Cathy) Pigg & Aaron Briggs

Cathy

Cathy Pigg [Rollingview] – Cathy Pigg [Rollingview] – Cathy is someone who was nominated for ‘DSP of the Month’ multiple times(!), so it should go without saying that she is very deserving of this honor – Cathy is a DSP at our Rollingview home, and she plays an undeniably valuable role at this home! Cathy keeps the women supported at Rollingview engaged with various activities – such as baking, decorating around the house (for holidays, etc.), arts & crafts, and community events. Cathy is regularly willing to cover shifts and be flexible with her schedule when needed to ensure that the women at Rollingview are well taken care of, and she is considered an ultimate “team player.” Cathy knows the women who are supported at Rollingview extremely well, and her person-centered approach has lent to her developing the strong relationships that she has with the ladies here! Cathy clearly sets a very high standard with her work, and she was an undisputable choice as one June’s ‘DSPs of the Month’ – congratulations, Cathy!

Aaron

Aaron Briggs [Lancaster] – Aaron is a longtime DSP at our Lancaster home, and he is an incredibly steady presence in the lives of the men who live at Lancaster! Aaron regularly provides support via being someone that the guys at Lancaster can vent to, as well as encouraging a variety of coping skills to help tackle any challenging situations. Aaron is someone who will go above-and-beyond routinely – one stand-out example is how Aaron will plan and go on trips with one of the men at Lancaster, in which these trips are extremely important to him, and Aaron’s special involvement in this part of his life does not go unnoticed! Additionally, Aaron steps up in many other ways at Lancaster – including assisting with the shopping for the home, planning and executing community activities, being a team member that could be relied upon additionally when the home was without a Program Manager, and picking-up shifts short-notice to make sure that the men at Lancaster are well-supported. Aaron’s dedication and commitment are undeniable – making Aaron a stellar choice as one of June’s DSPs of the Month’ – congratulations, Aaron!

June Program Manager of the Month: Tyler Textor

Tyler

As shared by Program Director Dami Abiodun, Tyler routinely expresses the following sentiment: “See, I gotta tell you these guys are amazing and they make me so happy.” As the Program Manager at Arkansas for many years, Tyler is considered the “backbone” of this home, and he has become synonymous with Arkansas! Tyler is entrusted with the lives of the men who are supported at Arkansas, and he does everything in his power to make certain that they are safe, happy, and healthy. Tyler “embodies integrity, courage, and leadership” – these qualities are readily seen every time that Tyler works, as his genuine care for the men at Arkansas and his staff team are ever-present and evident to all that step foot inside Arkansas. Tyler has the gift of consistently communicating effectively to ensure that his staff team are all on the same page, and this is with the singular goal of giving “110%” to support the guys at Arkansas. Tyler has been an exemplary employee during his tenure at Hammer, and it is such a benefit to Arkansas to be led by him. As should be no surprise, Tyler is our ‘PM of the Month’ for June – congratulations, Tyler!