Enabling the potential of people with developmental disabilities, enriching our communities
NHR announces 2022 Direct Support Professional Awards
New Horizons Resources named Paul Thorstenson as its 2022 winner of the Israel Goldman Award, which honors Direct Support Professionals for their extraordinarily unselfish, principled and mission-driven behavior. The award was created in 2007 in honor of Israel Goldman, a participant in New Horizons Services and advocate for people with developmental disabilities.
At the same time, New Horizons announced Lyndah Ouma as the winner of this year’s Regis Obijiski scholarship award and Jeannie Werber as most recent employee to receive her certificate of completion as a Frontline Supervisor.
The Goldman award was created as a memorial to Israel Goldman and was first awarded in 2007. Paul is the Administrative Coordinator of a New Horizons home and was nominated by Grace and Bob Dietz, parents of one of the residents.
In his nomination, the Dietz’s stated “A house manager’s role can be overwhelming with life plans having expectations that relate to planning, teaching, areas such as health, personal care, safety, money management, social development and communication…For Paul, it is a work of love done with enthusiasm and care.”
One of the critical objectives of Regis Obijiski’s tenure as New Horizons Resources Executive Director was the development of direct support services as a true profession. To perpetuate his legacy, NHR established the Regis Obijiski scholarship award for Direct Support Professionals to continue their education. The scholarship is mostly funded by a legacy the agency received from the late Mary Moody, a long-time Dutchess County resident and volunteer who believed “when one serves others, God can multiply one’s efforts.”
Lyndah Ouma, the winner of this year’s scholarship award is a Direct Support Professional pursuing a Nursing degree at Dutchess Community College. Lyndah began working in direct support after ten years in a business career. She has been working as a Direct Support Professional for the past several years and plans to continue working with people in this population after completing her nursing education because she has gained a deep understanding of people who receive supports.
“An eye to every minute detail makes it possible to recognize and handle potential complications before they occur…,” she said. “This way we can help them achieve their best potential, improving their quality of life and standard of living.”
Jeannie Werber, a long-time New Horizons Direct Support Professional, Administrative Coordinator and trainer in person-centered supports, expanded her professional credentials and was recognized for receiving her Frontline Supervisor Training Certificate of Completion.
