Enabling the potential of people with developmental disabilities, enriching our communities
People Receiving Supports from NHR Visit Albany to Support DSP Raises
People receiving supports from NHR’s Direct Support Professionals went to Albany to join a rally to ask that their staffs receive an 8.5 percent wage increase. The group believed DSPs were entitled to an increase of this size to ensure they could meet their regular living expenses.
The rally was held in the rotunda of the NYS Capital building and included speeches by DSPs and those receiving supports. They spoke about the work DSPs do and how difficult their current salaries make it for them to stay in the profession.
After the rally some of the attendees were able to visit their district legislators to speak to them about the staffing crisis.
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.
New York State selects New Horizons Resources as one of 17 organizations for New York Credentialing Pilot
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) has entered into a three-year contract with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Through this agreement, grants have been established to provide human service organizations with the opportunity for their employees to pursue NADSP Certification through the NADSP E-Badge Academy, without having to pay its associated costs during the grant period.
Request for Proposals (RFPs) were open for eligible New York State Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) provider organizations to participate in the grant. NADSP was pleased to receive dozens of proposals submitted by organizations from across the state demonstrating a strong and committed interest in elevating the role of direct support professionals.
After a rigorous review process utilizing a scoring rubric by a committee of field experts, 17 organizations representing all regions of New York were chosen. These organizations have been awarded seats in the NADSP E-Badge Academy with the goal of over 800 direct support professionals (DSPs), frontline supervisors (FLSs) achieving certification in the first year.
We are pleased to announce the following organizations have been chosen for the New York State Credentialing Pilot 2022/2023:
Ability Beyond Inc.
Volunteering and Making Friends
The Goldman Awards
Click here to see the latest about the Goldman Awards.NHR Family Picnic
Click here to see the NHR Family Picnic 2018
