FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blossom Hill Celebrates Direct Support Professionals During “DSP Week”
Local Nonprofit Organization Joins Nationwide Week of Recognition for Caregivers of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
September 12, 2021 (WESTLAKE, OHIO) –Blossom Hill, Inc. is pleased to kick off the nationally-recognized Direct Support Professionals Week, September 12 through 18. Direct Support Professionals – or DSPs – are caregivers specifically trained to care for individuals with developmental disabilities. At Blossom Hill, a nonprofit organization, 58 DSPs provide round-the-clock care for 36 individuals with developmental disabilities. Through Blossom Hill’s Supported Living Program, the organization also employs 14 DSPs who care for individuals in their own homes, most of whom are family members who are trained as DSPs by Blossom Hill to provide care for their loved one.
In addition to getting individuals dressed, showered, and fed, Blossom Hill’s DSPs also provide companionship and engage individuals in activities and take them on outings into the community. The DSPs have been instrumental during COVID-19 and have come up with creative ideas to provide person-centered care.
“Not only have our DSPs been consistent and steadfast during COVID, they have also taken the individuals on COVID-safe outings like drive-throughs, outings that include outdoor activities, walks through the neighborhood, and virtual activities like virtual visits with family members and virtual jazzercise,” Lisa Kristosik, Chief Executive Officer of Blossom Hill said.
“For some of the individuals in our homes, they came here when they were 18 years old or in their early 20s.” said Lynne Urbanski, Executive Director of Blossom Hill. “Now, most of our individuals are in their 40s, 50s, 60s. For the DSPs who have been working here 15, 20, and almost 30 years, they are more like family since they have spent most of their lives with them. That is something that is very special and unique to Blossom Hill.”
Nationally, DSP Week is led by American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), a nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,600 private community providers of services to people with disabilities. This week is meant to highlight the dedicated, innovative direct support workforce that is the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities. This week is just a small fraction of the recognition that they deserve throughout the year.
Watch a video of our individuals with a message for DSPs.
Cities of North Royalton, Westlake, and Parma recognize DSP Week with Proclamations.
About Blossom Hill, Inc.
Founded in 1968, Blossom Hill is a nonprofit organization that that owns and operates family-style group homes for adults with profound intellectual and physical disabilities living in the Greater Cleveland Area. Our homes provide a loving environment and personalized 24-hour care for our individuals, short-term respite care for families that need temporary care for their love ones, and supported living care options. For more information, visit our website at blossom-hill.org.
Media Contact: Emily Dubyoski
Marketing Manager, Blossom Hill
EmilyD@Blossom-Hill.org / 440-666-6147
###