“Every day I witness coworkers living out the Dungarvin mission,” said Missy Walters. “We all have the same common goal and that is to better serve and support persons served as well as each other.” Missy has been supporting our mission for nine years (this month) and is currently the Administrative Department Supervisor and Dungarvin Office Manager for Minnesota, our National office, and three other satellite offices. She is committed, charismatic, and we are excited to share with you more about her through ‘5 questions with Missy Waters:’

1. Who are your heroes in life?

My grandparents and leaders/mentors in my life. You never know the life changing impact you can have on the trajectory of someone’s life when you believe in, invest in, and empower someone.

2. Why do you have a passion for this work?

As a child, I wanted to be social worker so I could help people, but my over-worrying and compassionate personality would leave me heartbroken and overwhelmed, and I knew that the frontline wasn’t my place. In my role at Dungarvin, I know that at the end of day, in a behind the scenes way, I aid in helping people live their best lives.

3. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?

Honesty, good character, values, work ethic, and a little fun never hurts.

4. What characteristic – or adjective – would people use to describe you?

Caring, dependable, devoted, understanding, and compassionate.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My marriage and my family. I was a teen mom, my husband got married very young, and through all life’s trials and blessings, we have conquered them together and built an amazing family and marriage. We have two wonderful daughters and two adorable grandsons.

In what has been a massive effort, the state of Connecticut is trying to move people out of traditional group home settings into more integrated, community-based living settings, and they are doing so through the Department of Developmental Services Supporting Transformation to Empower People Initiative, better known as the “DDS STEP Initiative.” Whether that living setting be an apartment or shared living, Connecticut wants to support more independence in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities community. Within the last year, the Dungarvin Connecticut team has been recognized as being at the forefront of this initiative – cited as a model for other agencies to follow.

Connecticut State Director, Robert Gallant, and Area Director, Melissa Mascari, have developed a plan that identifies barriers to independent living and what it will take to move past those obstacles allowing more people to succeed. They have been invited to share their plans by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) at Town Hall meetings. Late last year, Dungarvin presented to fellow providers further identifying tactics they have employed to successfully place more individuals in independent settings.

Dungarvin Connecticut has identified 16 individuals with whom they are working closely, as well as their families, seeking opportunities for greater independence through this program. The DDS STEP Initiative is financed by the State’s Department of Developmental Services.

“It’s nice because the incentives are great, but it also eliminates barriers for people like security deposits, moving expenses, and anything that could diminish their chances for success,” said Mascari.

“We keep individuals involved in the process, so they understand this is not happening to them, it’s happening with them and for them,” said Mascari. “But when individuals feel overwhelmed, we break it down even further and slow down the process. It can move as fast or slow as it needs in order to meet an individual’s needs.”

The process looks like this: Dungarvin meets with the team, lies out what the individual needs or wants to achieve to get to that next step of independence. (For example, this could mean learning more about an individual’s medications, administrating said medications themself, etc…) All scenarios are prepared for in terms of what they may need, so the individual supported may become more independent in the process of getting ready for that next step.

Beyond people, new technology will support this process. Gallant says one person’s journey will not be the same as another.

“We have everything from door chimes, portable med-minders (so they can take their meds wherever they go,) technology that confirms teeth have been brushed, to two-way video screens so individuals can talk to staff if needed,” said Gallant. “It’s a very person-centered process, as we have numerous assessments that are completed.” (The Connecticut team has partnered with sister-company Sengistix for them to provide helpful technology, help answer questions and sit in on team meetings to develop assistive tech plans for the individuals.)

The technology has proven helpful for individuals who have never lived in an environment on their own with no attending staff. Especially during overnight hours, persons supported can feel vulnerable when alone for the first time, so technology provides the ability to contact staff and feel supported face to face.

“The whole process is exciting because it’s something new and it’s nice to see in-home supports grow to support individuals’ independence,” exclaimed Mascari. She continued to say, “This initiative complements Dungarvin Connecticut’s goals to empower individuals who want to live more independently.”

To learn more about Dungarvin Connecticut and our services, please visit our website https://www.dungarvin.com/locations/connecticut/.

Wanda Wilkins, Foster Care Licensing Coordinator, is a proud mother of three and grandmother of eight. She has been with Dungarvin since 2011, but her first job in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field was in a group home where she worked with adults with dual diagnoses. While she’s been on this career path for more than 25 years, Wanda still reminds herself: “There is always something new and amazing to discover within this field!” Get to know her though ‘5 questions with Wanda Wilkins:’

1. Why do you have a passion for this work?

This field can be challenging yet rewarding at the same time, but I would not trade any of my experiences. My passion comes from the joy I get in helping and supporting others. It makes my heart smile if I can do something, little or big, to help others succeed or be a steppingstone to where they need to be or get to in life.

2. What is your most treasured possession?

My family photos. I value my family more than anything in this world. We have our ups and downs, but at the end of the day, it is family over everything.

3. What characteristic – or adjective – would people use to describe you?

One characteristic that people use to describe me is “dependable.” I am always willing and able to assist others, if I can. I try my best to be available to meet others’ needs.

4. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?

I would like to see North Carolina better serve people with disabilities by offering more specialized services to meet their needs and for them to be treated as “people” not just “people with disabilities.”

5. Who are your heroes in life and why?

I have only one and that is my mother. My mother raised me and my sisters as a single parent. She taught me to be self-sufficient, independent, and not depend on others. She said, “no one gives you anything in life. You have to go out there, work hard and earn it!” And I think that was one of the most significant statements that she has ever said to me.

“As with so many in this industry, I have a family member that continues to inspire me,” shared Director of Talent Development, Claire Wilson. Using her personal connection as inspiration to succeed, Claire has cultivated her expertise in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities field over the past six years, including 20 years in the Human Resources field! We feel honored she has chosen to join Dungarvin’s mission-driven work in the field. Get to know this talented professional who appreciates a good laugh through ‘5 questions with Claire Wilson:’

1. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?

Honest, respectful conversations; genuine gratitude; and a fantastic sense of humor!

2. What characteristic – or adjective – would people use to describe you?

Resilience, or so I have been told.

3. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?

Efficiencies to support better, more encompassing programs to support the whole individual.

4. Who are your heroes in life and why?

My parents. They are the best example of doing your best, working hard, and forgiveness.

5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?

Their innovation in solving problems, dedication to our employees and people we support; they also happen to have an incredible sense of humor!

Lily Roebke, Onboarding Associate, is coming up on three years in the Human Resources Department with Dungarvin Wisconsin! She’s a human services expert, having been practicing in the healthcare industry for years now. “I value their teamwork and dedication,” said Roebke of her team here at Dungarvin. Get to know her and her passions through ‘5 questions with Lily Roebke:’

1. Why do you have a passion for the work?

I have a passion for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) industry as an HR professional because I enjoy interacting with people in this field that have a real impact and empower others through their work.

2. What characteristic or adjective would most people use to describe you?

Reflective inquirer. I tend to reflect and ask questions.

3. What would you like to see happen in your state to better serve people in need of supports?

I’d like to see more career or educational opportunities for those who are more independent.

4. Who are your heroes in life and why?

My mom would be my main hero in life because she advocated for me when I was younger. She raised me to be brave and support myself and others.

5. What do you consider you greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement was getting my bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Soft spoken and unassuming, Leroy Bryant believes the world would be a better place if people did the right thing. Leroy, 53, has spent his entire life as part of the Gallup community in New Mexico. He grew up as a proud member of the Navajo Nation, and still resides there. “I love it here!” In 2018, Leroy was named the Direct Support Professional (DSP)of the Year by ANCOR, an advocacy organization working to strengthen the ability of community-based providers to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the group gets set to announce it’s 2024 DSP of the Year winner in April, we reached out to Leroy to revisit his memories of that special night and to see what he has been up to since then.

“I remember going down to Louisiana (New Orleans) and finding out I had to make a speech. I wasn’t prepared for that!” recalls Leroy. Although he remembers other award winners announced, the whole memory is a big happy blur. Individuals are nominated by someone in their organization. Bernadine Leekeela, now a Dungarvin Director in New Mexico, nominated Leroy for multiple reasons, including his advocacy for individuals supported; relationship building (including some individuals he has supported for close to 20 years!); leadership and teamwork; as well as specific examples of innovation. For his part, Leroy still says he was surprised. “It’s our job; it’s what we do every day. I didn’t think I’d ever be recognized for it.”

Leroy has worked at Dungarvin since 2015, but has been a direct support professional much longer, working for Disability Services, Inc. since the early 2000s. When asked if his recognition changed anything significantly in his life, Leroy is characteristically modest. “Nothing has really changed; it’s pretty much the same. But I did get a lot of positive comments from the community, both at work and at home.”

What keeps him inspired and motivated after all these years? Leroy had a clear answer. “The people we work with and the staff, too. I like my job and I like supporting the individuals with whom I work. We work really well together – all of us in the house, as well as everyone at Dungarvin. Everyone is upbeat. I’m lucky to have a very positive working environment.”

As far as the favorite part of his job – that’s an easy one as well. “Trying to understand and communicate with the individuals we support,” he said. “When you begin to understand them, it feels great, like an important achievement for us both. Creating an open communication channel builds trust.”

Leroy did have some advice for the next generation of direct support professionals looking to grow in the field. “Try to understand the individuals you support; to advocate for them, and help them integrate with the community, and find a connection with others. Give it a chance. If you care about the people you support, you will find a way to make your mark!”

Leroy Bryant works at the Cliff House in Gallup, New Mexico, where he supports four individuals. Dungarvin is proud to honor Leroy’s accomplishment as well as those of other past winners of this prestigious recognition.