“I have had a successful career over the last 25 years because of the vast learning opportunities and experiences I have had with so many talented employees and managers. I have also had a great career here at Dungarvin because of the amazing individuals we serve. I take pride in helping those in need of our supports and they are a huge part of my success!”
“Working for Dungarvin is not just a job. It is fun, inspiring, challenging, and offers professional opportunities and growth. Over the past 30 years I have learned many lessons, expanded my knowledge and strengthened my skills. More importantly, I value Dungarvin’s ideals, philosophies and quality of services.” – Shirley Pullar
“It has been an honor to serve Dungarvin’s mission statement ‘respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports,’ for the past 30 years. I am blessed to work with professionals who have such a high degree of integrity and personal accountability. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to personally get to know, and advocate for many of the individuals we serve, witnessing firsthand the positive impact my role at Dungarvin has on their lives.” – Terese Deering
“Terese and I were co-workers prior to Dungarvin acquiring New Concept’s services 30 years ago on July 1, 1994, shared Shirley. “Recently, I ran across a ‘blast from the past’, a caricature drawing of Terese and I (above) which was done at a Dungarvin event in St. Paul, MN (I believe it was in 1995 or 1996). Not only were Terese and I co-workers during our 30-year tenure together at Dungarvin, but we are also friends forever. Thank you to all of you for making our milestone event so memorable.”
June 21st is World Music Day. It celebrates music’s diversity and ability to unite people. Music is a universal language and touches the lives of so many of the people Dungarvin serves. This year we have a lot to celebrate!
Lizzie from Minnesota loves all types of music, everything from Justin Bieber to Elvis and Johnny Cash. Last week on Prince’s birthday, Lizzie and her staff made a special visit to Paisley Park in Chanhassen, MN to celebrate. The Riley Creek underpass tunnel is covered in Prince-themed graffiti and is on the path to Paisley Park.
“We signed the memorial tunnel and left flowers on the memorial gate at Riley Creek while listening to Prince songs in his honor,” shared Anne Emerson, Mental Health Specialist II. “We then headed to Paisley Park where Lizzie met a security guard who told her that he used to be a Special Education teacher working for 18 years in the Edina School District.” Lizzie and her staff all have a love for music, as it really helps her relax. A fun day was had by all!
Across the country, days are filled with music in New Jersey for Richard and Nick as well. Richard is frequently visited by Ms. Olivia from Jammy Jenn Music Therapy, and it has had a profound impact on Richard’s well-being and overall happiness.
“Firstly, music therapy has provided Richard with a means of self-expression,” shared Shantirah Burgess, New Jersey Area Director. Through music, he can communicate his emotions, thoughts, and desires in a way that words have not allowed him. Richard’s music therapy has given him a sense of empowerment and allowed him to express himself freely.”
Music has helped Richard to manage his emotions and reduce anxiety, helping to alleviate feelings of stress or tension. It provides him with a safe and comforting environment where he can relax and let go of his worries or anxieties.
Music therapy has a positive impact on many individuals’ physical and emotional well-being. For Richard, staff has shared that his face lights up with joy during sessions, and he kicks his feet in excitement! The consistent support and guidance from Ms. Olivia as well as the staff at Berwick group home have played a crucial role in Richard’s progress and the positive impact of music therapy in his life.
Nick from our Antonio group home in South Brunswick Township has used music to form meaningful connections and friendships. He enjoys listening to gospel music, playing his guitar, and his newfound social skills have not only enriched his own life, but have also positively impacted the lives of those around him. He has learned to use his common interest in music to connect with others.
Nick loves music and is always looking forward to joining his music instructor on Wednesdays. Every day, Nick strives to play his guitar and saxophone with staff. Nick’s love for music has been his constant and consistent motivation for his achievements.
“A staff member now brings his saxophone to work for Nick,” said Shantirah. “According to Mr. Ola, after he began playing the saxophone with Nick, he noticed Nick opening up. Mr. Ola stated, ‘playing the saxophone truly calms Nick down and helps him to feel comfortable to express himself.'”
If you or someone you know is interested in Dungarvin’s services, explore what we offer in your state at: https://www.dungarvin.com/locations/.
There are many ways to define the concept of ‘home.’ Home can be living with the family you were born in to, or it can be living with roommates or a family that you choose. According to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Shared Living (OSL) “provides an option for adults with a developmental disability to get the support they need while living with a family member or caregiver.” An individual can live with one or more family members or caregivers who provide 20 percent or more of that person’s care and support services.
Dungarvin’s Ohio Shared Living program has been going through updates recently. As the organization responds to the needs of its community, the team has been recruiting for both more program applicants as well as OSL providers. “We have had several current providers share information about Ohio Shared Living with their friends and family,” stated Lead Program Director Sarah Lazirko. “As a result, we are now reviewing and vetting many more potential providers as the program grows.”
The team has been inventive in getting the word out. Flyers have been created for each of the OSL homes that have open bedrooms for individuals in need of a permanent home or are looking for respite options. These flyers include information about the provider as well as pictures of the home environment. “Recently, we have emailed service coordinators at the IDD agencies as well as transition specialists/counselors at nearby school districts to provide information for students who are transitioning out of school,” said Lazirko. “We have shared more about the OSL program with the respite and placement departments at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities as well, setting up tours with OSL homes. We have received respite referrals and are hoping to help individuals looking for permanent placements, too.”
Eligibility for the Shared Living service is based on an individual’s living situation and person-centered needs as outlined in the Ohio Individual Service Plan (OhioISP). Applicants need to be at least 18 years of age and have an Individual Options (IO) Waiver. Although a full-time commitment providers may still be able to have employment outside of the home, depending on the services required. OSL providers are paid to offer hands-on care and supportive services, coordinating services outlined in the individual’s OhioISP. Examples of these services may include cooking meals, providing transportation, and planning activities during the day. Providers must be at least 18 years of age and able to provide an extra bedroom in their home. Full background checks are conducted before any placement occurs.
“Currently, we have several OSL homes with open bedrooms waiting for permanent placements,” said Lazirko. “We are also able to provide respite to families who do not have other options for the individual they are providing supports to when they need to be out of town or are themselves in need of a break.”
To learn more about Ohio Shared Living, contact Sarah Lazirko at 614-547-8413 or slazirko@dungarvin.com.
“Over the past decade, I’ve developed skills and expertise in assisting Dungarvin with billing and attendance tracking. I’ve had the privilege of working on challenging items and working with talented co-workers and making a positive impact. My fulfillment comes from continuous learning and contributing to something meaningful.”
Today we shine a light on Oregon Talent Development/Trainer, Austyn Addams. Although she’s been with us just a few months, Austyn has been impacting lives in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field for over 11 years. Her first role with Dungarvin was as a DSP with Oregon Supported Living Program, and now she’s finding a way to make an impact in a different way. Get to know Austyn’s impact on the world through ‘5 questions with Austyn Addams:’
1. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so?
I have always felt a call to help and advocate for others. As a DSP, I got to make a direct difference in the lives of people who need supports and I could see each day the impact I was making. Now as a trainer, I get to help DSPs to be great at their jobs, and support the people served in a different way. This is my way of making the world just a little better.
2. What is your most treasured possession?
I don’t consider them possessions, but my dog and two cats are who I treasure the most.
3. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?
A good sense of humor – it makes the good days even better and the bad days easier to deal with.
4. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
I would love to see legislation change so that disabled people can get married without losing their disability benefits.
5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would say that my greatest professional achievement was when I won the ORA Works of Heart Award. I was nominated for my work with an LGBTQ+ young adult who was going through transition as well as learning to live on their own. It was an honor to be recognized, but more than that, it warmed my heart to know how supported and valued I was able to make that person feel.
Congratulations to our very own Minnesota Senior Director, Anna Hegland, on her new title as ARRM President!
“I’m so honored to have this opportunity,” said Anna. “ARRM was founded in 1970, and 54 years later, it continues to be an organization that makes a real impact. ARRM’s mission is to advocate for, inform and support Minnesota organizations serving people in the disability and mental health communities. We are so fortunate to have incredibly talented staff, and many organizational leaders throughout the state who come together to make this mission a reality. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with others through ARRM, and I look forward to supporting the organization in my new role.”
We are so excited for your advocacy in this position, Anna!
“The culture here is unmatched, and I plan on making Dungarvin the last company I work for,” said New Mexico HR Business Partner, Ashley Long. Born and raised in New Mexico, Long is no stranger to the work that needs to be done in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field — and she’s happy to be a part of our mission to do it! Get to know what drives her through ‘5 questions with Ashley Long:’
1. Why do you have a passion for this work?
I am passionate about Human Resources because it provides an opportunity to positively impact workplace culture and foster employee growth where they can thrive professionally.
2. What is your most treasured possession?
My children. Materialistic and monetary items can come and go, but my children will forever be the most treasured things in my life.
3. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
Improving accessibility infrastructure across New Mexico and ensuring that those with disabilities have equal access and opportunities to public spaces, facilities, education, and employment.
4. Who are your heroes in life and why?
My family and friends collectively are my heroes. Every person I have kept close in my life has contributed to my growth and success in one way or another. Some were there to keep my head up when life was hard, and others where there to support me during times of growth. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my family and friends.
5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is being able to carry a baby to term for my sister. She wanted nothing more in life than to be a mother but did not have the ability to do that naturally. Giving her the gift of a family was hands down my greatest achievement in life.