Megan has always yearned for community. For years she has wanted to contribute in a way that is meaningful to her. During the COVID Pandemic, Megan was receiving Supported Employment from her Direct Support Professional (DSP) Kelley McGuire when they saw a “Now Hiring” sign at a Wendy’s restaurant in Willmington, North Carolina.

When they returned home, they jumped on Megan’s computer and filled out an application. Inspired, Megan and Kelley visited the restaurant for Megan to introduce herself and to let the management know that she had already completed an online application.

Behind the scenes, her Kelley, ANCOR’s DSP of the Year for North Carolina in 2024, coached Megan on what to expect during an interview. They researched and watched interviews online together and even practiced answering potential questions. To further prepare, her DSP helped her pick out a smart outfit and travelled to the interview to provide added support.

Well, guess what? Megan got the job and Kelley was right there with her, supporting and prompting her whenever she needed assistance until she became more confident and independent. Kelley would walk around the restaurant assessing various conditions and corresponding tasks for which Megan might need to attend. Then, she would check back with Megan for other tasks that may need attention. Kelley was always there to support Megan, helping her process information and providing ideas for future improvements, all while consistently praising her for her work.

In 2022, Megan was selected as Wendy’s “Employee of the Year” and continues to be an invaluable team member to this day. Wendy’s management stated that Megan was selected because of her “splendid work ethic, she takes pride in her work and has a good relationship with everyone.” They further shared: “Customers love her and will only come in when she is working because (they know) the dining room and bathrooms will be clean. Megan has learned to take initiative without prompting, increased her communication and ‘come out of her shell.’”

Gaining in confidence – and independence – Megan no longer needs support staff like Kelley while working at Wendy’s, but her staff does still pick her up from her job. Today, Megan is comfortable at her job. She is aware of expectations, such as cleaning tables and taking out the trash. She continues to work on social aspects of her goals, too. With just a little support from her team, Megan is truly excelling in this new chapter of her life.

Dungarvin Minnesota colleagues and leaders gathered to celebrate the career of Bill McMahon, a Direct Support Professional who was with the organization for 35 years. He supported individuals with disabilities in a New Brighton group home called “the 15th.” In the shade of party tents set up in the yard outside the home, the group enjoyed a catered lunch, including BBQ ribs and chicken, steak and all the fixings, from one of Bill’s favorite restaurants, Texas Roadhouse. And, of course, there was cake.

Bill’s wife Sue – also a retired Dungarvin employee – attended, as did several of Bill’s colleagues, both past and present. His team’s entire chain of command was there, including operations and program directors and managers, Dungarvin CEO Lori Kress and Dungarvin Founders Tim and Diane Madden. And two of the individuals Bill supported for nearly three decades, as well as their guardians, came to celebrate.

When asked how he felt about his career with Dungarvin now behind him, Bill replied: “The best part of my job was all the activities, van rides and outings with the people we supported throughout the year.”

Bill opened gifts, several people spoke about him and his career, and the party ended with everyone singing “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

What a wonderful send-off for such a beloved, dedicated staff member who devoted so many years to supporting people with disabilities. Congratulations, Bill, for your amazing career and for now having the opportunity to relax and enjoy retirement!

Twenty five Dungarvin employees were honored for their years of service during the ACI-Dungarvin Milestone Event in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Held at the Oceanic restaurant near the Crystal Pier on the Atlantic Coast, the recognition event featured beautiful views and a delicious luncheon. In attendance were colleagues with 10-, 15- and 20-year Milestone anniversaries, along with their supervisors and other colleagues.

ACI-Dungarvin State Director, Rita Barnes, said such occasions to recognize employees are important to her and the organization. “We have some very dedicated, compassionate people on our staff, and I think they find their work rewarding,” Rita said. “They’re very serious about what they do in helping and supporting people with disabilities. They help persons served reach their goals, and they make their lives better.”

Those with Milestone anniversaries each received a Dungarvin tote bag filled with branded gifts, including an umbrella and tumbler.

Also part of the event was a special tribute to Mr. Sherron McGilberry, an ACI-Dungarvin Direct Support Professional who passed away in June. He had been with the organization for 15 years, supporting his daughter.

What a wonderful event to celebrate these amazing staff members who have been with ACI-Dungarvin for a decade and longer. Congratulations to all – we are so glad you’re part of the Dungarvin family!

Dungarvin Oklahoma celebrated its employees during the recent Employee/Agency Companion Recognition Picnic in Moore, Oklahoma. It was held indoors at the Moore Event Center, where approximately 75 people attended.

The event included a luncheon and a variety of activities. The tables were covered in pastel tablecloths, each decorated with a hot air balloon centerpiece, handmade by the Oklahoma Operations team.

“The hot air balloons represent the hopes and dreams of those we support,” said Oklahoma State Director Karla Jones during her speech. She expressed appreciation for all of the hard-working “pilots” saying, “Don’t let the sandbags hold us down — keep that burner blasting!”

The event also recognized six employees celebrating Milestone anniversaries with Dungarvin this year:

• Rhonda Matthews, 20 years
• Kay Brown, 20 years
• Glen McDonald, 15 years
• Frankie Solis, 15 years
• Linda Norman, 10 years
• Brittany Price, 10 years

Five Dungarvin leaders traveled to Oklahoma to attend, including CEO Lori Kress and Central Regional Director Karin Stockwell.

In addition to great food, the party included a washable tattoo table, which many people enjoyed. “The Karaoke had everybody laughing, clapping and singing as we listened to those brave enough to get up and perform,” Karla said, adding that some “great talent” was discovered, including the singing ability of Dungarvin Regional Financial Analyst John Miller. “It was a fabulous time,” she said.

Congratulations to all of our Dungarvin Oklahoma staff. We’re proud of you, and honored to celebrate each of you!

There are many kinds of roles within the direct care industry. In addition to positions as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Dungarvin team members consist of marketers,  managers, professionals in Human Resources and Information Services, as well as behavior specialists and job coaches.

But when you hear the job title “development director,” you probably think of someone leading fundraising efforts for nonprofit organizations. However, within Dungarvin, a development director discovers ways to launch new services and expand existing ones within a particular area.

While specific titles and projects vary by state, staff involved in development analyze the service needs of people with disabilities within different geographic areas and determine how Dungarvin can expand or pivot to fulfill those demands.

The position is especially important in states and cities where many agencies are competing to provide the same types of services, said Dee Hiatt, Dungarvin Colorado State Director. In 1991, when the organization expanded into Colorado, it was able to grow primarily by developing relationships with Department of Human Services staff and other service providers. But the competition has increased.

“Today, there are more than 400 agencies, just in the areas we already serve, who provide the same kind of services we do,” Dee said. In this environment, Dungarvin must be more strategic than ever. It requires a data-driven approach, including analyzing information about people who need services, where they are, and the types of services they need.

“This used to be part of my job, and some of the area directors’ jobs, but none of us are specialized in it, and it’s not our only concern,” Dee said. “With this level of competition, I need a highly skilled person with the expertise and who’s thinking about this day and night.”

Enter Hayley Hufendick, Colorado’s Director of New Development and Marketing. Already with several years of experience in the field, she joined Dungarvin in April 2025. Currently, Hayley is focusing much of her efforts on growing Colorado’s Host Home Services. This service provides a private home setting for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

“The people looking for this service each have unique preferences, so if we have many Host Home providers – who offer different settings, live in different areas and are open to working with different people – the better chance we have of people choosing us for their individual supports,” Hayley said.

And within the Host Home Services area, Hayley and Dee see a big demand in Colorado for providers who have experience in Acute Behavioral Services (ABS). This involves supporting individuals who have intensive, interfering behavioral and/or mental health issues.

In Somerset, New Jersey, Director of Development Supports Shantirah Burgess also is working on an ABS project, managing the establishment of a group home for women with I/DD who need these services. This is just one of several projects she’s handling, in addition to managing Dungarvin New Jersey’s nursing contract and its Behavior and Quality Assurance departments.

“My primary responsibility is to help develop service opportunities in New Jersey, whether that involves new ones or opening new sites,” Shantirah said. “And we’re working on strengthening partnerships with local organizations to develop innovative programs that address the unique needs of our communities.”

In California, State Director Jesse Hansen recently welcomed a development director to his Dungarvin team to concentrate on launching Employment Support Services. La Reina Davis, who has the new position of Special Projects Director, will be helping Dungarvin California add this new service to its existing Day Services programs around the state.

“She will be involved in an Employment Community of Practice group to learn how other states are implementing employment supports and then helping develop the service for us here,” Jesse said, adding that La Reina will also lead Dungarvin’s responses to the state’s requests for proposals.

“Once we’re awarded a project, she would then be involved in the development of the program design, identifying a location, the buildout, licensing the location, hiring and training staff, referrals and intake of individuals served and general support as the program gets started,” Jesse said.

As Dungarvin grows, these development directors help the organization continue to excel in meeting the needs of people with disabilities around the country. For more information about current employment opportunities, please visit us at Employment – Dungarvin.

It’s truly inspiring when you come across a person who, even after tremendous loss and grieving, continues to find the good in all they’ve been through. That describes Diane Butler, the ANCOR Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year for the state of Nevada.

Diane was a Host Home provider with Dungarvin for two years, supporting her 27-year-old daughter, Jaime, who had a developmental disability. Sadly, Jaime developed lung cancer, and passed away in February of this year. In a cruel twist of fate, Diane had already been grieving the loss of her husband, who died about a year earlier.

Diane said she was a little surprised to be nominated for the DSP of the Year award. “Because there are so many people who’ve been there longer, but I think Dungarvin knew what a tough battle it was for me and wanted to recognize that,” she said.

In reflecting upon the precious time she spent caring for and supporting Jaime, Diane said she’s thankful to have had the opportunity. “It has opened my eyes so much; it’s given me so much more than any other one thing in my life, and that’s been very gratifying.”

La’Kendrick Thompson, the Dungarvin Nevada Area Director who nominated Diane for the award, said she has shown tremendous resiliency and strength of character. After going through Dungarvin’s Host Home training, Diane devoted her life to caring for and supporting Jaime. This included taking her to medical appointments five days a week. La’Kendrick said Diane did all she could to lift her daughter’s spirits during her illness.

“She engaged Jaime in the activities of her choice, like gem art and puzzles, and she would take her to the Garden Foundation, where Jaime was able to make friends and participate in various activities with coaches in a learning environment,” La’Kendrick said. Also, Jaime was a huge Disney fan and had always wanted to go on a Disney cruise. Diane made that dream come true for her daughter.

Diane described Jaime as perpetually positive. “That girl had a ‘half-glass-full’ view her whole life. She went through a lot of behavior intervention, which taught her to find solutions, to always make the best of it,” she said.

“She never knew she was sick,” Diane continued. “She would say things like, ‘I can’t wait to be brave tomorrow, Mom. I love going to see Dr. so and so.’ I don’t know if she was trying to convince herself or me, but she always had a positive attitude. Never once did she complain and say, ‘why me?’ The worst I ever heard was, ‘Mom, I hope my back feels better soon.’”

Diane shared her advice for people considering a career as a Direct Support Professional: “I would say do it because you want a full and satisfying life, because it will certainly do that for you. You’ll be able to look in the mirror every day and say, ‘Life is precious, these individuals are special, and I’m making a difference.’” The entire Dungarvin organization salutes you, Diane, and celebrates this tremendous honor. Thank you for all you’ve taught us through your loving example.

Dungarvin is in the midst of a business transformation. On the cusp of a major milestone, the company is preparing for the future of direct support services. Dungarvin will celebrate 50 years of business in 2026, a significant accomplishment in an industry dependent on individual state regulations and Medicaid reimbursement. In fact, Dungarvin’s longevity is a testament to its dedicated workforce and investment in the systems that support its 10,000 employees.

“Over the past several years, we’ve invested in understanding how to better support the way we work, so we can spend less time navigating fragmented systems and more time making meaningful progress,” said Chief Financial Officer Emily Scheevel.

“With the launch of ‘Project New Day,’ we’re taking a major step toward a centralized ecosystem, leveraging the Workday platform to connect our people, processes and data. This transformation will streamline the way we operate, reducing manual tasks, and freeing up time to focus on what matters most: the individuals and families we support.”

The Workday technology platform will encompass most business systems that Dungarvin currently relies on – from Accounting, Human Resources, Payroll, Scheduling, and Financial Planning. Given its longevity, some of the systems that Dungarvin has come to rely on are no longer optimal to support a growing 21st century workforce.

Workday will provide one comprehensive digital system to streamline several internal business practices into a centralized business ecosystem, Emily said. “As we evolve, our goal remains clear: Empower our people to drive forward the Dungarvin mission to respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports with clarity, efficiency, and purpose.”

To successfully drive this transformation, we have engaged a team of over 100 Dungarvin employees to represent each of the individual company complexities. Project New Day is expected to go live in March 2026.

For more information about Dungarvin, including current employment opportunities, please visit Employment – Dungarvin.

Frederick Bargor, a Residential Program Coordinator at Dungarvin Minnesota, recently celebrated his 10-year Milestone anniversary with the company. His supervisor, Rory James, and colleagues took him out for Chinese food at the Super Moon Buffet in St. Louis Park.

Rory, an Operational Program Director, says Fred is a dedicated member of his team. “He is so passionate and detailed in his work. He shows determination and support for all of his persons served anytime they need his help.”

Fred confirmed that passion in talking about why he loves his job with Dungarvin. “I love helping people, and helping people is something I’m passionate about,” he said. “I appreciate Dungarvin for giving me the opportunity to be a Direct Support Professional. In the past, I was denied employment in this field due to inexperience. My desire to help others has turned into a career, and it’s the longest job I ever had.”

Way to go, Fred! Your Dungarvin family is so proud of you.

Starring in a 30-second commercial probably wasn’t something Edith Kota expected she’d be doing when she became a Dungarvin Direct Support Professional in Minnesota. But she made her debut during a recent filming at the Brooklyn Park group home where she works.

Edith, a Residential Program Coordinator, and Michael and Jason, two of the four men she supports, were the subjects of the commercial. It’s being produced by Foundry North, a content marketing agency of the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Partnering with the Star Tribune has been a valuable way to grow Dungarvin’s brand awareness within the communities it serves, said Meghan Shields, Director of Talent Acquisition.

“This new campaign will be shared across all 15 states where Dungarvin operates, showcasing the meaningful careers we offer and highlighting what sets us apart: our mission-driven approach and unwavering commitment to the people we serve,” she said.

The Brooklyn Park group home is a shining example of Dungarvin’s mission: to respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports. Photographer and videographer Jacob Gardner, who works with the Star Tribune, captured some of the daily activities at the house and the interactions between Edith, Michael and Jason. The scenes include making pizza for lunch, having ice cream for dessert, playing bocce ball in the front yard, and even a little dancing in the living room.

When you’re shooting a commercial, it’s important to have willing participants, and that’s why this particular home was chosen, said Linda Oberlander, a Dungarvin Operational Director. “They’re just a little outgoing,” she said with a chuckle, referring to Michael, who is extremely friendly and talkative. Within a second of any new person entering the group home, Michael introduced himself and started a conversation.

“They like to tell their story, they like to interact with others, and they’re actually very good advocates for themselves,” Linda said of Michael and some of the other men at the home. As for Edith, “Well, she’s a rock star,” Linda added.

Look for this commercial coming soon on streaming platforms.

The Dungarvin Oregon team recently celebrated Agnes Johnson’s 15th year as a Direct Support Professional – a Milestone anniversary for sure! Agnes and her daughter enjoyed a wonderful meal and a lot of fun at the Cheesecake Factory in Portland with the Dungarvin team, including Oregon managers, Vice President of Operations Robert Bachicha and Northwest Regional Director Brent Aberg.

“We had a great time reliving some of Agnes’ favorite memories over the last 15 years, and she shared her inspirational story of coming to the U.S. from Ivory Coast as a Liberian refugee,” said Oregon State Director Brenda Linden. “She’s truly one of the most remarkable individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Her unwavering dedication to the people she supports, regardless of the program or setting, is nothing short of inspiring. Even after long overnight shifts, she continues to show up wholeheartedly for her children and grandchildren, always putting their needs first.”

“Agnes is very caring and dedicated to the residents she supports,” added her supervisor Patsy Salinas. “She has a different and special relationship with each individual she supports. She always has a smile and is willing to help others. It is a joy to work with her.”

Agnes says she has stayed with Dungarvin for 15 years because of the people – the ones she supports and the ones with whom she works.