ACI-Dungarvin recently honored its Direct Support Professionals by hosting a DSP Appreciation Event at White Deer Park Nature Center in Garner, North Carolina. The event was for staff in Wake and Johnston counties.

With a “Boots on the Ground” Western theme, DSPs enjoyed line dancing, a catered meal from Carolina Barbecue, and prizes for the best dressed.

“Our team leads, supervisors and directors served and honored our amazing DSPs, and everyone felt appreciated and celebrated,” said ACI-Dungarvin State Director Rita Barnes. “We’re grateful for our DSPs and the incredible work they do every day; they truly are our heroes.”

Looks like a fun event for our amazing ACI-Dungarvin colleagues. We’re glad you took some time to kick back (forward and to the side) and celebrate!

Dungarvin’s Residential Services span a variety of settings and situations, depending on the specific needs of each individual. This is what makes Dungarvin special – a mission that focuses on the individual, meeting people where they are and working with them to tailor the supports they need.

For the most part, based on personal preference, people receiving Residential Services support can, for example, choose to live in a group home or host home (also known as a Community Companion Home, or other terms, depending on the state). Some individuals with significant behavioral challenges due to their disabilities may require living in a home without roommates, supported throughout the day and night by Mental Health Specialists or Direct Support Professionals.

This is the case for Akila, who is served by Dungarvin Minnesota. She lives in a suburban home, where she is guided by Mental Health Specialists Nafisa Musa and Sylvia Flomo, as well as other staff.

Akila loves seeing the deer, fox and other wildlife around her house, drawing with pencils, choosing her own clothes and fashion accessories, window shopping, and hanging out with her boyfriend, who is also supported by Dungarvin. She also relishes occasional outings, including one she recently enjoyed with her mom, visiting from Florida.

Akila has been looking for a job and striving to be as independent as she can. During a recent conversation with Dungarvin staff, she talked about her recent accomplishments, of which she is clearly proud. Earlier this month, she had an interview for a job and she’s excited about the opportunity. She also spoke about improving her daily self-care and living skills.

“I do my own medication now; I fill it up myself, with supervision,” she said, referring to the pill boxes she uses to manage her health. “I make most of my meals myself. But if I need help, I’ll ask.” She added that she likes living in the Dungarvin home. “I like how I get to be helped to get the skills for my independent life.”

On their shift at Akila’s home, Nafisa and Sylvia typically arrive in the morning to check on things. “We make sure that the house is in good order; we make sure she’s ok and she’s getting the support she needs,” Sylvia said.

“And taking her medications,” Nafisa added.

The two staffers, who also work at another Dungarvin home, said they enjoy supporting Akila, although it can be a significant challenge sometimes. Akila occasionally becomes upset and needs help calming down. Dungarvin’s Mental Health Specialists are trained to handle challenging behaviors using a variety of techniques, including observation and identifying triggers, and using de-escalation methods to calm and divert the person.

Over time, Sylvia has worked to develop a relationship of trust with Akila, which allows her to provide better support. “That relationship has to be established. You need to get to know what the person likes to do, what they do not like to do – if you get to know those things, you are good. There must be real caring, understanding, listening and trust to create a healthy relationship.”

If you are looking for supports for yourself or a loved one, visit the Dungarvin website to see the services and supports provided in your state.

To Dungarvin Program Director Lori Schult, Raena is a “phoenix – risen from the ashes.” The 46-year-old woman with Down syndrome has been through much adversity, including an abusive relationship. But today, she is safe, living a contented life, thanks to help from her family and knowledgeable support from staff at Dungarvin Colorado.

Lori began working with Raena about five years ago, when Raena was receiving in-home assistance from Dungarvin. She was married at the time and living with her now ex-husband’s parents. Her ex-husband also has Down syndrome and his parents hired private caregivers to assist him rather than opting for services through a Medicaid waiver.

Not long after Lori met Raena, she began to notice her ex-husband and his family exerting more control over Raena, influencing her decisions, even convincing her not to see her own family and friends.

Raena’s mom, Bev Schnitker, said she can’t count the times she called Lori about Raena, often crying from her worry. “I said, ‘Lori we need some help; something’s going on.’ Kathy Frank (Raena’s Dungarvin DSP at the time) would go over and she would be harassed by the family. It was horrible. There was no way we could get in because their caregiver was the gatekeeper.”

On one occasion, Bev and one of Raena’s aunts, who she hadn’t seen for a long time, went to Raena’s house to bring her gifts for her birthday. But due to fear of her ex-husband’s family and staff, Raena met them at the door, took the gifts and closed the door on them. “They were just extremely shut out,” Lori said.

Lori and Dungarvin staff met with the ex-husband’s caregiver several times to establish their role in Raena’s support. They also continued to reach out to Raena as often as possible. “We were just trying to help her realize there were other people in her life who cared about her and who she could do things with, and that we were responsible for certain things, not the family’s hired caregiver,” Lori said.

Later, the Dungarvin team learned that besides the control and isolation Raena was enduring, the family-hired caregiver in the house was stealing money Raena made from her former grocery store job. This staff person also convinced a neurologist that Raena had dementia, which led to her being prescribed medications that made her head foggy.

It was a violent incident two years ago that led to Raena’s eventual rescue from this horrible situation. Abuse from her ex-husband landed her in the hospital and in need of surgery due to her injuries. Charges were pressed against him, his family and their hired staff, and court orders ensued. Thankfully, after getting out of the hospital, Raena went to live with her parents – finally getting away from this dangerous situation for good.

Recovery and a Better Life

It was a long road to recovery, but Raena’s family and Lori’s team were there to assist every step of the way. “They really came in and just took over because I needed help,” Bev said. “They were there, and I can’t thank them enough.”

One of the first things Bev did was get Raena off the unnecessary medications she had been on, which cleared her head. She helped Raena get healthy again, including building back her self-esteem.

Earlier this year, Raena moved in with her brother, Neil, and his husband. The siblings have been very close since they were kids, with Neil being a fierce protector of his sister during childhood. To support her now, he completed Dungarvin’s Family Caregiver training.

Raena now attends a Dungarvin Day Program two or three days a week, making new friends there. She has a boyfriend, of whom everybody – friends and family alike – approve. Lori said she sees a huge change in Raena.

“She ran right up to the Dungarvin staff, hugging them and saying ‘Hello!’ Before, she would usually stand with her head down or behind her DSP, not making eye contact or talking to anyone.”

Raena said she’s enjoying the Day Program and her new life. “It’s really awesome. We go out and about sometimes. We go shopping. I get to hang around with my new friends and stuff like that.”

For more information on supporting a loved one with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, please visit Home – Dungarvin. If you are interested in joining the Dungarvin team, see employment opportunities at Dungarvin – Employment.

Dungarvin Minnesota held a special luncheon and program last week to honor Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Allison Eider and Thomas Kelley for being named a winner and finalist, respectively, in this year’s ARRM Cares and Rising Star awards. ARRM, the nonprofit Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota,) sponsors the annual awards to recognize outstanding professionals who support people with disabilities.

Seventy-seven people were nominated this year by organizations throughout Minnesota, and Allison is one of eight ARRM Cares winners ARRM selected from 14 finalists.

“The ARRM awards program is a way for us to celebrate the amazing things DSPs do all throughout the year, every single day; it’s really meant to recognize the best of the best,” said Anna Hegland, Dungarvin Senior Director and President of the ARRM Board of Directors, who presented during the luncheon/program last week.

Before Allison accepted the award, her supervisor, Robert Galovich, a Dungarvin Mental Health Program Director, spoke about her hard work, dedication and compassion supporting individuals in a Minnesota group home. “It’s a privilege to recognize her today because Allison doesn’t just come to work, she transforms lives,” he said. “She’s taken what could have been just a house and turned it into a true home. With consistency and care, she’s helped build routines and given people independence and pride.”

Congratulations, Allison! All of Dungarvin is proud of you and appreciates all you do to support people with disabilities.

Dungarvin showed up in a big way in Washington D.C. Monday, Sept. 8, for the 2025 Policy Summit & Hill Day to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to receive the services they need.

“In total, we met with more than 20 legislative offices, and we certainly got our steps in walking all over the Hill,” said Dungarvin CEO Lori Kress, who is the President of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) Board of Directors. “One of our goals was to ensure that lawmakers understand the devasting impacts that the recent cuts to Medicaid will have on the people we support.”

Along with Kress at the Policy Summit & Hill Day were Dungarvin leaders Patrick Brendle, VP of Operations, and Central Regional Director Karin Stockwell. In addition, three Dungarvin Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), selected by ANCOR to be industry Ambassadors, joined the Dungarvin leaders to help educate federal lawmakers on the need to protect and strengthen the critical services DSPs deliver. The three ANCOR Ambassadors are: Nichole Payne, of Washington; Geno Walters, of New Mexico; and Denise Martinez, of Connecticut (see bottom right photo).

“We also asked lawmakers’ to support temporary funding increases to help stabilize our system during this chaotic time, and to help establish a Standard Occupational Classification for our DSPs. Great, too, that this all occurred during DSP Recognition Week!” Kress said.

Dungarvin is grateful and proud that our leaders and DSPs represented our organization at this important event to advocate for people with disabilities and the professionals who support them.

Dungarvin Oregon Direct Support Professional Abdul Jemal recently gathered with his colleagues at Nicholas’ Restaurant in Gresham to celebrate a truly special Milestone: his 10-year anniversary with Dungarvin. Joining the party were: Nermina Cehic, Area Director; Charles Fox, Program Director; Brenda Linden, State Director; and Program Coordinators Heather Minnis and Karl Moore.

Abdul shared his reason for staying with Dungarvin: “For the people we serve and the people I get to work with every day.” He’s been fortunate to work alongside some wonderful colleagues and to support memorable individuals whose lives he has touched with care and dedication.

Abdul moved to Oregon from Ethiopia 20 years ago, building a comfortable life for himself and raising his family here. He and his wife welcomed their youngest child — their fourth — just last year.

Those who work with Abdul speak of him with admiration and gratitude. His supervisor, Charles Fox, said the way Abdul supports individuals is the epitome of Dungarvin’s mission.

“He has lived up to ‘respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports,’ every shift over the last 10 years,” Charles said. “Abdul has, on multiple occasions, gone above and beyond job duties. One example of many is his willingness to accompany individuals to family events as extra support — even on his days off. Abdul has a pleasant attitude at work, even on the tough days, and continues to smile through it. It is always a pleasure to work with him, and I look forward to many more years.”

Karl Moore shared similar sentiments: “I am constantly impressed with Abdul’s work ethic and positive attitude. No matter how much hits the fan, he’s always in a good mood and always willing to pitch in and help. He’s a genuinely nice guy, and he’s always looking out for the Halsey residents — proposing ideas to help or bringing up intelligent, thoughtful concerns.”

Over the years, Abdul has worked in every Portland program, always ready to go wherever needed. He is known for his patience, calm demeanor and ever-present smile. He doesn’t complain — he simply shows up, supports with compassion and models what it means to live Dungarvin’s mission.

We are deeply grateful for Abdul’s decade of service and the countless ways he has enriched the lives of individuals, families, and colleagues alike. Congratulations, Abdul, on this remarkable Milestone!

Dungarvin’s Project Management team recently celebrated the 10-year Milestone anniversary of Project Manager/Business Analyst Tony Horn. It was a fun get-together, with the team enjoying a Minnesota Twins baseball game.

“I want to congratulate Tony, on this amazing milestone. We’re looking forward to many more years of teamwork, innovation and shared achievements with him,” said Dungarvin Project Management Director Randee Lang.

The celebration was part of a busy week for the Project Management Office (PMO), which also had it’s annual face-to-face meeting.

“We shared fresh ideas, strengthened our connections, and set the stage for future success,” Randee said. “Our meet-and-greet lunch was the perfect opportunity to welcome new faces, catch up with co-workers and build relationships.”

What a great week for Tony and the PMO. Congratulations, Tony, on your 10-year Milestone!

Music and dancing, Karaoke, great food and a dunking booth were all part of the recent Dunagrvin Connecticut Annual Summer Picnic at the YMCA Mountain Mist Day Camp in Meriden.

Staff and individuals served had a great time participating in sports, games, and arts and crafts. Lunch included hamburgers and hot dogs, pasta salad, and lots more.

Popular again this year was a dunking booth, at which picnic attendees could take shots at soaking Dungarvin administrators. Connecticut State Director Robert Gallant ended up drenched in the booth.

“It wasn’t the warmest day and the water from the hose was very cold,” Robert said. “We started doing the dunk booth last year and everyone enjoyed so much, including me, that we brought it back this year. I think it will be a fixture moving forward.”

Robert said the annual picnic is a great way to say thank you to staff and individuals served for being part of the Dungarvin family.

“And it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy time together without the stress of the daily grind,” he added. “It also gives individuals and staff a chance to reconnect when they haven’t seen each other in a while.”

Judging from the photo of Robert after being doused by a bucket of cold water, he’s a good sport! Way to go Dungarvin Connecticut – we’re glad you enjoyed a great day of fun and laughter.

The Dungarvin Oregon team recently gathered at Chapala’s Mexican Restaurant in Eugene to celebrate Area Director Jennie Glenn’s 10-year Milestone anniversary. Surrounded by the Eugene operations and support team, as well as Oregon State Director Brenda Linden, HR Business Partner Christina Jines and Northwest Regional Director Brent Aberg, the lunch gathering was a heartfelt recognition of Jennie’s decade of service, leadership and unwavering commitment.

Jennie began her journey with Dungarvin in 2015 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Through hard work, dedication and her natural leadership abilities, she advanced into multiple roles, including becoming Dungarvin Oregon’s very first Program Quality Coordinator when the position was created.

Jennie shared that she’s grateful for the opportunities Dungarvin has given her to grow into leadership positions. “Having started out as a DSP makes that growth especially meaningful, as I understand the work at every level, which has made it possible for me to keep giving back in bigger ways,” she said.

Being able to make a difference by helping people with disabilities gain more independence, dignity, and inclusion in their communities has made her career meaningful, Jennie said. “It has also been deeply rewarding to support and mentor staff, watching them grow in their roles and build confidence in the work they do,” she added.

Over the years, Jennie has consistently shown she’s willing to step in wherever needed. She cares deeply for the individuals Dungarvin supports and for every member of her team.

“Jennie has been a very kind and understanding supervisor who is always willing to offer a helping hand and gentle guidance when needed. She motivates others to do and be their very best, and I’ve learned so much from her over the years,” said Staff Nurse Mary Guthrie-Scott.

In Eugene, Jennie has long been known as the glue that holds everything together. More recently, she stepped into supporting Portland programs, where her resilience, big-picture thinking and creativity have made a meaningful impact.

“She inspires loyalty and has integrity that I admire. I know I can always expect honesty out of her, and I’m so happy to have such an amazing human as my boss,” said Program Director Jessica Fitzpatrick.

Jennie is truly a gem in every sense of the word. Watching her grow into the outstanding Area Director she is today has been inspiring, and we are grateful for her leadership, dedication and the warmth she brings to our teams and the people we serve every single day.

Here’s to Jennie and the incredible journey of the last 10 years – we can’t wait to see all that she will accomplish in the years to come!

Each one of Dungarvin’s Residential Services settings has its own unique feel and atmosphere, thanks to the individuals who live there and the staff who support them. Within each home is the potential for friendships and bonds that can come to feel like a family. This is the case inside the Dungarvin 107^th group home in Minnesota.

Those who know the home and the four men who live there describe them as an outgoing bunch who like to get out and participate in sports and other activities in the community.

“The guys here love going shopping, they love garage sales, walking and biking; sometimes we go to the coffee shop or I take them to get ice cream,” said Edith Kota, the Residential Program Coordinator at 107^th. “And then there’s all their activities: They play basketball, bocce ball, swimming and all of that, so they got a lot to do every week!”

In addition to driving the individuals to their activities, outings and appointments, Edith supports the men throughout the day with meals, medications and other daily necessities. She also has a fair amount of record-keeping to do each day.

“I think the perfect word for Edith would be ‘dedicated,’” said Michael, an individual served at the 107^th. “I like Edith a lot. She’s a nice person.” With guidance from her and other Dungarvin staff, Michael has come a long way in his ability to take care of himself.

“They call me semi-independent, so I do most of the stuff myself,” he said. “I make my own breakfast, I do my own laundry, I shower by myself. I guess I don’t need too much of the staff’s help, except for the baking, and the medications. Sometimes, Edith cooks for us and sometimes we make our own meals.”

Like all Dungarvin Direct Support Professionals, Edith works with Michael and the other residents to learn what they want to do and accomplish in their lives. For example, Michael hopes to land a job at Sam’s Club, because his last employer didn’t have enough hours for him. A long-term goal for him is to move to Arkansas, where he has cousins who he’d like to see more often.

While Michael is extremely outgoing, striking up conversations with just about anyone new he encounters, his housemate Jason is quiet and more reserved. Yet, he also likes to participate in house activities, like making pizza together, playing games, and just relaxing and watching TV with the other residents and staff.

Jason said he enjoys living at the 107^th, and, like Michael, thinks Edith is a nice person. He’s also interested in working, which he’s been doing for about two years at a trucking company. He stacks and moves materials in the warehouse, and says he likes the job.

Edith says the guys – as she affectionately refers to them – make her job easy because they work hard to become more independent. “It’s something that I really, really love seeing them do, going from where they were to where they are today; it just makes me feel fulfilled.”

If you are interested in providing support to others, consider joining the Dungarvin team. Check for the latest employment opportunities at Employment – Dungarvin.