The Dungarvin Connecticut team recently gathered to celebrate the Milestone anniversaries of several team members — all who’ve been with the organization for 10 years. The event took place at Serafino’s Restaurant in Wallingford, where the group enjoyed camaraderie and delicious Italian cuisine.

“Our Milestone event is truly one of our most inspiring and joyful celebrations of the year,” said Connecticut State Director Robert Gallant. “It’s a tribute to the incredible staff whose dedication has impacted the lives of the individuals we support. We honor each recipient by inviting them, their chosen guests and their supervisors to an evening filled with warmth, laughter and connection.”

Robert said the party included a number of speeches, many of which were humorous. Those celebrating Milestone anniversaries this year received personalized gifts “and the highly sought-after, black-and-gold Dungarvin anniversary shirt,” Robert added.

Congratulations to our longtime Connecticut colleagues — Dungarvin appreciates you!

As musician Jordy Searcy says in his song “Love and War in Your Twenties,” the more we live, the more we realize that everyone just wants to be in love. Two lucky individuals named Larry and Christina have found it, and this is their story.

Larry joined Dungarvin Indiana’s services in 2014 and was happily married until his spouse passed away last year. His heartbreak and struggle after losing his best friend and life partner was evident, but he persisted and remained strong.

William Ellis, Administrative Coordinator, helped Larry arrange the funeral, as well as driving him to and from different errands and appointments, making sure he was supported – and comforted – at all times. The Dungarvin team bought him flowers, and a team of current and past Program Directors, office staff and Area Managers even attended the funeral.

While living with other roommates, Larry made an effort to continue his hobbies, which include bowling, basketball, playing pool, bicycling and participating in Special Olympics.

Noticing his hardship, his Program Director at the time decided to introduce him to Christina, who has been served by Dungarvin since 2011. She is a kind person who loves cooking, shopping and biking but lives alone, primarily because she never found a housemate with a personality that fits well with hers.

Larry and Christina met at Carter Industries, a facility that provides work for those with challenges and/or certain disabilities. With this common ground, the two began spending more time together, going out to eat and generally hanging out. What followed was simply love — the kind that made Larry want to be with his “honey,” and finally showed Christina there was someone to share her life.

“Larry is a good man. He’s very special, he listens and comforts me when I’m going through rough times. He is a good worker and helps me get my drinks,” Christina explained. “We met at Carter, but we had known each other for a long time. Larry asked me out and I said yes because I knew he was a good-hearted man.”

They tied the knot in July, with the ceremony officiated by William Ellis. Area Manager Jetro Ncube and other Dungarvin staff helped plan the wedding. Decorations were put up at the office, and all of the people with a special connection to the couple attended the event. Now that they are married, they are planning to move in together, currently scheduled for early November. Everyone is thrilled for Larry and Christina and for the happiness and partnership that awaits them.

“Both individuals have expressed their appreciation to Dungarvin for helping them achieve some very important goals in life and for the continued support as a couple,” shares Jetro. The entire Dungarvin Indiana team wishes Larry and Christina the very best, and thanks them for inspiring us in our person-centered work to support everyone to chase their dreams and live their best lives!

If you or someone you know is interested in learning how you can receive support from Dungarvin, please visit us at www.dungarvin.com to learn more.

Before coming to Dungarvin in 2019, Andrea Pineiro had been searching for more fulfilling work in the area of Human Resources. When she saw a Recruiter position with Dungarvin open up, she “jumped at the opportunity.” Later, she transitioned to HR Generalist, supporting Dungarvin operations in Colorado and Nevada. She now lives in Colorado Springs.

Why did you want to work for Dungarvin?

I wanted to do something more rewarding with my life. I have a younger sibling with Autism Spectrum Disorder (once diagnosed as Asperger’s syndrome) and I have always been passionate about ensuring that he has had the same opportunities as everyone else. 

How did the place where you grew up shape who you are today?

I was born in Canada and spent a lot of my life moving around. I didn’t really grow up in one place. This experience has allowed me to learn flexibility to adapt to new places and situations.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love kickboxing and spending time with my family.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest educational achievement is my MBA.

If you weren’t working for Dungarvin, what would be your dream job?

If money were no object, I would start a not-for-profit organization to provide emotional support to people through equine therapy.

Karl Moore, a Dungarvin Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Program Coordinator in Portland, Oregon, received a Works of Heart Award this week from the Oregon Resource Association (ORA). Karl was one of 20 DSPs, chosen out of 100, to receive the annual award during the ORA annual Northwest Conference. It recognizes DSPs who make an extraordinary contribution in supporting people with disabilities to lead and live their best lives.

For 13 years, Karl has supported three men, ages 42 to 62, in a group home. “He’s known for his genuine warmth, creativity and unwavering commitment to helping each resident live their best life,” said Dungarvin Oregon State Director Brenda Linden.

A gifted DSP who cares deeply for the men he serves, Karl is humble when describing his feelings about receiving the Works of Heart Award. “It’s an honor, and it’s wonderful to win, but Dungarvin has an awful deep pocket full of people who also deserve to be recognized – and, hopefully, they will be,” he said. “I’m really lucky to work with the three individuals that I do. They like me and I like them.”

As is the case with so many others who find rewarding work as DSPs, Karl never expected to make a career of it. Having moved to Eugene, Oregon, in 2010, and struggling to find a job, a DSP friend suggested he apply for a position at another company (he started with Dungarvin two years later).

“I went in thinking ‘I’ll do this until I find something better.’ After the first day at work, I went home and my roommate asked me how it went, and I said, ‘I don’t want to do anything else – this was amazing!’ he explained. “I told him that I helped cook meals for these guys, and then I took them into the community … and they wouldn’t have been able to do that without someone like me. It was just eye-opening. I realized this is what I want to be, and I have never looked back.”

Area Director Nermina Cehic, who nominated Karl for the Works of Heart Award, says he brings a personal touch to his work. “He’ll stop in the middle of tasks to sing with individuals or engage them in other meaningful ways. He’s also a strong advocate for both medical and behavioral supports. Karl is the kind of team member who lifts everyone up, and never loses sight of what’s most important: the people we serve,” Nermina said.

Regarding the singing, Karl said he often breaks into song at the home for one of the residents who loves music, especially Johnny Cash songs.

“He really likes the people who will commit, even if they’re terrible singers. You could sound like you’re strangling a cat and he’ll still look at you like you’re Beyoncé.”

Well, keep on singing, Karl! Your Dungarvin family around the country is so proud of you and this amazing honor.

Nikki Lawless joined Dungarvin nearly four years ago, starting as a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist. She worked on hiring Direct Support Professionals and Program Coordinators, later taking on the hiring of Operational Managers. Today, she is a Talent Acquisition Manager, supporting hiring for operations in California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada. Learn more about Nikki and her Dungarvin career below.

Isabella: How did your early career path lead you to Dungarvin?

Nikki: I started my career in HR after earning my degree and really enjoyed working in Talent Acquisition, as it allowed me to connect people with meaningful opportunities.

Outside of work, I volunteered with the Disability Network as an inclusive kayaking instructor. I modified kayaks to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and led mindfulness-based kayaking sessions. Through this experience, I developed a deeper appreciation for inclusive spaces and adaptive supports. When I learned about Dungarvin and its mission to empower individuals with disabilities, I immediately felt aligned with the organization’s values.

What do you like most about your job?

I have the opportunity to help grow and support teams that make a real difference every day. I find fulfillment in connecting passionate, mission-driven people with roles that truly matter. It’s rewarding to see the right hires transform teams to help them positively impact the lives of the individuals we serve.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love spending time with my family and being outdoors as much as possible. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking or taking the dog for a walk on a new trail, being in nature helps me recharge and stay present. Some of my other hobbies are playing euchre, bowling and hosting friends and family for dinner and impromptu gatherings.

What do you most value about your Dungarvin colleagues?

What I value most about my team is their dedication, collaboration and shared commitment. Everyone brings unique strengths and perspectives, and I appreciate how we celebrate successes together and work through challenges as a team. It’s inspiring to be part of a group that genuinely cares about the people we serve and each other.

If you weren’t working for Dungarvin, what would be your dream job?

I love animals and have always wanted to run a hobby farm — caring for animals and growing my own food. It would be a great mix of hands-on work and the peacefulness of nature.  

Camping is a much-loved activity many Americans enjoy. The outing usually includes roasting marshmallows for s’mores and trading in your bed for sleeping bags. Unfortunately, many individuals facing intellectual or developmental disabilities never get the chance to enjoy what many of us take for granted.

Thankfully, Victoria Frazier, Washington Statewide Clinical Director for Dungarvin, along with LaVon Frazier, Tacoma Area Manager, and Enrique Marquez, Clinical Supervisor, plus other key Dungarvin leaders in Washington, recognized the importance of this opportunity.

Although it had been years since the first Dungarvin camping trip, the team wanted the event to happen again. “To bring back the annual campout reminded me of the reason we started it: to unplug and reconnect,” recalled LaVon.

“All of the activities allowed participants to engage in effective communication, work on social skills, team building and self-confidence.” With these goals in mind, the team set out to plan a trip of a lifetime.

In September, they took the group to picturesque Millersylvania State Park near Olympia, Washington, where approximately 40 individuals Dungarvin serves, plus staff, enjoyed a new and exciting experience.

“For months, we had weekly check-ins and ‘committees’ dedicated to all areas, including equipment, food, staffing, transportation and activities,” Victoria said. “This event was significant because it affords an opportunity for the individuals we support in our clinical programs to practice the skills they have learned in the community and outdoors. They deserve an opportunity to experience the world, and we have a responsibility to make that happen.”

About 20 people participated in the day trip, while 15 stayed overnight with their Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Dungarvin staff. Together, they had the opportunity to fish, hike, play games, make tie-dye shirts, roast marshmallows and participate in other activities that helped them practice skill development, emotional regulation and teamwork.

We asked Dungarvin staff about these activities. Here’s what they had to say:

Andrea Crumps, Program Coordinator
Q: What does it mean for you to be able to take this trip with the individuals you support?
Andrea: “I think it’s great that we are able to take our individuals out and experience them in a different way. We are all so used to the same routine at home. I mean, there are some changes depending on behavior, but it was nice to see them out with their friends and get along with everyone so well.”

Sauimalae Gaoa, DSP
Q: Does this trip change the way you approach your job moving forward?
Sauimalae: “Yes! It is a daily reminder that this job is more than just routine. It’s also about connection, trust and growth.”

Vance Quichocho, DSP
Q: What do you want to tell readers about this experience?
Vance: “They should experience camping with the people we assist. They had a wonderful time playing games, camping and eating. They also enjoyed time by the campfire.”

Because the trip was about and for the people we serve, we also wanted to know what they thought about the outing. Here are some of their responses:

Christina, Person Served
Q: Who is a staff member you appreciate?
Christina: “I look up to and appreciate Alex, because she took me and even though I had behaviors before the trip, she still took me and we had a great time.”

Jason, Person Served
Q: Why do you think you enjoyed this trip?
Jason: “As a person with a lot of previous restrictions and community guidelines, I felt less restricted being out in nature with other people.”

Marshall, Person Served
Q: What was your favorite part about the trip?
Marshall: “My favorite part was the fishing! I truly had a good time fishing.”

Matthew, Person Served
Q: Can you pick three words to describe this experience?
Matthew: “Fun. Relaxing. Adventure.”

After the staff and individuals returned home, the consensus among all was that this trip was wonderful – and should happen again next year! They’re even considering a multi-day trip, with the hopes of having another incredible experience together.

“Fresh air, nature and community have the power to heal and uplift. We all feel better when we step outside and soak in the world around us,” Victoria shared.

If you or anyone you know is interested in the services Dungarvin provides in Washington or other states in which we provide services, visit www.dungarvin.com for more information.

Dungarvin Wisconsin recently held three events to celebrate staff who have been with the organization for four or more years, including one team member who had her 30-year Milestone anniversary.

The events also recognized team members with Milestone anniversaries, meaning 10, 15 and up, in increments of five years.

“There is no better time than we come together to celebrate staff who have cumulatively dedicated centuries of care and compassion to those we serve,” said Wisconsin State Director Francie Tuescher. “We all share our individual contributions on a day-to-day basis, but when we all gather, it’s quickly apparent that, ‘Oh boy, we make a difference!’ I’m so proud to be in good company with all of you at Dungarvin Wisconsin.”

The Milwaukee 4-Year-Plus Staff Appreciation Event was a luncheon at Asiana Fine Dining in Pewaukee, a Milwaukee suburb. About 30 attendees enjoyed the fun of a Hibachi-prepared meal with very engaging chefs. “They really made it a great time, with jokes and compliments,” said Kevin Torres, Dungarvin Wisconsin’s Office Manager.

The event also honored five team members with 4-year-plus anniversaries, including Program Director Colleen Teeters’ 30 years with Dungarvin. “She’s considered the GOAT of supportive care; she’s a great role model to her staff, and an example of endurance in an ever-changing field,” said Area Director Michael Leo.

Dungarvin Wisconsin also hosted a 4-Year-Plus Staff Appreciation Event for the Rock County team at Prime Quarter Steakhouse in Janesville. Staff and leaders honored Direct Support Professional Sherrill Coleman, who celebrated her 15-year Milestone anniversary.

Congratulations to the Wisconsin teams and staff members celebrating Milestone anniversaries! Your national Dungarvin family appreciates you.

Dungarvin Oregon recently hosted its two annual Staff Appreciation events in Portland and Eugene. The festivities kicked off for the Portland team Sept. 23 at Red Sunset Park, followed the next day by an event for Eugene staff at the Ruskin Home. Individuals supported by Dungarvin Oregon also joined in the fun.

Oregon’s “Fungarvin” Committee planned the events with a “Circus, Circus!” theme, “and, boy, did they deliver!” said Oregon State Director Brenda Linden. “Staff enjoyed a variety of carnival-style games, fun photo booths and delicious food, including hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones – we even had fresh-made fry bread by our Program Director Lynda Hendrix.”

Each attendee received a “passport” to visit different activity stations, collecting stamps along the way. From face painting and ring toss to photo ops and other creative challenges, everyone joined in the fun for a chance to earn raffle tickets for prizes.

“It was truly wonderful to see so many people there, sharing laughs, catching up and celebrating all the amazing work our teams do every single day,” Brenda said. “These events are one of the highlights of our year, and from start to finish, the events were filled with great energy, smiles, and lots of memorable moments.”

For those struggling with health issues that prevent independence, there is not always a clear path to growth. Ten years ago, Emily and her parents searched for ways to help her, which led to a decision to join a group home to receive positive behavioral support. That path to growth has been long – just last year, Emily struggled with mental health, and it was critical for her to receive the same consistent support and care in order to reach her potential and live a full life.  

It’s a well-known concern in the direct support industry that staff turnover is a problem. Professionals providing direct support have highly interactive roles that require constant problem-solving, and sometimes burnout can be a problem. In her case, thankfully, Emily has experienced very little turnover.

The positive behavior support staff at Dungarvin are provided quality training and, in turn, help train other staff to ensure individuals in a home receive excellent care.  

“My staff also bring us out into the community, going to the (Minnesota) State Fair and having one-on-ones with them,” she said. “I think it helps a lot. That way, staff can know how to help me better.” 

While the people are important, of course, a home should be a place of comfort, safety and support. When Emily first joined her group home, she and her parents were uncertain of what she would experience. However, the support she has received has been “lifesaving” for her and “very therapeutic,” she said. This happens when Dungarvin delivers quality professionals and consistency in its approach to support services.  

The individualized supports Dungarvin provides to people ensures that they receive specific care and positive supports that enable them to live as independently as possible. With a mission “to respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports,” Emily is thankful for the company’s commitment to person-centered planning and making sure her goals are met and her needs are fulfilled.  

“My house and staff have been such a blessing,” she said “I hope to continue to live where I live each day. I love my Dungarvin house!”

If you’re interested in getting support, for yourself or a loved one, visit the Dungarvin website to find out what services are provided in your state.

What do the words albatross, duck hook, lumberjack and mulligan have in common? They are golf lingo, and they might have been heard during the recent Dungarvin New Mexico Staff Appreciation Event at TopGolf in Albuquerque.

Dungarvin employees had the opportunity to check their swing talent by hitting golf balls, as well as enjoy “a delicious meal, team bonding and good vibes and conversation,” said Office Manager Angie Prokash, who helped organize the event.

The group, including State Director Scott Good, West Regional Director Bill Myers and Dungarvin Vice President Robert Bachicha, honored 12 colleagues with Milestone anniversaries of more than 10 years with Dungarvin.

“The staff appreciation and Milestone event was a great reminder of how important it is to pause and celebrate the incredible work our team does every day,” said Scott.

“Events like this aren’t just about fun — though hitting golf balls and enjoying a good meal definitely added to the energy — they’re about connection, recognition, and gratitude,” Scott added. “When we take time to appreciate our staff, we reinforce the culture of respect and value that drives everything we do at Dungarvin.”

Congratulations to our New Mexico colleagues celebrating Milestone anniversaries. We’re happy to learn everyone had a great time at the event, whether they hooked or sliced the ball!