Jene Morris, ANCOR DSP of the Year for Oklahoma
Years ago, when Jene Morris worked as a carpenter in Oklahoma City, he had no idea that someday, he would give up that career to care for a child with disabilities. Nor did he know that this new career would bring him so much joy and fulfillment.
As a Dungarvin Agency Companion provider, Jene now cares for two children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in his home. His person-centered, innovative approach recently landed him a Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Award for the state of Oklahoma from the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).
Jene accepted the award, along with five other Dunagrvin DSPs, during the ANCOR Connect ’26 conference, last week in Boston. ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers, named 57 winners this year out of a record 544 nominees from throughout the nation.
“I am extremely honored to win this award,” Jene said. “I work with a group of incredibly loving individuals, including the kids and the Dungarvin staff.”
The transition from full-time carpenter to full-time DSP came a few years ago, when Jene’s wife could no longer continue supporting Marianna in the couple’s home. Knowing that little girl with I/DD would have to be transferred to a different home, Jene quit his carpentry job to become a Dungarvin Agency Companion provider so Marianna could stay.
Jene with the two children he supports, Benjamin and Marianna.
Recently, Jene welcomed Benjamin into his home as well, and immediately began tailoring his support for the boy’s unique needs and interests. For example, knowing Benjamin loves video games, Jene used his carpentry skills to design and build an ideal bedroom for him.
“The room features a projector TV so he can enjoy his video games on a screen as big as the wall! This was a huge success in helping him feel welcomed, seen and heard in his new home,” said Alex Cash, Dungarvin Oklahoma Operations Manager.
“Jene works hard every day to provide a stable, loving and fun home for the kids. He takes them to many events, like concerts and NBA basketball games,” Alex added.
“Having the kiddos in my home has been great for them and for me,” Jene said. “I have grandkids that visit all the time, and Benjamin loves his time with them. Marianna thinks my granddaughter hung the moon. They make sure my home never feels empty.”
Jene has also built furniture and structures for individuals supported in other Agency Companion homes. For example, he designed and built a front porch for another family to create a safe space for them to gather and play. He also built a custom bed for a boy his niece supports in her home, and a deck with a ramp for two individuals supported by his sister.
In addition to the care he provides for the children at home, Jene is a strong advocate for them in the community and in their school. He regularly attends meetings about their personalized education plans, and he communicates with therapists and doctors to ensure they receive the care they need.
Jene said Marianna and Benjamin have helped him grow as much as he has helped them. “I shut the doors on a busy construction company to stay home and care for them — a move that I have not, for one moment, regretted. We never know where we can do the most good until it hits us.”
Dungarvin is very proud of Jene and congratulates him on this incredible honor!