Dungarvin’s Karl Moore Receives Works of Heart Award from Oregon Resource Association

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.