Izobella, Victoria, Torrey - July DSP Award Recipients

The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize three direct support professionals from Leeda Northeast, Inc. as the Portage DD Direct Support Professional (DSP) Award Recipients for the month of July. The recipients are Izobella Bailey, Victoria Bailey, and Torrey Sample!.

Izobella, Victoria, and Torrey were nominated by Belinda Sweeney from Leeda Northeast, Inc.

Belinda Sweeney, from Leada Northeast, Inc, said there is 3 staff that worked extremely well as a team with a gentleman that was placed in hospice care and had to stop going to his day program. These staff came up with a schedule to work with this gentleman, took him out as much as he could tolerate, assisted with his physical and music therapy, and worked very hard to have him gain his strength back. We were told by his doctor that the reason he is still alive is because of the care he received from his staff. We are truly proud of this team and the care and love they have given this gentleman and believe all 3 deserve to be DSP of the month. 

Alice Crumb also from Leeda Northeast, Inc. added that Izobella, Victoria, and Torrey "... continually go above and beyond to ensure that he is still able to do everything that he wants to do within his limits.  They work with him on keeping him as vocal as possible, moving, and being an active part of the community around him.  They keep him doing activities such as throwing foam darts and bouncing balls to keep him engaged. They communicate with him as a friend and want others to see him the way that they do.  I know that when I call or stop by the house they make sure that he is as interactive as possible with me. They respect and care deeply for him.”

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month Award is for those staff who provide direct support or direct services for individuals served throughout Portage County.

This award is an opportunity to nominate someone who has gone above and beyond to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, while also promoting independence and inclusion.

Individual award recipients will receive public recognition from Portage DD and will be promoted on our social media channels. Award recipients will also later be considered for Direct Support Professional of the Year.

All nominations will be kept on file for review and consideration for a period of 12 months after initial submission.