Nick George - November DSP Award Recipient

The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize Nick George as the Portage DD Direct Support Professional (DSP) Award Recipient for the month of November.  Nick works for New Leaf Residential Services and was nominated by Karen Hill and Susan Orr.  

Here is what they had to say about Nick: 

Nick has given his time and his heart to Mark. During Mark's challenging times Nick just keeps on giving with a positive attitude. He has made many positive improvements in Mark's life by showing him consistency, compassion, forgiveness and love.  

Mike Mathews, CEO/Administrator of New Leaf Residential had this to add:  Nick has been working with the individual he cares for with New Leaf since April 2012.  Nick is more than an employee or DSP that has a job to do.  Nick is like family to this individual: from taking family trips, to getting the know the individual beyond expectation.  Nick is trusted…..both by the individual himself, his family and New Leaf to always lead with what is right and best for the individual in his care.  This commitment to care has made any challenge one that is doable. Nick mentors’ new staff on all he has learned, again with the sole focus being on what the individual he cares for needs, wants and desires.  Many staff have come and gone, but Nick has been a constant in someone’s life who truly depends on him and cares for him.  When thinking of what we all strive to be, what a DSP strives to be, Nick is the ultimate example. Personally, we have all been blessed to know Nick, learn from Nick and call him friend. 

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.