Michelle Swan - September DSP Award Recipient
The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize a direct support professional who works for Home To You in Ravenna as the Portage DD Direct Support Professional (DSP) Award Recipient for the month of September. The recipient is Michelle Swan.
Michelle was nominated by Jim Keller. Here is what Jim had to say about Michelle: Michelle has been working for Home to You for several years and really stepped up during this Covid lockdown time. She has been assigned as a lead Staff member for a brother and sister living arrangement. Due to their health concerns many factors played in their personal and emotional well-being. She has made every effort to make sure she took into account how emotionally disruptive protecting their health and safety could’ve had a real impact on their lives.
She arranged for them to use their stimulus checks to purchase much needed furniture and appliances within their home. She included them in every aspect of decorating their home and even arranged to pick up appliances and furniture with the help of her family to save them money. It is so refreshing to see how these two individuals have a new found excitement and are now so proud of their home. She also makes sure meal planning includes “sit down at the table” meal time with nourishing meals and makes them feel empowered to make their own decisions about their own lives.
I could report so much more of the positive impact her dedication to her job as a DSP has made on the people she serves. It is with great pride to be able to share how her kindness, sensitivity and dedication through these difficult times that DSP’s like Michelle Swan are turning negatives into positives. So blessed to have her working for us.
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.