Opportunity Enterprises are participating in the first "National Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week -- September 8-13," in appreciation of the organization's 130 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). DSPs work as direct care workers, in-home support workers, personal assistants and attendants to ensure that people with disabilities are able to live more independently and in community settings.

"DSPs account for 42 percent of the staff at Opportunity Enterprises," explained Carol Costakis, Director of Marketing. "Without the work of our DSPs, the lives of over 1,000 individuals with disabilities in Porter County and Northwest Indiana, plus their families and guardians, would be disrupted. National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week is one small way to demonstrate our gratitude for what they unselfishly give to our clients and families." This sense of purpose is what attracted Sandy Gonzales to OE, a Community Integration DSP for OE. "When you have a job you like, you don't mind getting up in the morning," said Gonzales. "I feel a great deal of responsibility towards my clients."

Through her work as a DSP, Gonzales has proved to be very innovative in the outings for her clients, including volunteer work at local libraries, women's shelters and retirement communities.

"Sandy is always willing to jump in and help out her co-workers and has no problem adjusting her workday to fit her clients' needs," said Jenn Faner, Enrichment Services Director. "It's this kind of ‘beyond the job description' thought and care that make Sandy such a valuable part of the OE team and so loved and respected by her clients."

While there are thousands of dedicated DSPs nationwide just like Sandy, low wages, coupled with difficult work, often lead to high personnel turnover. As a member of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), Opportunity Enterprises supports the ANCOR National Advocacy Campaign in its mission to increase funding for DSPs and improve the supports for people with disabilities.

For more information on the DSP initiative and Opportunity Enterprises, visit online at www.oppent.org or call (219) 464-9621. Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency and life choices for individuals with disabilities.

--For The Times