Submitted By: Veronica Mott, Greystone Programs
Daniel is active, proactive, and brings ideas and solutions to the table. He develops positive connections with people receiving services, treating them with respect, appreciating their individuality, and supporting what they are interested in accomplishing in their lives. Daniel works as a Direct Support Professional at Greystone Programs, a non-profit organization based in Hopewell Junction, NY, that provides essential services and life-enriching opportunities to more than 600 children, adults, and families with autism and other developmental disabilities in the Mid-Hudson Valley region of New York State. Greystone Programs has also achieved CQL Accreditation.
During Personal Outcome Measures® interviews with people receiving services, Daniel discovered that a number of the people he talked with shared that they would like to meet the mayor of the Village of Warwick, New York, Michael Newhard. Those he interviewed were interested in hearing from their mayor, expressing their concerns, and learning more about how they can participate in the life of the community.
Daniel helped coordinate and organize this meet-and-greet, and question and answer session with the mayor. In advance of their discussion with the mayor, Daniel helped facilitate a series of meetings where everyone collaborated and prepared questions. Not only did Daniel support people in preparing for the meeting, he assisted them in gathering healthy snacks and beverages for a welcoming ambiance, while also helping them to create and present a certificate of appreciation to the mayor.
In the meeting, people receiving services learned about responsibilities of the mayor, village priorities in 2019, various activities around the community, and more. It was a dynamic evening, where those receiving services through Greystone Programs could directly engage with an important member of their community!
2019 National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
This article is part of a campaign during the 2019 National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, to acknowledge Direct Support Professionals who are demonstrating excellence through the use of CQL’s Personal Outcome Measures® and/or NADSP’s Code of Ethics/Competency Areas. This campaign was developed through a partnership between CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership, The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), and The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).
Daniel Schertzer: A Meeting With The Mayor!