Submitted By: Jodi Bopp | I Am Boundless
Dejanee (Deja) Kendricks is completely committed to those she supports, and is a shining example of what a quality Direct Support Professional should be. She always listens, truly cares, demonstrates respect, and never gives up in her efforts to help improve the quality of life for people receiving services from Boundless.
The Boundless family of companies, based out of Ohio, has nearly forty years of expertise providing person-centered supports to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health challenges, and their families. Along with numerous programs, Boundless offers temporary and long-term services, residential options, and family support resources to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Deja was assigned to provide supports for a group of three men receiving services through the Boundless Supported Living Program. Although Boundless has been achieved CQL Accreditation and was using the Personal Outcome Measures® for some time, all three gentlemen had refused to participate in an interview.
As Deja began her day-to-day work with the gentlemen, she discovered the things they really liked and was able to translate that into the Personal Outcome Measures®. For example, one man revealed to her that he enjoyed music and would love to sing on stage one day. She then worked with him to create a video where he raps about himself, what he likes, what brings him happiness, etc. Through the production of that video, she was able to get him to open up and share about himself.
Very quickly, the other two men followed suit. One created another music video, and the other gentleman participated in full Personal Outcome Measures® interview. Now, all three men are very eager to talk about themselves through the Personal Outcome Measures®.
Since she was able to have them complete an interview, they’re now feeling more empowered to speak up for what they want and are living a broader and more meaningful life. Deja and her team can help enhance their quality of life based on their individually-defined outcomes.
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).
Deja Kendricks: Creativity In Person-Centered Discovery