Submitted By: Josh White | Hope House Foundation
Kristine Guinn works as a Direct Support Professional for Hope House Foundation, which is located in Norfolk, Virginia and provides services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities exclusively in their own homes or apartments. Kristine used the Personal Outcome Measures® and specifically the indicators within the factor My Goals to assist Melissa in receiving supports to identify and pursue a dream for her future.
Once it was discovered that one of Melissa’s lifelong dreams was to see the Backstreet Boys in concert, they set forth with figuring out how she could achieve and realize this goal. Kristine worked with Melissa to achieve this outcome by using different resources for planning, preparing, and supporting – before, during, and after the concert. Through this discovery by Kristine and her resulting supports provided, Melissa was not only able to see the Backstreet Boys in concert, but also meet some of the members and take pictures with them. This made a lasting impression on Melissa’s life and was definitely a dream come true!
The concert was so wonderful that Melissa did not want to leave New York to come home after it was over. Following the trip to see the Backstreet Boys, Kristine and Melissa put together a photo book depicting the highlights of the trip along with framed pictures of Melissa meeting the Backstreet Boys, so she could have them out in her apartment as a reminder of the amazing experience.
This is just one example of the many great things Kristine has done to enrich and further people’s lives. Kristine continues to go above and beyond for the people she supports, while also working collaboratively with colleagues to think outside the box and develop ideas that empower people to achieve their dreams and aspirations for the future.
Because of her dedication, Kristine is supporting people to have full, happy, and self-directed lives.
2018 Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
This article is part of a campaign during the 2018 Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, to acknowledge Direct Support Professionals who are helping people achieve their individually-defined outcomes, through the use of Personal Outcome Measures®. This campaign was developed through a partnership between CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership and The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).
Kristine Gunn: Concert Of A Lifetime