Carey Services will recognize staff members the week of Sept. 13-19 as part of its participation in National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. The local observance is part of an annual national effort every September to recognize staff who provide daily care for people with disabilities. Gov. Eric Holcomb has issued a proclamation honoring the 26,000 DSPs in Indiana.

“The Carey Services direct support professionals, or DSPs, help individuals and families to turn abilities into opportunities every day in several Indiana counties,” said Jim Allbaugh, Carey Services’ president and chief executive officer. Nearly two-thirds of Carey Services’ 260 employees provide daily services for residents and their families in the agency’s service area.

DSPs are direct care workers, in-home support workers, personal assistants and attendants who ensure that people with disabilities are able to live independently in communities of their choosing.

“Our DSP staff is the foundation of our services and do heroic work every day,” Allbaugh said, “but with the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the impacts on our programs and those we serve, all of our staff really has risen to the occasion this year to continue to fulfill our primary purpose of ensuring the health and safety of the individuals we serve.”

Carey Services staff will have several activities to assure employees feel recognized during this celebration week, Allbaugh said. In addition, other agency staff will be recognized for their outstanding work.

With the focus on honoring those who already are doing the work, Allbaugh said, the week also is a time to get the word out about the rewards of the job and the need for more caring, passionate people who are interested in helping others. You can explore our DSP job openings by clicking here.