We are so grateful to Lynn, and all our great direct service staff, who make it all happen, every day!

ANCOR NAMES LYNN BROOKS AS 2010 DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR IN VERMONT

Honored for work in support of community living for people with disabilities

Alexandria, VA – The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) today awarded Lynn Brooks of Families First of Wilmington and Brattleboro its 2010 Direct Support Professional of the Year in Vermont.  “Families First is proud of Lynn Brooks’s recognition.  This honor reflects Lynn’s commitment and the quality services provided by Families First” said Greg Masterson, program and site director at the Brattleboro Office.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), often referred to as caregivers, personal assistants, direct care or homecare aides, provide daily support services for millions of Americans with disabilities.  Thanks to DSPs, people with disabilities are able to live fulfilling and independent lives and be active participants in their communities

“It is important to recognize the vital services provided by Lynn Brooks and direct support professionals throughout the country,’ said Peter Kowalski, president of ANCOR. “They make an incredibly important contribution to the social and economic fabric of our communities.  Lynn Brooks represents the highest caliber of DSP.”

The ANCOR Direct Support Professional Recognition Award is judged on criteria in concert with the overall philosophy of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign.  Among other criterion, nominees are judged on their effectiveness in building social networks, meaningful and productive participation in the community for person(s) served and advocating or effecting change on behalf of people with disabilities.  “ANCOR evaluated 231 nominations of highly qualified DSPs in selecting the national and state winners,” said ANCOR CEO Renee Pietrangelo.  Lynn Brooks indefatigable commitment to improving people’s access to and participation in the community-at-large is worthy of public recognition as well as our utmost regard and respect.”

Through its National Advocacy Campaign, ANCOR advocates for increased federal funding to support training opportunities and higher wages for DSPs employed by private providers. ANCOR is committed to passage of HR 868, The Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act of 2009.  This federal legislation would increase Medicaid funding for support and services for people with disabilities specific to increase wages for DSPs working to provide the best in community supports and services.  People with disabilities would benefit through stabilization of this high turnover workforce.  Direct support services are funded through Medicaid reimbursements; reimbursement rates are set by state governments.

About Families First

Families First is a developmental services agency that serves communities in Windham County.  Thirteen years ago, Families First began with just four families who wanted to create an agency that would be creative, nurturing and responsive to the day to day needs of families with special needs children. Today we serve over sixty families, with several referrals coming in each month. Our mission has three major objectives: to support families; to help people with disabilities learn skills of independence and to promote community awareness and inclusion for people with disabilities.

About ANCOR

The American Network of Community Options and Resources is the premier national association representing more than 850 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 385,000 individuals with disabilities.  As a nonprofit organization, ANCOR successfully addresses the needs and interests of private providers before Congress and federal agencies, continually advocating for the crucial role private providers play in enhancing and supporting the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The ANCOR National Advocacy Campaign was established to provide a focus on this critical workforce issue. For more information about the DSP workforce shortage visit www.youneedtoknowme.org.