We’re shining a spotlight on our direct support professional (DSP) staff to highlight the important role they play in the lives of people they support.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our support staff every day, and especially during National DSP Week,” said Gia Richmond, Jubilee’s Director of Program Services. “Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities empowers them to lead fulfilling lives. Thank you for your exceptional work. You are the heart and soul of our mission.”

Families Reflect on DSPs Impact on Their Loved Ones

Families of the people we support are a crucial part of the Jubilee community. We heard directly from families how DSPs help their loved ones fulfill their potential and achieve their dreams. Be sure to reach out to the DSP in your life during National DSP Week!

“Tamika Jackson has worked with Eli Lewis as his DSP for over a year. With her guidance, his confidence in living independently has increased greatly. Tasks like cleaning, shopping, and computer access are no longer a challenge for Eli with Tamika’s steady support.” —Mary Ann Dawedeit

“Lamin Yilla has been Steve Sabia’s live-in DSP for three years, and a daytime staff before that. There is nothing more important to parents than knowing their son or daughter’s DSP is dedicated, caring and a strong advocate for the client in the community. Lamin Yilla is all those things, which gives me and my husband great peace of mind. Thank you, Lamin!” —Ricki Sabia

“Marilyn McCain is Cassie’s primary DSP and a treasured member of the Purcell family. When asked what Cassie likes most about Marilyn, she responded that Marilyn is kind and fun. She feels loved by Marilyn, and especially likes when they cook dinners together, plan special evenings with friends, and go to the movies. Marilyn has a very calming effect on Cassie, and she’s both intuitive and proactive when Cassie is “off” either physically or emotionally. Tom and I have great trust and confidence in Marilyn, and appreciate having her in all our lives.” —Liz Purcell 

“This month is the one-year anniversary of a remarkable change for our daughter Maurine. One year ago, the amazing DSP Shauna Miller came into her life, and we began services with Jubilee. We had a great deal of communication back and forth as Maurine and Shauna were getting to know one another, and, most importantly, Shauna has a magic touch finding ways to motivate Maurine. Of the many skills Shauna has been pursuing with Maurine, one of the most important has been her health. Shauna has worked with Maurine to set engaging goals, including in swimming. We saw firsthand how Maurine has blossomed with Shauna’s help on our annual summer family vacation. For the first time in her 25 years of visits to the same Michigan island, Maurine wanted to try swimming back and forth across the lake with me. By the last day, Maurine was asking to go swim across so she could say goodbye to the fish. Maurine enjoyed sitting on the south shore for a breather while the guppies nibbled and tickled her feet, throwing her into fits of laughter before the return swim. This lake is 50 feet deep with chilly waters, and about 40 pool lengths across and back. All told, Maurine swam across and back, and even across a third time in six days! Shauna, for this and so much more, thank you, thank you, thank you.”  —Anne Yap

“We are immensely grateful for the care and support that Elmer Billedo and Garner McLean provide to our son Ben. They both epitomize excellent person-centered care by showing respect for Ben’s preferences, goals, needs, and dreams. At the same time, they incorporate wellness routines and attend to his physical safety. Ben has formed a meaningful relationship with each of his DSPs. He considers Elmer and Garner to be part of his extended family. These meaningful relationships reflect both the years they have spent together, as well as the sincerity, caring, and respect that each of his DSPs consistently show. Ben’s success in residing in his own apartment is a remarkable achievement, an indication of his strong motivation and learning to become increasingly independent. This success reflects the efforts of many people over the past 30+ years including parents, educators and therapists. However, it is the unique qualities and professional expertise that Elmer and Garner provide on a daily basis in fulfilling their responsibilities as DSPs that allow Ben to have the independence and autonomy that is one of his life goals.” —Linda and Meyer Glantz

My son James and his Jubilee direct support professional Hamzzat Ayandiran workout together three times a week at a health club. This is a lovely outing, helps him maintain a healthy weight, and is a calming experience. I appreciate this very much! —Margie Billian

Video Thank You Message from People Supported by Jubilee