She wishes everyone could “know what we know” about people with disabilities.With her helpful nature and love of animals, people were always telling Megan McLaren that she should pursue a career in education or veterinary medicine.Three years ago, while working in retail management, she knew...
Strong leadership is more important than ever in uncertain times.[caption id="attachment_1672" align="alignleft" width="300"] Gregory MillerPresident/CEO Penn-Mar Human Services[/caption]ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources), the leading voice in Washington for community-based providers like Penn-Mar, held their Annual Conference in San Diego last month.This year...
“Transforming a person’s life is not easy.”His given name is Wilberforce Osei Yeboah, but his Penn-Mar family simply calls him “Willie.”A native of Ghana in Africa, he came to the States in 2011 with his three children, then aged 11, 8, and 4. His wife...
Tropical Smoothie led to “forever job”Penn-Mar DSP Susan Wagner supports a gentleman at Penn-Mar who loves to stop in at Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Westminster for a frosty treat. It was there that they met Lydia Haines, a part-time worker who often took their order.Over...
As a member of the Holiday Committee for the Maryland Day Program, DSP Christal Lovelist has had a busy December. She recently accompanied the people she supports to the Dollar Store where they thoughtfully selected “Secret Santa” gifts for their December 20 holiday luncheon in...
“My faith tells me that you need to help people.”[caption id="attachment_11369" align="alignleft" width="225"] Katrina at the Penn-Mar carnival, ready to serve.[/caption]Katrina Cooper started cutting people’s hair when she was 17 and went on to build a cosmetology career and several related businesses. By the age...
Her personal experience helps her to better understand the people she supports.Anja Allgood is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at a Penn-Mar home in Glen Rock, Pa. where she supports four gentlemen with diverse disabilities. They range in age from 26 to 75. She credits...
By Gregory T. Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, Penn-Mar Human Services | Chief Executive Officer, Penn-Mar Foundation Kelly Baker has made her mark nationally as a program champion.Last month I gave a shout out to four of our deserving DSPs during DSP Recognition Week and...
DSP inspired by his mother’s belief that helping others comes from the heart.Cristian Martinez always dreamed that one day he would find a career that would be as rewarding as his mother’s. “My mom worked with elderly adults, and she always said, ‘Helping others comes from...
By Gregory T. Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, Penn-Mar Human Services | Chief Executive Officer, Penn-Mar Foundation Starting on September 8th, we will be observing Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, a nationwide celebration to acknowledge and highlight the dedicated direct support workforce that is...