DSP Appreciation Luncheon 2025
We always appreciates everything that Direct Support Professionals (DSP) do every single day to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities in our community. This year we hosted a DSP Appreciation Luncheon on August 19th where approximately 80 people joined us for a short awards presentation where we gave out awards in four categories; Administrator of the Year, DSP of the Year, Independent Provider of the Year and Lasting Legacy.
The Administrator of the Year award recognizes an outstanding agency administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication within the DD field. This years winner was Deanna Lanham with The Fuse Network. One of her many nominators said, “As Program Manager at The Fuse Network, she’s been a driving force in helping people with disabilities connect with their community in meaningful ways. She’s always looking for opportunities to enrich the lives of the individuals she supports. Whether it’s helping them volunteer locally or planning big outings like concerts and Cavs games, Deanna goes out of her way to create experiences that are fun, fulfilling, and memorable. She truly believes in the power of connection and works hard to make sure everyone feels like they’re part of something bigger.”
The Direct Support Professional of the Year award recognizes a DSP that works for an agency in our county. They are a remarkable human being that has a clear love for their profession. This year we had two winners in this category; Nicholas Johnson with DOY Services and Michelle Freeman with Echoing Hills. One of Nicholas’ nominators said, “Nicholas will run and help on his days off, after long days, and even when he just got home if one of his clients or anyone, he can assist in helping. Nicholas is known for his amazing cooking skills, and it seems he’s a master chef on the grill as his clients tell me. His caring hand and patient personality. Nicholas was working at DOY for a few months and applied to be a team leader and he didn’t apply for a position where he only had one site to be responsible for but a position where he was responsible for 4 sites and a lot to learn and get to know each client and their needs. Nicholas is a great leader and team member and a role model DSP.” One of Michelle’s nominators said, “Michelle is a remarkable human who has a clear love for her profession. She brings meaning into the lives of those she supports, has a special bond with each person who lives here, and takes the time to make each of them feel seen. Not only does she show up when scheduled but comes in early to relieve coworkers who had to stay over from the previous shift.”
The Independent Provider of the Year award recognizes an Independent Provider that makes a real difference in the lives of those they support. This years Independent Provider of the Year is Cassandra Tubbs. Cassie’s nominator said, “She does activities with him like, making Mother's Day cards, painting, playing music, and going outside to bird watch. She even looks up the birds and shows him the names of the ones they see. She is not just present in the home. She truly makes a difference in his life. Anyone can be taught to use a Hoyer lift, bathe a person, shave a man, and even perform passive range of motion. However, what Cassie does for him cannot just be taught. Cassie has become a friend to him. She thinks about him and figures out things that he might enjoy and then she does those things with him. She is protective of him. She wants to know that the agency staff that cares for him during her absence is doing a good job.”
The final award we gave out was the Lasting Legacy Award. This person has dedicated their life and career to making the world a better place for people with developmental disabilities. The winner of this award is someone that has been in the DD field a long time, retired, or has passed away. During their time, they inspired independence, embraced diversity, were leaders, mentors and made monumental differences for people in our program. This years Lasting Legacy Award Winner is Coredell Brown, founder of Echoing Hills. His nominator said, “In 1965, he received a God-given vision on his family’s farm, and in 1967, that farm would become the start of Echoing Hills. During this period, individuals with disabilities were considered ineducable and either thrown into institutions or parents took full responsibility, having no community support.
What started with a vision about a summer camp became a multimillion-dollar ministry that has been serving people with developmental disabilities for over 50 years. This includes giving individuals travel opportunities and safe places to live. Individuals have a chance to explore new places through the Camp Echoing Hills travel program or daily outings offered through our residential programs. Immediate Care Facilities and waiver homes foster independence and embrace diversity.
Regardless of roadblocks or hardship, Cordell displayed perseverance and commitment towards impacting the lives of people with disabilities. His vision and mission created long-lasting monumental change within the community. Generations have reaped the benefits provided by the ministry of Echoing Hills.”
As we celebrate these five outstanding Direct Support Professionals, we are reminded of the compassion, dedication, and tireless commitment that define this vital role. Their work not only uplifts the individuals they support but strengthens our entire community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s award recipients and our deepest gratitude to all DSPs who make a difference every day.
