Congratulations to the KAPP DSP of the Year 2024, Eric Gould! Eric’s dedication and hard work truly shines. KAPP, the Kentucky Association of Private Providers, proudly recognized Eric for his outstanding service at the KAPP annual conference yesterday.

This year’s KAPP conference theme was ‘Level Up,’ encouraging those in the industry to “reach for new heights to show what’s possible when you believe in the promise of inclusion and recognize the many ways in which we’ve risen to unforeseen challenges,” as described by the association.

“I was very surprised when I was informed that I had won the DSP of the Year award,” shared Eric. “I am very grateful to Dungarvin for considering me for this honor. I love the company I work with, and this shows me that people are always looking even when you don’t realize it. This has motivated me even more to do a great job. Thank you all.”

Eric was celebrated alongside his fellow nominees and Dungarvin staff. Dungarvin is so proud of you, Eric. Congratulations and keep up the excellent work!

In the world of caregiving, certain individuals leave an indelible mark on support staff as well as their fellow residents. One special person was lovingly referred to as the “grumpy old man” by Thersea Pruse, Dungarvin Minnesota Operational Program Director. While Theresea only worked with Michael for a year, they grew very close during this time. Michael was born on August 4th, 1952, in Minneapolis to Dale and Luella Wideman. He never married, but Michael built his own family with and under the care of his Dungarvin Minnesota family for the last 27 years of his life. 

“He enjoyed teasing others and was such a jokester,” shared Thersea with a smile. “He kept us on our toes.” The Dungarvin team at the Girard North House where Michael lived exhibited extraordinary compassion during the final months of his life, creating a supportive and loving environment for everyone at this difficult time. “This home and this particular staff are very tight-knit and person-centered,” observed Nicole Worman, Operational Director. “Nobody is there for just a paycheck. They are there because they care about the individuals.” 

Despite his ‘hardheaded’ nature, characterized by a preference for tidiness that included a habit of hiding things he didn’t like, Michael was a beloved resident by both staff and residents alike. Theresea fondly recalls how much he liked ‘ragging’ on the others, often asking, “Are you going to behave?” His sense of humor and unique idea of cleanliness kept everyone eager to see what Michael was going to get into each day.  

“When (the staff) found out Michael was in home hospice, they all went out of their way to ensure he had the food he loved and the care he needed,” said Thersea. She believes that the staff’s dedication and deep understanding of him significantly extended his life, as they all witnessed subtle changes in his behavior and health that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. After his death, Dungarvin staff even planned a memorial for Michael at his home. 

“Some staff have known him for over 15 years,” shared Nicole. “When he was placed in hospice at the end of March, staff did everything they could to make his final days comfortable.” 

Nicole described Michael’s funeral service as a true memorial, a rare and touching event that felt like being in church. Residential Program Coordinator Odelta Cole read scriptures and delivered a sermon, highlighting the personal nature of everyone’s relationship with Michael. In the direct support field of work, staff are advised not to take things personally, but the bonds formed with some individuals are inevitably meaningful. 

Despite the challenges, the Girard North House truly lives out our mission of respecting and responding to the choices of those in need of supports. 

Michael leaves behind his roommates Jethro, Ryan, and Hayley; his friends Keith, Traves, John and Collin; as well as his Dungarvin staff and supervisors. 

Congratulations to Shequilla Davis of Dungarvin Wisconsin! She has been named the 2024 Wisconsin Health Care Association/Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living (WHCA/WiCAL) Direct Caregiver Shining Star Award winner. WHCA/WiCAL is Wisconsin’s most representative association of post-acute care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, therapy centers, and assisted living facilities. Each year, WHCA/WiCal shines a light on Wisconsin’s long-term care providers through a set of awards. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Shequilla’s hard work and dedication to her career.

Shequilla has been a caregiver for over 28 years, working in a variety of care environments such as nursing homes, group homes, and home health agencies. “Working in many different settings has humbled me and molded me to be the caregiver I am today,” shared Shequilla.

Her commitment to long-term care is clear, and she has left a lasting impact on those she supports, as they have her! “Building and maintaining relationships is important to me, in my personal and work life,” said Shequilla. “It is a joy to keep families and care teams updated as I am caring for their loved ones with all their daily routines.”

Today, Shequila was honored during the Fall Convention Awards Ceremony at Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. She was surrounded by her fellow nominees, family and peers.

Shequilla, Dungarvin is proud of you and this tremendous achievement. You inspire those around you and exemplify the values that this award represents and Dungarvin’s values of “Respect, Response, Choice.” Congratulations to you!

If you or someone you know is looking to join Dungarvin’s Wisconsin team, explore open career opportunities here.

1. How long have you worked at Dungarvin; in the IDD industry?

I have worked for Dungarvin and in the IDD field for seven years. My first job for Dungarvin was Program Director of four programs throughout the state. This is my second career. My first career was with the Connecticut Department of Corrections where I worked for 21 years.   

2. Why do you have a passion for this work?

I spent most of my professional career working in the prison system here in Connecticut. Unfortunately, I’ve seen people at their worst. After seeing people like this for so long, it changed my perspective. In that moment I went from a mindset of keeping people locked up to a mindset of lifting people up. This is where my passion for this work developed. It was important for me to be a part of the solution, to use my leadership skills and compassion, in a way that my success was determined by how hard I worked to help others. 

3. What is your most treasured possession?

I’m not one who puts a lot of value in possessions, but if I had to choose, it would be my Nikon D810 camera. I love photography!

4. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?

Increased funding for human service organizations, much of which should go to staff salaries. Increased pay would (potentially) lead to improved staff retention, reduced overtime and the need for staff to work two or three jobs. This would not only help our staff, but the individuals we serve as well. I find that individuals do well when they have consistency in their lives. Individuals who have staff that they are comfortable with and who have been supporting them for a long period of time, in my opinion, have better outcomes.   

5. Who are your heroes in life and why?

My mother is my main hero. She was strong, compassionate, intelligent, and authentic.  She gave everything she had to raise her children in a loving, nurturing and safe home.  When other children in our community needed something to eat, she would feed them as if they were one of her own. Her love and kindness knew no bounds. 

A hero is someone who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or notable qualities. Heroes can actually be found in many places if you look closely enough. At Dungarvin, we are fortunate to recognize lots of heroes, but they don’t usually wear a cape – but some do wear a uniform. Take Jen Elleraas, Senior Director, for Dungarvin Minnesota. This evening, she will be honored by the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association as the ‘Fire Officer of the Year’ (for cities under 10,000) at a banquet with her peers. “I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Jen who has been with Dungarvin since 2005. “Serving my community as a firefighter and EMT is one of the greatest privileges I’ve been afforded.”

In addition to Elleraas’ leadership role at Dungarvin, she also serves as Captain of the Garrison (MN) Fire Department. This year’s honor recognizes her “leadership, innovation, professional growth, integrity, public service, and significant contributions to the fire service.” In 2023, Jen took on the additional responsibility of MNFIRE Peer Supporter. In this role, she is able to leverage many of the leadership qualities she exhibits daily at Dungarvin, providing emotional support for her fellow firefighters with a compassionate and person-centered approach.

Demonstrating her passion for advancing fire service, Captain Elleraas also played a pivotal role in organizing the inaugural Women in Firefighting Expo for the Cuyuna Range Fire Chief’s Association. This initiative further underscores her commitment to professional development and promoting diversity within fire service. Jen, your Dungarvin family could not be prouder of you! You are a hero to us and to many in your community. Congratulations on this incredible and well-deserved honor!

“I think a big part of why I have had such a fulfilling career at Dungarvin are the people that are around me that I get to work with every day. They are dedicated to Dungarvin and to our mission and working with others who have the same drive makes life a lot more enjoyable. In addition, some of my peers have instilled confidence in me when I have not had the same confidence in myself, giving me belief that I could handle the task at hand. Thank you to those people who have allowed me to grow, I will be forever grateful for your support.”

1. Why do you have a passion for this work?

When I was young, my mom would drive my siblings and me to Faribault (Minnesota) to visit her cousin who lived in an institution. We would take Pauly to the park for a picnic lunch. Pauly did not speak and struggled to walk, but she was always happy to leave the institution. Her smile said it all. It was so hard when we dropped her off and had to say goodbye. Pauly would act up when we dropped her off and start throwing things and screaming. Unfortunately, the workers would grab her arm and lock her in a room. That made me mad. I vowed that I would always advocate for people with disabilities or for kids in school who were bullied. 

So, when I began working for Dungarvin, I was excited to find a compassionate staff and owners who respected individuals with disabilities. Dungarvin makes a difference in the lives of the people that we support. They hire a capable staff who truly want the best for the persons served. It is wonderful to see people with disabilities make choices, be involved in the community, hold jobs, and enjoy life!

2. What is your most treasured possession?

My family, friends and pets.

3. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?

ADA compliance, like wheelchair accessibility, is important in restaurants, hotels, apartment buildings, shopping centers, and stores. It can be difficult to take a loved one shopping or go to a restaurant when there is no room for their walker or wheelchair. This can make them feel uncomfortable — and unwelcome. We need to change that so people with disabilities do not feel like they are a burden to society, but rather valued for who they are and what they offer. 

4. Who are your heroes in life and why?

One of my heroes in life is my mom. She is the most loving person in the world. She would give up everything to make her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren happy. My mom taught me to be patient, kind, and to love people all of the time. 

5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?

Where do I start? I work with some of the nicest people who I have ever met. They are kind, gentle, passionate, positive, accepting, funny, helpful, artistic, unique, quirky, and smart. Our team works together to ensure we get the support needed to do great work. Now, that is true teamwork!