Dungarvin Minnesota DSPs Honored as Finalists for ARRM Cares, Rising Star Awards

This week, a Minnesota nonprofit recognized two Dungarvin DSPs for the extraordinary work they do supporting people with disabilities. Allison Eider and Thomas Kelley are two of 13 finalists for the ARRM Cares and Rising Star awards, respectively, and were honored during the organization’s annual conference in Rochester.

Presenting the finalists during the conference recognition luncheon was Anna Hegland, President of ARRM’s Board of Directors and a Dungarvin Minnesota Senior Director. She said she’s grateful that ARRM has an annual awards program for support professionals.

I’m always really honored to be able to introduce some of our exceptional DSPs during the ARRM Cares Ceremony. We’re so fortunate to have employees like Allison and Thomas, and so many others, who do amazing things every day to enhance the lives of the people we support,” Hegland said.

Allison Eider has been a DSP for more than 30 years. She began working for Dungarvin in 2018, supporting Emily, a 43-year-old woman with intellectual/developmental disabilities. However, in 2020, Allison was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to stop working. About two years ago, she came back to work, supporting Emily once again.

Allison has developed a strong bond with Emily. In fact, during the years Allison was away, the two women stayed in touch. “She was my rock as much as I was her rock; it was wonderful,” Allison said.

When asked how she feels about being an ARRM Cares finalist, Allison said, “extremely humbled.” Reflecting on her career, she marvels at the opportunities DSPs have to change people’s lives for the better.

“I don’t think you can get that kind of reward anyplace else,” she said. “To see a person who has struggled in many different categories become someone they never thought they could. I think that’s the biggest reason why I’m in this field.”

This Rising Star is a Natural

While Allison is a seasoned professional, her fellow ARRM finalist Thomas Kelley is new to the field. However, he’s already making a huge impact supporting people receiving Dungarvin’s Employment Services, and that’s why he’s an ARRM Rising Star finalist.

“When he first started, one team thought he had been with the company for years,” wrote Dungarvin Program Director Ganesa Paris and Operational Manager Brianna Moolah in Thomas’s nomination form.

“His unwavering commitment to understanding and respecting each individual’s needs and choices empowers them to embrace their autonomy,” Genesa and Brianna wrote.

Thomas works with individuals who are going through Dungarvin’s “Discovery” process. “This is where we help them find out their interests, their likes, their talents and skills, and what kind of accommodations they might need in the workplace, he said.

Before transitioning to this field, Thomas was in education and lived outside the U.S. for 26 years. Part of that time, he lived in Egypt and developed learning materials – including those for people with disabilities. However, in Egypt, they didn’t talk about people as having disabilities. “We referred to them as “people of determination.” And I think that describes them the best – that they are determined to overcome their circumstances and their situations,” he said.

Thomas said he feels surprised and honored to be named an ARRM Rising Star finalist. He said he hopes, someday, people will become more understanding of those with disabilities, and less judgmental. “I think people need to recognize that everyone deserves an opportunity to be productive in the world … some people just need different kinds of help and assistance.” If you are interested in becoming a Direct Support Professional (DSP), please visit our website to review employment opportunities in which you can make a difference: Employment – Dungarvin.