Longest Tenured Employee with Agency Recognized for Service

Holly Hooper, Resident Counselor (center) reminisces with Mahlon Fiscel, Executive Director (left)
and Cathy McFee, Program Director, (right) the changes that have occurred
over the last three decades with the Developmental Disabilities Program

Over 31 years ago, Holly Hooper became employed as a Resident Counselor for Family Services Incorporated (FSI). Holly started working in this field, known today as a Direct Support Professional, because of Nancy and William Lane, her mother and stepfather. The Lanes had been providing residential care to those with development disabilities for two years.

"As I was looking for work, I would visit my mom a lot and in doing so, I became friends with their residents," says Holly. "My mom suggested that I try to find employment doing the same thing. I accepted the position thinking it would be a temporary one, but once taking the job I fell in love with it and never felt the need to look for something else."

Even though her mom is retired, Nancy Lane still visits the home where she retired from and her daughter works. "In fact she still helps out," adds Holly. "She sews and befriends the residents; I think they look upon her as their mom, too."

Holly represents 58 direct support professionals employed in the Developmental Disabilities Program at Family Services Incorporated. These employees are key in maintaining ten community residential homes, four life sharing homes, one respite care home and an alternative day program for adults. This program also includes direct care support that provides care to people in their own homes.

Direct Support Professionals enable individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, productive lives and help to keep them connected to the family and the community. These men and women provide a broad range of life sharing supports that enable people to enjoy a fulfilling and enriched lifestyle in their community.

Last year, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 228 designating the week of September 14th as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week." This resolution recognized the invaluable supports Direct Support Professionals provide and the difference this workforce makes in the lives of Americans with disabilities.

"This bill acknowledges what is long overdue," states Mahlon Fiscel, Executive Director. "Family Services Incorporated recognizes Holly and all Direct Support Professionals for their dedication and the vital role in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities of all ages who live in our community."