Ask any of the 600 employees of Cardinal Services why they work there, and they will tell you that it's the clients who make their efforts meaningful and worthwhile. Although that's no doubt the truth, we would like to take this opportunity to let our community know the rest of the story - because what truly makes Cardinal Services a special organization are the incredible men and women who work there.
Those who work most closely with clients each day are the direct support professionals. DSPs are the people who work as direct care workers, in-home support workers, personal assistants and attendants to ensure that people with disabilities are able to live more independently and in community settings, rather than in institutions.
At Cardinal, nearly 350 men and women fill this role, spending every day making sure the person they support is living a full, happy life: setting and accomplishing goals, making friends, perhaps holding a job and earning a regular paycheck.
If the person served is more severely disabled, the goals are smaller: learning to take a drink from a water fountain, being able to put on a jacket by oneself or feed the ducks at the lake. The goals may be small, but the joy of victory is mighty when they are achieved - and DSPs help make it happen.
By acclamation, the U.S. Senate has designated the week of Sept. 8 as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, calling on each American to recognize the tremendous contribution DSPs make to our community and our nation. As members of the Board of Directors of Cardinal Services, we have great respect for these good people. We offer them our heartfelt appreciation, and hope that you, our community, will do the same.
