Kaori Kelly Received Coveted Pennsylvania Direct Support Professional Award from ANCOR

May 9, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Keystone Human Services is proud to announce that Kaori Kelly, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for Keystone Human Services Intellectual Disabilities Services, received the Pennsylvania Direct Support Professional Award from ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources).

This annual award is given to a DSP who has been exemplary in their service to the mission of the nominating agency. The award was presented at the ANCOR Annual Conference in Washington D.C. on April 30, 2013. ANCOR is the national association of residential service providers who benefit people with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, and those experiencing mental illness.

Kaori Kelly was nominated by Keystone Human Services Intellectual Disabilities Services in recognition of her dedication to supporting people to maximize their abilities and reach their employment goals. By getting to know the person’s interests and abilities, Kelly finds the best employment fit for them.

After learning of one woman’s interest in working, Kelly first created volunteer opportunities for her. Kelly recognized that the woman loved colors and animals, and she identified a family-owned pet food business that had a part-time job available. Both the products and the packaging are colorful, making this a great match for her.

In order to learn more about making friends and staying healthy, Kelly assisted the woman to gain a gym membership and learn to have conversations with other gym members. Friendships developed, and most recently, she acquired a second part-time job at the gym. She now receives a paycheck for doing what she already loves to do. The real paycheck, though, is the quality of life she has and the pride she feels in being employed.

KHS thanks Kelly for her ability to observe and listen to the needs and wishes of the person she supports. She has been instrumental in making this young woman’s life fulfilled.

Kelly represents the true meaning of “advancing the human spirit” as she supports people to reach their goals for employment.

For more information about Keystone Human Services or to learn how you too could have a fulfilling career as a Direct Support Professional, visit www.keystonehumanservices.org.