Each year, DSP Recognition Week gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary people who make our mission possible: our Direct Support Professionals. At VOA Southeast, our DSPs are the backbone of our IDD services — a team of compassionate, skilled, and dedicated professionals who advance independence, dignity, belonging, and quality of life for those we serve.
This week was all about honoring them. Across Alabama and Georgia, our teams came together for celebrations, treats, leadership visits, raffles, handwritten notes of appreciation, and moments of heartfelt recognition. Everywhere we went, one theme emerged: our DSPs are difference-makers.
Why We Celebrate DSPs
They Deliver Person-Centered Support Every Day
Our DSPs walk alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them build meaningful lives rooted in independence, choice, voice, and community. Their work advances our goals of:
- Delivering high-quality, person-centered supports
- Expanding opportunities for independence
- Strengthening community integration
- Ensuring every individual has the resources and relationships needed to thrive
They Lead With Compassion and Commitment
DSPs are teachers. Advocates. Problem-solvers. Companions. Encouragers. They bring stability on difficult days and celebrate victories — big and small — with genuine pride.
Voices of Our DSPs
In Their Own Words
Below is the full collection of reflections our DSPs shared — unscripted, heartfelt, and deeply meaningful.
Being a Direct Support Professional is more than a job—it’s a calling that allows me to make a real difference in people’s lives. Seeing someone accomplish something they once thought was impossible gives me a deep sense of purpose and pride.
There is nothing better than assisting others with achieving their daily living skills and goals. I have always had a caring spirit, and that caring has grown into a career filled with laughter, tears, and moments I will carry forever.
Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life just by being there to support them inspires me every day.
It takes a special person to work with special people. This journey has shown me beauty, growth, and purpose.
I am inspired by meaningful relationships, personal growth, and a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and reach their goals.
I love to see their faces—their joy changes my whole day. Patience, compassion, and encouragement can transform someone’s daily experience, and that’s why this work is meaningful to me.
The individuals are what truly make being a DSP wonderful. VOA isn’t just a workplace—it’s family.
I strive to show love, empathy, and understanding. Everyone has worth and importance, and I want them to feel that.
Compassionate, skilled care changed my perspective—and inspired me to do the same for others.
Helping people live more independently and with dignity is deeply meaningful to me.
Seeing individuals reach milestones, gain independence, and build confidence inspires me to keep serving.
I enjoy empowering others to reach their goals and celebrating every achievement. That’s why I love this work.
Witnessing the struggles of a family member with a disability taught me how vital advocacy and empowerment truly are.
My choice to be a DSP comes from a deeper purpose—one that lifts spirits and brings light where it’s needed most.
It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, but the growth I witness makes every moment worth it.
Everyone deserves dignity and joy. Being a DSP allows me to help make that happen.
This is the most rewarding job. It’s an honor to watch them grow.
Being a DSP is a calling. I want others to know they are loved, respected, and never alone.
I wouldn’t trade being a DSP for anything. It melts my heart knowing I can make a difference just by being there.
Being a DSP gives me a deep sense of purpose through meaningful relationships, personal growth, and helping others reach their goals.
It takes a special person to work with special people. This work is one of my God-given talents.
A Final Word of Thanks
To every Direct Support Professional at VOA Southeast: We see you. We appreciate you. We are better because of you.
Your compassion strengthens families. Your advocacy builds independence. Your encouragement fuels growth. Your belief in others transforms lives.
Thank you for choosing this work — and for choosing VOA Southeast.
