DSP of the Month: Becky Bennett
Congratulations to Becky Bennett, December’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month!
Becky was a minister for 35 years before she decided to become a Special Education Teacher’s Aide at an elementary school in Hamilton.
«I was a Special Education Teacher’s Aide for 4 years and that along with my work with the Tim Tebow Night to Shine Prom, which I led for 4 years before my retirement from the ministry, developed a passion for people with disabilities,» Becky said. «I was privileged to head up a Tim Tebow Night to Shine Prom at my church the very first year Tim went ‘public’ with the event. He had already done a large one in Jacksonville. I had never worked with adults with special needs before. The work to get ready for the event was daunting, but when we opened those doors and I saw men and women dressed in their finest and with huge smiles on their faces come through those doors it made every ounce of blood, sweat and tears worth it! We had great food, karaoke, a makeup room, movies, limo rides and dancing!»
Becky wanted to feel that happiness she felt at the Tim Tebow Night to Shine event and as a teacher’s aide, so she decided to become a DSP.
«My sister was already a DSP, and I saw how much joy it brought her,» Becky said. «I wanted to be a part of that! Since becoming a DSP, I can honestly say the individuals that I have worked with are some of the very best people I’ve ever met! They are warm, caring, funny, excitable, loyal, and love life. They are an inspiration to me. Being a DSP is the best gig around! You get to go to parks, see movies, go to the zoo, shop, go out to eat, play games, go to King’s Island, see plays, go bowling, and they pay you to do it! And you get to do it with the most grateful, fun, and enthusiastic people you will probably ever meet!»
Lisa Spicer, Director of Operations at Blessed Homecare LLC hired Becky as a DSP a few years ago and said since Becky joined the team, she has been a wonderful part of not only the individuals that she works with lives, but her fellow co-workers too.
«She is creative, caring, fun and dedicated to making everyone have a positive life,» Lisa said. «Her story began when volunteering at her church to assist with the Tim Tebow Night To Shine. She worked as a special education teacher and then fate sent her to me. The friends she works with say that she is an important part of their life. For me she is someone that will step up whenever needed and gives 100 percent to anything asked. I would love to see her get community recognition, because I don’t think she realizes how valuable she is to so many! Oh, and did I mention, she’s a wonderful cook!»
Becky said she has had so many special memories while being a DSP, but two of her favorites was with one of her clients and the Tim Tebow Night to Shine event.
«I began working with a young woman who didn’t have a ‘community,’ Becky said. «She worked and stayed at home had no social life. When I began taking her out, she was quite reserved and quiet. She didn’t want to participate in our group activities like game night and bowling. Then I began taking her out with one other client. They clicked. Then we hooked up with another DSP and her client and the three became thick as thieves. Soon she was asking to participate in the group activities. It is a joy to see her with her new friends and watch her personality blossom!»
Becky said the Tim Tebow Night to shine event means so much to her that she can’t wait for each February when she gets to attend with her current clients.
«It’s my favorite night of the year,» Becky said. «When I ran my first Tim Tebow Night to Shine event my favorite was pairing up individuals with DD folks. For many it’s the first time most of them have interacted directly with an adult with DD. Most were apprehensive and very nervous. But after the event I got notes, emails, and phone calls from so many who were partnered with one of our guests! They had such a great time and couldn’t wait to do it again. It really broadened their world! This event really is significant on many levels. First, it provides a wonderful venue for adults with DD to shine. Many have never experienced a night where they were the ‘king’ or ‘queen’ for the evening. It builds self-esteem, provides opportunities for networking, and provides a level playing field for DD and non-DD people to become friends.»
Do you know an amazing DSP who deserves to be recognized for everything they do? Nominate them below! Nominations for January’s DSP of the Month are due by Friday, January 3.