CENTER MORICHES — CSEA Long Island DDSO/Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center Local member Kirk Jones has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities for 20 years.
For his dedication and exceptional work, Jones was recently named one of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Direct Support Professionals of the Year.
Jones, a direct support assistant, works in a residence with individuals who he helps complete everyday tasks such as household duties, attending medical appointments, taking medication and other responsibilities that help them live more independently and fully integrate into the community.
Direct support is a role Jones has been playing since he was a child, when he cared for his grandfather.
“He had Alzheimer’s. My mother would take me to his house, and we would clean his home and talk to him,” said Jones. “Sometimes he wouldn’t remember us, but we were always there to help him.”
Eventually, Jones went on to find fulfillment helping individuals achieve their goals.
“When we go to the store, I help them pay the cashier and count change,” said Jones. “I also help them sound out a word that they may get stuck on when they’re reading. Even if the individual is low functioning, it feels good to see them smile because I know that I have helped them to experience joy.”
His work also led him to his wife, who Jones met when they worked together at one of the state OPWDD homes.
It was a surprise to Jones when he learned he was being honored by OPWDD.
Not one for being the center of attention, the experience was a bit “nerve-wracking” for him. Still, listening to the speakers and seeing other direct support professionals being honored was incredibly inspiring and reassured him that he is doing a good job.
“The best part about what I do is talking to an individual and knowing that they’re happy to have someone there they can talk to and depend on,” said Jones. “That gives me joy, too.”
— Wendi Bowie