Appreciating Direct Support Professionals

Every September, we pause to recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). September 7–13, we join the national celebration of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, honoring the people whose support helps people with disabilities in living full, authentic, and self-directed lives.

DSPs provide care for many of the people Nonotuck supports. They can take on tasks big and small, helping with personal care, meals, mobility, and other needs, all while fostering personal growth. They provide companionship and stability, and ensure that each person is safe, supported, and empowered. 

Beyond the home, DSPs help people engage in community life—whether through employment, volunteering, recreation, or simply enjoying the rhythms of everyday life.

DSPs help foster friendships, support meaningful employment, and open doors to opportunities that enrich lives. In the words of our guiding principles, they provide continuity, stability and consistency that allows people receiving services to feel secure and supported.

At Nonotuck Resource Associates, DSP’s support our mission—to provide people with the opportunity to live genuine lives in homes and communities.  They are a steady presence that provides their support that’s grounded in respect, love, and interdependence. Their work is also profoundly reciprocal. At Nonotuck, we embrace the belief that care is not one-sided—it is a relationship of interdependence. The relationships formed are rooted in mutual respect and shared humanity.

At Nonotuck, we are proud to stand with our DSPs, today and every day. We thank them for their commitment and their willingness to bring love and respect into the lives of others.

Because when we celebrate DSPs, we are really celebrating the very best of our communities: care, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves to live an authentic life surrounded by love.