Jeanne Baughman Named Iowa DSP of the Year
On May 3, 2017, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) will recognize Jeanne Baughman of Mainstream Living in as the 2017 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Iowa. The award will be presented during a ceremony for Direct Support Professionals from across the nation on May 3rd at ANCOR's 2017 Conference in San Antonio, TX.
Nominees of ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Award are judged on their success in helping people with disabilities build social networks and engage in substantive community participation and for advocating for the people they serve. Baughman was nominated for her dedication, compassion, and creativity in working with a young woman named Kyrie. The support Baughman provided led Kyrie to improved health, better relationships with family and friends, and her eventual enrollment in college classes, a long time dream. In her letter of support, Kyrie noted that Baughman had not simply helped her gain independent living skills, but taught her how to better understand and advocate for her health and education needs and goals. “Jeanne has been a steady presence, like family. I am not afraid to go into the community or be on my own any more.”
In being notified of the honor, Baughman is thankful, but says she is simply doing her job to the best of her ability. “I love this job which why I believe in providing members with the tools to make their dreams come true.” Baughman adds, “I will do whatever it takes to assist members in living a better and more fulfilled life regardless of their disability.”
“Direct Support Professionals are the front-line of our organization, providing critical support, inclusion, and advocacy to persons with disabilities,” said Mainstream Living CEO Bill Vaughn. “Jeanne embodies the spirit of Mainstream’s mission to enhance opportunities, create success, and fulfill dreams. During a time when our industry is experiencing funding challenges and staffing shortages, this is a wonderful honor for both Jeanne and the organization. We are proud that she is a part of the Mainstream Living family,” said Vaughn.
The American Network of Community Options and Resources is a national trade association representing more than 1,200 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 800,000 individuals with disabilities.