Easter Seals UCP Employee to Receive ANCOR State Direct Support Professional Award
Posted by 8/27/10 in Press Releases
Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia respite care employee, Felicia Haywood, will receive the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) State Direct Support Professional of the Year award on September 13th at a special awards dinner in Washington, D.C.
The ANCOR State Direct Support Professional of the Year award is judged on the following criteria: effectiveness in building social networks, meaningful and productive participation in the community for the people they serve and advocating or effecting change on behalf of people with disabilities.
"When Easter Seals UCP notified me that I was receiving this award, I was humbled," said Felicia Haywood. "I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to receive this award and while I appreciate the recognition, the real message is how important it is to care for others – your heart receives the biggest gift of all."
Felicia Haywood was employed with Easter Seals UCP for 2.5 years providing respite care services in the Charlotte area. Haywood is the recipient of this esteemed award thanks to the above and beyond care she provided one young woman and the significant impact she made on her life.
The young woman, who has mental retardation, was living in a difficult home environment and was not receiving the proper care to help her progress in life. Withdrawn and suffering from low self esteem and lack of life skills, Haywood provided this young woman with personal care services and helped her to engage and connect with her community.
Despite being paid for only 13 hours a week, Haywood found herself spending additional time with her client even though the extra time was unpaid. Personal care services were consequently cut due to state budget pains, but even without pay, Haywood continued to provide direct support services to the young woman. When the young woman's father and primary caregiver passed away, Haywood continued to go above and beyond to make sure that her client was given the support she needed – even staying with Haywood in her home.
Today, at the request of this young woman, she is now living with Haywood and a part of her family. Since their first meeting, the young woman has more self confidence, is able to speak comfortably with others and to big groups and has her own job. Thanks to Haywood, this young woman has grown more in the past 2.5 years than her previous 20 years.
"Witnessing the passion and personal responsibility Felicia held as a respite services provider for Easter Seals UCP, I was not at all surprised to see how she managed the care of this special young woman," said Elizabeth Hill, Individual Community Support supervisor for Easter Seals UCP. "The gift was watching the difference and significant positive impact she made and continues to make in her life. I am so incredibly proud that Felicia is receiving this truly deserved award on behalf of our state."
About ANCOR
The American Network of Community Options and Resources is the premier national association representing more than 850 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 385,000 individuals with disabilities. As a nonprofit organization, ANCOR successfully addresses the needs and interests of private providers before Congress and federal agencies, continually advocating for the crucial role private providers play in enhancing and supporting the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Raleigh, NC-based Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 17,500 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.nc.eastersealsucp.com.
Contacts
Elizabeth Hill
elizabeth.hill@nc.eastersealsucp.com
2 Comments
Felicia Haywood said on 9/7/10 at 9/7/10
“Can’t Keep a Good Woman Down”
Felicia Haywood said on 9/7/10 at 9/7/10
I am so Blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with Melanie. Not only have I made a difference in her life she has also made a difference in mine!!! Thank you Easter Seals and a SPECIAL THANK YOU TO LIZ HILL!!!!