‘Best of CLS’ DSP Recognition Program Grows At Community Living Services, Inc.

Posted on September 2, 2025

In September 2023, CQL featured Community Living Services, Inc. (CLS) for its Best of CLS program, which recognizes and celebrates exemplary direct support professionals (DSPs). Following a nomination period, five to eight DSPs were selected each quarter as the Best of CLS, receiving a gift, certificate, and public recognition. At the end of the year, one of the selected DSPs was chosen as “Employee of the Year.” During National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in 2025, we’re checking in with Community Living Services, Inc. for an update about their Best of CLS program.

Submitted By: Brooke Austin, Executive Director, Community Living Services, Inc.

Since the article was published, the program has grown significantly in both participation and impact. It was originally designed as a way for employees to nominate their fellow co-workers, but last year, we expanded it to include nominations from stakeholders and the people we support. We’ve also seen a steady rise in nominations overall, showing increased engagement and appreciation across the agency.

The Impact Of The Best Of CLS Program

Since the program was first showcased by CQL in September 2023, we have recognized forty-eight direct support professionals as the Best of CLS. This past year, we also introduced Kudos Cash, a new component that rewards all nominees for their exceptional performance with the chance to win cash prizes each quarter. For every nomination that an employee receives, their name gets entered into a drawing where the winners are chosen at random. Since its inception in September 2024, we have awarded twenty-one employees with Kudos Cash. 

CLS employees and the people we support enjoy the opportunity to nominate DSPs, and recipients feel genuinely valued and appreciated. Celebrating these strengths not only highlights the work of exceptional DSPs, but also sets a standard for excellence across the agency resulting in higher quality services for the people we support. Honorees often become inspiring role models, helping to shape and motivate the next generation of DSPs. 

This program not only strengthens team bonds but also fosters a culture of appreciation by encouraging everyone to recognize the unique talents of others. Being acknowledged by both peers and leadership offers lasting validation, builds pride, and motivates DSPs to continue providing the best supports. 

Confronting Challenges

One challenge we’ve faced is the high number of nominations, which is fantastic, but it makes it difficult to formally recognize everyone. To address this, we introduced Kudos Cash (cash prizes) as an additional way to celebrate outstanding DSPs – especially those who have already received the Best of CLS award or were nominated but not selected.  

We work hard to keep the process simple and accessible by offering multiple ways to submit nominations, sending reminders, and promoting it on our website, which has helped encourage continued participation.  

We’ve also had to adapt our approach for Best of CLS recipients who may not be comfortable with public recognition – finding meaningful, individualized ways to celebrate their achievements in a supportive and respectful manner. 

Quick Tips For Implementation

1. Identify DSP traits your organization wants to celebrate 
2. Ensure the system is organized and laid out, keeping documentation of your process so it is implemented consistently 
3. Educate employees so they know what to expect  
4. Seek nominations from employees, people supported, and other stakeholders 
5. Find out how DSPs want to be recognized 
6. Continually publicize the program

About Community Living Services, Inc.

Community Living Services is a licensed, non-profit organization which has been providing individualized community-based support services to persons with disabilities since 1980.

The organization provides a range of training and supportive services designed to assist people and families to live independently in their own homes and apartments. Services are developed to enhance integration and to maximize individuals’ own skills and abilities. All services are individualized and developed based on the specific needs of the person. From periodic general support to 24 hour per day on-going assistance, services are developed to maximize self-esteem, self-sufficiency and integration into the community. 

You can learn more about Community Living Services, Inc. by visiting the organization’s website: https://communitylivingservices.org/ 

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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.