Submitted By: Samantha Rodonis, AHRC Nassau
Chelcie Jacobs works as a Direct Support Professional for AHRC Nassau, a human services organization that provides person-centered supports to over 2,200 people throughout Nassau County, empowering them to live fulfilling lives together with family, friends, and community. AHRC Nassau has also achieved CQL’s Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation With Distinction.
Nefertiti, who receives supports through AHRC Nassau, took part in a Personal Outcome Measures® interview not too long after she started in the organization’s ‘Without Walls’ program in Freeport, NY. One of the goals that came out of Nefertiti’s interview, involved Personal Outcome Measures® indicators of people have friends and people perform different social roles.
Chelcie was able to use the information gathered from Nefertit’s Personal Outcome Measures® interview to understand that Nefertiti was a bit shy and desired some assistance in feeling more comfortable around other people. Chelcie learned that Nefertiti wanted to initiate friendships with people, but needed support to overcome her shyness.
Chelcie discovered that Nefertiti enjoyed dancing and took this as an opportunity to connect Nefertiti with others who shared that same passion for dance. Chelcie, who also happened to be a dance major in school, was able to choreograph a dance routine for a talent show that was being held at the organization. Nefertiti immediately signed up to participate as did other people in the program.
Through many rehearsals, Nefertiti got to know the other performers well and developed many new friendships. She started to eat lunch with them, and they soon exchanged phone numbers.
Nefertiti is all smiles these days! She has developed many positive relationships with her new friends and is also currently dating someone in her program. She now openly talks with people and her shyness has gradually gone away.
Chelcie has been an asset to AHRC Nassau, by showing genuine interest in the people she supports and continuing to help people work towards their personally-defined outcomes!
2019 National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
This article is part of a campaign during the 2019 National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, to acknowledge Direct Support Professionals who are demonstrating excellence through the use of CQL’s Personal Outcome Measures® and/or NADSP’s Code of Ethics/Competency Areas. This campaign was developed through a partnership between CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership, The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), and The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).
Chelcie Jacobs: Dancing Away Shyness