J.U. Kevil Memorial Foundation Shows Appreciation For Its DSPs

Posted on September 9, 2026

Submitted By: Emma Henry, Human Resources Manager, J.U. Kevil Memorial Foundation

Throughout the year, J.U. Kevil Memorial Foundation takes time to celebrate and recognize our staff in meaningful ways. Each month, we celebrate staff birthdays with a shared birthday lunch and a special gift for those celebrating. We also host an annual Staff Appreciation Day, where employees are recognized for their hard work and dedication with a shared meal and a gift of appreciation. These celebrations are our way of expressing gratitude for the compassion, commitment, and care our staff provide each day to the people we support and to one another. 

Another way we show appreciation for our staff is by rewarding their hard work and long-term commitment to the organization. When J.U. Kevil reaches its financial goals, we provide bonuses to all staff as a way to celebrate the collective success of our team. We also conduct employee performance reviews and recognize employees who are meeting their goals with hourly pay increases. At J.U. Kevil, there is no maximum limit on how much an employee can earn during their career with our organization. We want our employees to know that their dedication, growth, and contributions are valued. We believe in rewarding those who choose to build a long-term career with us and creating opportunities for our staff to continue growing and succeeding. 

In addition – during Direct Support Professional (DSP) Appreciation Week – DSPs from J.U. Kevil Memorial Foundation come to work each day to find a small gift of appreciation waiting for them as a simple reminder of how much their dedication means to everyone. We finish the week on Friday with a special celebration featuring a shared meal, a larger gift, and heartfelt notes from fellow staff and the people we support.

The Impact Of Our Appreciation Initiatives

These initiatives have positively shaped our organizational culture by increasing staff morale, improving retention, and strengthening engagement across all levels of the organization. Ensuring that every employee feels like a valued part of the organization goes a long way, and it is evident that this has made a meaningful difference at J.U. Kevil. 

By intentionally recognizing DSPs and all staff for their contributions, we have strengthened a culture of appreciation, respect, and connection. Making sure employees receive recognition – regardless of their position – reinforces our commitment to equality and teamwork. It helps create an environment where people feel seen, supported, and motivated in their daily work. 

At J.U. Kevil, everyone is working toward the same purpose: helping people reach their goals and live as independently as possible. This shared mission, combined with a strong culture of recognition, has helped unify our team and deepen pride in the work we do together. 

We have received an immense amount of positive feedback from DSPs. We have had many DSPs approach the administrative team to let us know how much they appreciate and love all of the things we do to make sure they feel valued. Many DSPs work behind the scenes in demanding roles, and this consistent recognition helps affirm that their efforts do not go unnoticed.  

Treating DSPs with respect and kindness helps reinforce their motivation to continue growing and excelling in their roles. Even small acts of appreciation can have a powerful ripple effect, boosting morale, strengthening engagement, and encouraging a continued commitment to providing high-quality support to the people we serve.

Implementing Similar Programs

Other organizations can replicate our efforts by taking the time to understand what makes their DSPs feel appreciated, valued, and respected. It could be anything from DSP of the month recognition to annual celebrations. At J.U. Kevil, the week of appreciation for DSPs has created the most impact. Establishing a consistent culture of recognition demonstrates that the organization genuinely cares about the contributions DSPs make every day. When staff feel valued, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to providing high-quality support to those they serve. 

Here are some quick tips creating an appreciation program at your agency: 

• Plan an annual Staff Appreciation Day with a special meal and a gift to recognize the hard work and dedication of your entire team 
• Look for opportunities throughout the year to recognize staff accomplishments, milestones, and contributions with small gestures of appreciation 
• Determine what is important to your team 
• Find a week out of the year for DSP Week 
• Create small gifts of appreciation for the week (keychains, cups, gift cards, etc.) 
• Ask the people supported and other staff to write notes of appreciation 
• At the end of the week, host a meal for all staff to join in celebration of the DSPs 
• Consider celebrating staff birthdays each month with a shared meal and a small birthday gift 

Challenges You May Encounter

If your organization has a limited budget, it is perfectly fine if the gifts are small or handmade. The purpose behind the gift is what truly matters and your DSPs will love that you took the time to think of them. If you have a busy schedule, it can be difficult to find time to organize the week. Planning ahead and delegating responsibilities amongst the team can help with this issue. 

About J.U. Kevil Memorial Foundation

The mission of J.U. Kevil Center is to help people with disabilities achieve greater independence in life. We strongly believe that few things contribute more to independence than having a paying job and being recognized as a valued part of the community.

You can learn more about J.U. Kevil Memorial Foundation by visiting their website: https://www.jukevil.com/.

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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.