Submitted By: Trina Sieling, Director of Staff Development, Trinity Services, Inc.
The Lillie Leapit Award recognizes an employee’s outstanding performance or exceptional behavior related to Trinity’s 10 Core Values. Trinity’s year-round recognition program is based on our initiative’s mascot – a frog named Lillie Leapit.
Any staff member, whether they are a DSP or the CEO, can nominate any fellow employee, but the majority of the awards recognize DSPs. The initial award for a DSP is a desk pond, which is similar to a Zen desk garden. Subsequent awards include “add-ons” for the ponds, which are miniatures of anything pond-related such as lily pads, turtles, flowers, etc.
The Lillie Leapit Award program boosts morale, gives staff a sense of pride, and encourages them to give their best every day. When DSPs receive a Lillie Leapit Award, they feel that their accomplishments are recognized and that they truly are appreciated.
“I feel so accomplished. I am grateful that my efforts have been noticed. I feel very rewarded and I’m glad that I’m able to help others.”
Hamed Lawal, Trinity Services, Inc.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to forego handing out the awards in-person. We now record a virtual message for each recipient which is emailed to them along with the nominator and the nominee’s supervisors. The awards and certificates are delivered to departments and handed out individually.
Steps To Implement A Similar DSP Program
- Identify target behavior to be nominated
- Choose person to champion the project
- Create nomination form
- Select gift(s) for the recipients
- Create a certificate
- Implement delivery strategy (in person w/mascot, virtually, etc.)
- Recognize recipients on social media, television screens in main office, feature in organization newsletter
If your organization would like to develop a similar program, you can contact Trina Sieling.
About Trinity Services, Inc.
Trinity serves more than 3,500 adults and children who have intellectual/developmental disabilities or mental health needs. Trinity’s mission to help people flourish is at the heart of all it offers, including residential services, numerous community day services, employment services, a school, therapeutic horseback riding, respite services, a recreation center, a range of therapeutic services, and more. Services are provided in more than 30 Illinois communities in the Southwest, Northwest and Western Suburbs of Chicago, as well as Southern and Central Illinois.
2020 National DSP Recognition Week
For 2020 National DSP Recognition Week, NADSP and CQL are sharing specific organization-wide initiatives that lift up and bolster direct support professionals (DSPs) throughout the entire year. These include significant, long-lasting, and meaningful actions that have far-reaching effects on DSPs. By sharing these initiatives, other human service providers can both learn about and replicate these efforts to build up the DSP workforce. This is also an opportunity to highlight the programs your organization has developed to strengthen DSPs.
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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.
The Lillie Leapit Awards Make A Splash At Trinity Services, Inc.