Vinita resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Rose Marie Lauchner was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25th and 26 in Norman. Lauchner has worked for the Home of Hope, Inc. in Vinita at the same group home for the last 25 years.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division sponsors the awards to honor outstanding direct care professionals around the state. 

Division Director James Nicholson says the purpose of the awards is to honor those who support people with developmental disabilities by becoming as independent as possible,” said Nicholson.

“Oklahoma is committed to assisting people with developmental disabilities find competitive jobs and become working taxpayers. In fact, we are one of the top two states in integrated employment in the country.” Nicholson explained that success for people with developmental disabilities is directly related to the care, skills and attention provided by these professionals.

Lauchner was nominated for the award by Alice Nall, her supervisor. “Rose Marie has led by example and encourages top performances from all of the men in the group home, some of who have lived there as long as she has. Each man know that even in retirement, Rose Marie will always be there for them, whether to sew on a button, bake a birthday cake or ensuring that all of them are included in all community events.

Lauchner was also chosen as one of the “Best of the Best” among the award winners and was featured in a video story which was shown at the ceremony.  

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Rose Marie Lauchner (left) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services and the Best-of-the-Best Award from James Nicholson, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.