Tulsa resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Jolisa Long of Tulsa was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held April 25th and 26 in Norman. Long is a supervisor with Central State Community Services in Tulsa. She works at two family homes with individuals who have developmental disabilities.

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.

Long was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Kay Motley. “Jolisa’s energetic personality is contagious. She’s taught one of the individuals she supports how to cook well balanced meals for her family, administer the proper medications to her children and maintain a clean, stable household. Now the children are able to enjoy school without behavioral issues and the family can experience life in the community,” said Motley.

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Jolisa Long (left) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from James Nicholson, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.