Tulsa resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Melvalene Barnett was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held March 5 and 6 in Norman. Barnett works for Central State Community Services Oklahoma, Inc., in Tulsa as a House Supervisor. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Division sponsors the awards to honor outstanding direct care professionals around the state. 

JoAnne Goin, Director, OKDHS Developmental Disabilities Services Division says the purpose of the awards is to honor those who help people with intellectual disabilities integrate into their communities.  

“They work long hours, often at low wages to provide services across many settings," says Goin. "The Direct Support Professionals we honored today have gone the extra mile to serve. They have provided empathic, loving care to meet our highest standards. We honor their commitment and service. They truly represent the Best of the Best in Oklahoma’s system of care for people with intellectual disabilities.”

Barnett has advocated for the people she supports as well as the staff she supervises. In addition to building a strong relationship with the individual’s family that she serves, Barnett sets clear expectations that are easy for the staff to accomplish, and have a powerful effect on the individual’s life. Because of her resourcefulness, she has made a loving, nurturing home for this person.

###

Melvalene Barnett (left) receives an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services from JoAnne Goin, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.