Oklahoma City resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Alice Bowdish was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held March 5 and 6 in Norman. Bowdish works for Central State Community Services Oklahoma, Inc., in Oklahoma City as a Direct Support Professional Supervisor. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services 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.”

Bowdish supervises a home where three women live in Shawnee and has worked in this field for more than 17 years. She was nominated by her Supervisor Sandra Eakins. “Everything Alice does works toward the goal of providing a positive living environment for each person and a positive work environment for the staff. She encourages each individual to try new tasks that they may not have attempted before,” explained Eakins.

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