Oklahoma City resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Carol Honea was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held March 5 and 6 in Norman. Honea works for Volunteers of America in Oklahoma City. 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.”

Honea is a Habilitation Training Specialist and has worked for over 20 years with a woman who requires total care and is non-verbal. Honea plays a very active role in her life as well as the individual’s family, participating in meetings, home visits, and therapy appointments and supporting her activity in the community.

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