Oklahoma City resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Julius Reggens was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held March 5 and 6 in Norman. Reggens works for Fretzpark Homes, Inc. 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.”

Reggens is a House Manager for three men whose faces light up when he enters the room. He was nominated by Fretzpark Homes CEO Kelly Silva who says Reggens take great care to work with staff, doctors, psychologists and all professionals to ensure that the men receive the best out of each service provided. “Although none of the men are verbal, he has found a way to communicate effectively with them and is very in tune with their needs and wants. Julius makes sure they live in a safe environment and enjoy life to the fullest,” explained Silva.

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Julius Reggens (left) accepts the Award of Excellence from JoAnne Goin, Director, Developmental Disabilities Services Division, Oklahoma Department of Human Services.