Kingfisher resident wins Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Justin Rousch was honored at the annual Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities held March 5 and 6 in Norman. Rousch works for Center for Family Love in Okarche. 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.”

Rousch has been a job coach for one individual for three years and was nominated by the Center for Family Love’s Director of Vocational Services David Hardin. “Justin’s work with this individual has set the standard for this agency’s entire program,” says Hardin. “Justin interacts with the man’s family daily. Because of his one-on-one work with him, the individual has made amazing improvement in all of his targeted areas. The man he coaches now stays on task, demonstrates much improved communication skills and is almost completely independent at meal time.”

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