Oklahoma City Sunny Fokum Honored With an Award of Excellence in Direct Support Services

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) held its 28th Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities recently in Norman. During the awards ceremony, DHS recognized We Care LLC’s Habilitation Training Specialist/Back-up House Manager Sunny Fokum of Oklahoma City with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Fokum was nominated by We Care LLC’s Program Coordinator Chaketa Njifunuh. She said she nominated Fokum because he provides excellent service to his client with developmental disabilities and is considered a role model.

“He exemplifies the service worker industry and makes every effort to do the best he can at all times,” Njifunuh said. “Sunny has worked with an individual on a one-on-one basis for five years. The boy has accomplished a lot due to Sunny’s hard work and efforts.”

Njifunuh said Fokum ensures that his client learns lessons that will make him more independent and self-sufficient.

“Sunny makes sure his client is treated equally in the community and often takes him to parks, the zoo and other community activities,” she said. “He also encourages him to play the piano and has assisted his client in gaining employment. Even when he’s not getting paid, he goes to check on the group home where his client lives with several roommates.

“He has really set an example for our agency and is dedicated to the welfare of those we serve,” she said.

A direct support service professional is someone who works as a direct care worker for individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. These workers can include habilitation training specialists, job coaches and group home staff, as well as habilitation aides, workshop staff, and agency companions or as specialized foster parents.

The criteria for winning an Award of Excellence focuses on a nominee’s tenure, experience, relationship to the individual(s) and the families they support, leadership, advocacy and their success in supporting people to be included in the community. “Our award winners say they absolutely cherish the people they serve,” said JoAnne Goin, director, DDS. “They’re practical, determined and compassionate folks who treat their individuals like dear friends and family, all the while encouraging and teaching them how to become more independent members in the communities where they work and live.

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 Sunny Fokum accepts an “Award of Excellence” from DHS Director Ed Lake.