Jerry Spivey Honored With 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 Renaissance Management Staff Agency Companion Jerry Spivey with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Spivey was nominated by Renaissance Management Staff Agency’s Peach McVay who stated that Spivey has worked for the provider since 2004 in a variety of positions, but wanted to make a difference in a client’s life and became an agency companion in 2006 in a companion home in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

“His first placement was a young boy who came to live in the home in December of that year," said McVay. "It was a wonderful situation and Jerry officially adopted the child in September 2008 as his son. In October 2008, another boy came to live in the home and has been there for more than five years.

“Jerry was also a placement resource for another little boy, who he adopted in January 2011. Jerry has continually been involved in the disability community and has sought out resources to help all three children. He instills in them that they can do everything as independently as possible.”

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 folk 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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