Enid Ketina Kerong Honored With a DHS Award of Excellence

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 ResCare Health Care Coordinator Ketina Kerong with an “Award of Excellence” in direct support services.

Kerong was nominated by DDS case manager Jerry Bellar. Bellar describes Kerong as a creative problem-solver and said she is making a positive difference in the lives of three women with developmental disabilities in Enid.

“Ketina listens to the concerns of her client's family members and answers their questions,” Bellar said. “She speaks out for her clients and encourages them to become more independent. She is calm and direct and enjoys having fun with each individual. This is contagious and it creates a mood in the home where all the other staff follows her example."

Kerong has also increased the number of weekly activities so all the housemates are involved in community activities and the women’s guardians feel included in the plans for their individual.

“Staff members, as well as the women’s guardians, have said that these three women have never looked so healthy and happy,” Bellar 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 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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Ketina Kerong, left, accepts an “Award of Excellence” in direct support service from DHS Director Ed Lake.