Trinity’s Vece Honored as Direct Support Professional of the Year
Charlene Vece, one of Trinity Services’ outstanding Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), was named 2023 Illinois DSP of the Year by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).
Charlene began her career with Trinity in 2006. Over the years, Charlene has worked in many different roles within the organization, all with the goal of helping others. Today, Charlene is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who lives full time in a residence taking care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The job is very challenging,” said Charlene in a press release. “However, I love what I do and that makes all the difference. I really enjoy helping others.”
The past couple of years have been especially challenging for Charlene, particularly with the effects of COVID on residential protocols and staffing. This is where Charlene demonstrated her leadership qualities.
While she was working at one home, Charlene heard there was a possibility Trinity might consider closing another home, due to its remote location and the severe staffing shortage brought on by COVID. Upon hearing this, Charlene requested a transfer to that house to assist the staffing crisis and to ensure the men would be able to continue to live in their chosen home. This was just one of the reasons ANCOR chose Charlene for Illinois DSP of the Year honors.
Selected as Illinois DSP of the Year was a bit of a shock for Charlene, who had never experienced anything like this before.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” said Charlene. “It was pretty overwhelming. I was just so excited and surprised I chosen for the honor. If affected me very deeply.”
On April 26, ANCOR presented the award to Charlene. Since 2007, ANCOR has bestowed Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards on those who exemplify excellence in the field of direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Talking with Charlene, you immediately sense the personal joy she receives from helping the people she supports. One of Charlene’s favorite things to do is taking people places and making them happy.
“I have my personal bucket list,” explained Charlene. “The people I support do as well. They have things they want to do and accomplish. My primary goal at Trinity is to help them fulfill their dreams.”
Trinity Services, Inc., founded in 1950, is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that provides the highest quality person-directed services and supports to people with disabilities and mental illness.
For more information, go to trinityservices.org or call (815) 717-3750.
Story and photo courtesy of Trinity Services.