Arc Services Staff Member receives the Arc of NC Direct Support Professional of the Year Award

Debbie Holt was the recipient of the Arc of NC Direct Support Professional of the Year Award. This award was presented at the Arc’s Convention on Friday, September 8, 2006. There to share in the presentation were her family, friends, fellow staff and the young woman she supports. 

Although Debbie has been employed less than two years, she is an inspiration to everyone who works with her. She is always reaching for something more to expand her experience and since joining the Arc family she has made a huge difference in one woman’s life. When Debbie met Beverly, Beverly was living in a group home and hated it. She wanted to move to her own apartment, but everyone had told her that impossible. Debbie believed in Beverly and began to make things happen. 

First she helped Beverly determine what skills she would need to live alone in the community, and then helped Beverly learn those skills. The next hurdle was funding. Debbie pushed and pushed until the necessary funding was granted so that Beverly could move into the community. Debbie was an integral part of that move and continued to have creative ideas and be supportive. She assisted Beverly in arranging Physical Therapy to improve the manual dexterity of her hands. Debbie has spent many hours helping get the new apartment “just right” by Beverly’s standards. This is particularly important for Beverly because not only does she have cognitive limitations, but is also blind. 

Debbie assisted Beverly in budgeting her money so that she could save for as specialized computer for her new apartment. She is also assisting her to save for her own washer and dryer so Beverly will be able to eliminate those trips to the laundromat. 

A long term dream of Beverly’s is to go to college. Recently, Beverly told Debbie that she was ready to try. Debbie has assisted Beverly in getting all of the pre-requirements completed so that she could realize her life long dream-to enroll in our local community college. Debbie’s dedication has been a blessing to Beverly. Beverly is truly happy with her new independent life! Debbie has indeed supported Beverly in reaching her dreams. Debbie’s accomplishments made her the ideal recipient for the Arc of NC Direct Support Professional of the Year Award.