Darryl Blount

Mar 22, 2017

March 22, 2017

Dear Darryl,

Stephen Covey, the great thought leader said that “The key is taking responsibility and initiative, deciding what your life is about and prioritizing your life around the most important things.”
Here at SPIN the most important things are people and therefore in living SPIN’s Pillars especially People First, we must be fully present in all that we do!   Luckily for SPIN, in 2007, a Direct Support Professional joined our team and began to show us what this really looks like, sounds like, feels like.  This extraordinary DSP is Darryl Blount who has been a dedicated SPIN employee and changing lives all along the way.

Darryl, your incredible skill set is widely recognized and known and for these reasons and more, you have been identified and hand-selected to help open new homes where people have unique and challenging needs. When we opened the Aberdale home a little over a year ago, you were one of the first DSPs to initiate your commitment to these men. In fact, you were the only existing SPIN DSP you as you brought a great deal of experience, wisdom and enthusiasm to your role.

Darryl, as the veteran of the team of all new DSPs, you quickly understood and began mentoring the new DSPs to understand SPIN’s culture, values, mission and Four Pillars. Your incredible work ethic and infectious attitude is critical to the positive spirit that is brought in the home.

Richard, your nominator and one of the leaders of your fan club says “Darryl displays an amazing level of flexibility, drive and compassion for the exemplary work that he does. Darryl is always at the ready and can be counted on to support the changing needs of the individuals that he supports.  He helps Chris, Max and Bobby live meaningful, exciting everyday lives: in the pursuit of a life full of possibilities. Darryl coaches his teammates/coworkers, encouraging them to do more and expand their comfort zones. He actively engages in all house meetings and trainings while offering his insight and leading the way for the team at Aberdale.”

A great example of your innovation, initiative and leadership is how you advocated for a communication support session to identify augmentative communication options to give Chris a voice and choice in his interactions with those who are not familiar with his gestures. You and the team collected pictures of Chris’ favorite places, foods and people so that he had realistic communication aids to use. This opened doors for Chris to enable him to truly have and make choices.  In addition, you are supporting the men to live a healthy lifestyle by supporting Chris to take walks in his neighborhood and use the basement gym that the two of you set up and you both have been seeing results from your exercise efforts over the past 3 months. You have been engaging Bobby, exploring new interests, when he isn’t at work at Giant. You assure that the men are discovering and engaging in meaningful activity. Your team spirit is infectious and creates an environment for all that is filled with joy, hope and belief in all that is possible for everyone!

Richard let us know that he recently received a call from Max’s mother. She wanted to tell Richard what a wonderful job you have been doing with her son and to share her appreciation. She shared that you communicate very professionally and effectively with families as you communicate with family members on a regular basis due to your commitment to develop strong, positive relationships with families and to deliver person centered supports. You have shared with team members that your own personal experiences supporting your son has made communication and reassuring families your priority. Your SPIN family appreciates your family focus so very much.

Darryl, your commitment to excellence is an example to all.  On behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN’s management team, your Aberdale team colleagues and most importantly, Chris, Max, Bobby and their families, I am pleased and proud to present to you this most deserving Employee of the Month. Award for February, 2017.  Thank you for making the key to your success, taking responsibility and initiative, deciding what your life is about and prioritizing your life around the most important things - people.

With Deepest Congratulations and Appreciation,

Judith Dotzman
Executive Director