Jonathan Addo

Dear Jonathan,

Walt Disney, an infamous creator of magical moments said “When you believe in something, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”  Close your eyes and think about something that you believe in that much, that passionately. How does it feel?

Now, open your eyes, because today is our lucky day and  look right here at Jonathan Addo, another creator of magical moments, a Direct Support Professional in SPIN’s Home and Community Habilitation services who believes in people so strongly and is turning magical moments into personal outcome achievements through fun, individualized, innovative and meaningful ways.  Jonathan is truly changing lives one day at a time. 

Jonathan, December 3, 2013 was SPIN’s lucky day when you joined our SPIN family and immediately began sharing your gifts and talents with the people and families who you support. I remember Andrea Consigny, Laura Parisi and Christine Taub, your supervisors and nominators, bragging about this incredible employee who demonstrated SPIN’s Pillars in all his actions and interactions. They spoke of you as a superhero and I couldn’t wait to meet you. Very early on in your employment, you were presented with a huge challenge while supporting someone in their home. You recognized that this man was not happy or respected in his home environment. Concerned for this man’s health and safety, you took immediate and appropriate action to bring necessary attention to the situation. Most importantly, you ensured that this man’s dignity was respected by all, most importantly himself.  He moved into a SPIN home and has enjoyed his comfortable, pleasant and safe environment. He has developed relationships and will hopefully very soon move in with a wonderful family through SPIN’s Lifesharing.

Andrea, Laura and Christine shared in your nomination the many ways that you live SPIN’s Pillars and here are just a few incredible examples: 

People First: When you first began working with JJ, he was a young man with a dream to move out of his parents’ home, but JJ lacked the skills needed for this next step.  Together, you began working on his independence in little ways such as creating a morning routine. JJ would wake up each morning, make his bed, clean his room and begin doing laundry. These may seem like small tasks, but to JJ, they are instrumental to his goal of living on his own.  You worked with JJ to complete these tasks each day even when JJ would have preferred to watch TV.  This structure gave JJ confidence to complete these tasks even when you’re not around.  JJ’s mother commented that she woke up one morning to JJ sorting and doing his laundry, a task she had never seen him complete independently before. Michael, JJ’s friend, also wants to move out of his parents’ home someday. You used your talents to teach Michael to cook, ensuring quality outcomes for Michael’s wellness. Michael has learned to make salmon, vegetables, pasta and other healthy options for his family. You love to go bowling together every weekend. Michael is learning to develop healthy relationships, mentoring Michael to initiate conversations and utilize appropriate social etiquette. You have even helped Michael to work up the courage to talk to a girl he likes! Your belief and support is aiding in these men to reach their goal of living independently in the community.

Performance Excellence: You know the importance of family support in a happy, meaningful life. When you found out that Lloyd was missing family involvement, you took action. Together, you researched Lloyd’s family members and began contacting them. Lloyd was able to spend valuable time with his sister, who he hadn’t seen in many years. With Lloyd’s consent you took photos to help them document this very special day!

Productivity: You utilize your talents and use technology to help those you support document their progress toward their personal outcomes. Many times, it can be difficult for those we support to articulate their experiences. By photographing and videotaping their time together and progress, you have helped each person build a personal visual portfolio that they can share with their team. This ensures that families and support team members are not only informed but also involved in each person’s progress and accomplishments!

Professionalism: Jonathan, you take an individualized approach with each person you support. You take the time to get to know each person and their family to build a trusting relationship. JJ’s parents took their first vacation away from their son this year. With evening and overnight support from their family and daytime support from you, JJ’s parents were able to confidently leave the country for over a week and enjoy much needed time together. 

Jonathan, on behalf of SPIN’s Corporate Board, the SPIN Management Team, your fellow colleagues and most importantly the individuals and families who you support to live a life of possibilities, we recognize and congratulate you as a most deserving Employee of the Month for December, 2014. We so greatly appreciate your passionate dedication, positive energy and overall leadership. But above all else, you are a true example to all of us, eyes wide open, and we thank you for creating magical moments as you believe in everything and everyone so implicitly and unquestionably.   

With Deepest Appreciation and Congratulations,

Judith Dotzman
Executive Director