Stephen Schultz

Aug 21, 2012

Dear Steve,

One of the greatest bands of all time, Bread, created a song that will forever describe the importance of relationships, “If a picture paints a thousand words” and the value of these words still stands the test of time. Luckily, our own Steven Schultz has been illustrating people’s lives through his consistent, everyday demonstration of SPIN’s Pillars since his first day of SPIN employment on September 17, 2006. 

Steve, as a proud Direct Support Professional, you immediately showed your incredible focus on people first actions through your innate sense of truly knowing and understanding people, especially Kenny, Hampton and Jason. When these three men were referred for residential services at SPIN, their documentation was filled with the “cant’s, won’ts, and don’ts.”  We knew we needed a people first approach and we were looking for “Right Fit” SPIN employees who saw their uniqueness and developed strong connections with each person based upon intense respect and belief, while realizing their capabilities.  And the rest they say is history!

Steve, you abound with skills and talents and luckily you share them with others through your collaborative approach and strong teamwork ability.  Those that work with you immediately see your strong ability to communicate with all stakeholders.  A quite leader, you support your co-workers and most importantly, greatly influence them through your caring, calm, friendly, professional, positive and respectful attitude and actions.  It is no doubt that your colleagues and supervisors see and depend upon your leadership skills.  Your “Can Do” attitude has supported Kenny, Hampton and Jason to come out of their comfort zone and try new things.

Your nominating team of Mindy Lederhandler, Megan Stalker Forrestal and Tricia Ransom, boast that, “Steve develops activities and initiates natural connections that are meaningful to each man at Large. Steve sees no boundaries with his knowledge of resources in the community; he supports each man to develop and achieve their personal outcomes. Just a few important examples are Ken has visited the Three Stooges Museum, Jason stays connected with his favorite City of Philadelphia and Hampton enjoys an excellent quality of life”.

Steve, those internal and external to SPIN recognize that your dedication and commitment to the organization reaches far and beyond.  In addition to your outstanding direct support service, you generously volunteer your time and amazing talent and photography equipment to market the mission of SPIN. On many of your days off you can be found supporting our Development Department at our 5K, Golf Tournament, or at a program site, using your lens to bring our services to life by taking the pictures that we use to educate others about SPIN’s critical services and supports. You assist in our development of philanthropy by sharing our stories, increasing awareness and contacts and ultimately strengthening our organization person to person.

Steve, through your high performance actions you are an outstanding example of someone who is living SPIN’s Pillars.  On behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN Managers, your colleagues, Hampton, Kenny, Jason and all the people we support and their families, we are so very proud of you and congratulate you on this most deserving Employee of the Month Award for August, 2012.  And most importantly, thank you for sharing our stories and painting more than a thousand words with your life’s lens for all of us to enjoy.

With appreciation and congratulations,

Judith R. Dotzman
Executive Director