Recognizing Our ARRM Cares Award Nominees
Learn more about who was nominated this year for this year's award!
Happy Direct Support Professional Week!!
Let's finish out the week by recognizing several direct care staff who stood out this year! We nominated three of our DSPs for the ARRM Cares Award, a special recognition award from our trade association, ARRM.
The ARRM Cares Award recognizes professionals in the disability community who provide excellent direct care and demonstrate a commitment to quality services. Learn more about our 2024 nominees below. This is just a snippet of their nominations. To read their full nominations, click on their name below.
Barb Simm – Foss House
Years of Service: 28
"Barb has worked at Phoenix on and off throughout the years since 1996. It’s fair to say that she’s met many caring individuals over the years, but there’s one she built a special bond with many years ago.
She first met this individual while working at another disability provider. The two instantly became best friends! As time passed, their relationship grew even stronger when she started working 1-on-1 with him. They grew to understand each other, like no one else could. So much so that when this individual moved out of the other provider, Barb requested to continue working with him—even if that meant going to another provider. She had built such a strong bond with him; she didn’t want him to lose that connection!
...Barb happily worked with him 1-on-1 for several more months, helping him live a fulfilling life while he navigated his newly diagnosed dementia prognosis. Ultimately, he did pass away several months later, but his legacy still lives on with Barb and everyone who worked with him!"
Samantha Summy – Suburban House
Years of Service: 16
"Samantha has been a staple at our Suburban House for many years—working at the same Phoenix home for 16 years. So naturally, we call on her to provide training to new employees. She always trains on the best way to complete a task, but also adds personalized touches that she knows the individuals prefer.
...Samantha is always suggesting creative ways to support the individuals in their natural environment. Recently, we had a new individual move into the home Samantha works at. Samantha has been instrumental in helping him find ways to get comfortable with the transition. She suggested many options, including adding pegboards, calendars, and getting him comfortable in the bathroom.
She is an advocate for all individuals and has very good communication with the guardians and families at the home. You can always rely on Sammy to give a smile when someone walks through the door, and she’s always the first one to offer them a drink or snack."
Patty Mader – Drexel Court
Years of Service: 14
"Patty has only been at Phoenix a year, but has certainly made an impression! Right from the beginning, she stepped up and took ownership of her position.
...Patty sincerely wants us to do well, and she’ll do everything she can to make that happen. Shortly after starting, she reached out independently to ask about raising money for our Made in the Shade 5K walk—even reaching out to her own friends and family asking for donations to support her house.
She’s always bringing the individuals on community outings, especially Phoenix-wide events, like our Made in the Shade 5K walk, Bingo Night, and the Holiday Party."
Although we didn’t win the award, their nominations alone illustrate the amazing work they’re doing! Please take the time to thank these individuals and congratulate them on their nomination!
If you’d like to nominate a DSP for the 2025 awards, please contact Jackie Larson at 651-294-7964 or via email at jlarson@phoenixresidence.org