Program Counselor Greg Brown Impresses Many With His Smile and Dedication!

Program Counselor for the

Supportive Living Services Program, Greg Brown 

was one of three nominees from Marrakech for

ANCOR's 2015 DSP Recognition Award!

 

 

This national, annual award recognizes the best of the Direct Support Professional workforce and, at the same time, raises awareness of the devotion, professionalism and quality supports DSPs provide in their daily work. Most people are not aware of the vital role DSPs play in their communities; and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR)'s National Advocacy Campaign is out to change that.

We congratulate Greg and thank him for his dedication and the awesome job he is doing with the folks he supports at Marrakech!  It is clear to us how much he has had a positive effect on them over the 18 years he has been a part of the Marrakech family!

Here is information from Greg’s nomination:

What are some of the activity/accomplishments Greg has done to assist the individuals supported to achieve person-centered positive outcomes?  

Living in downtown New Haven was a challenge for KH who lives with some physical disabilities and uses a wheelchair.  In the 18 years Greg has worked with KH, he has helped him to become more self-sufficient so he is able to venture out in his community more independently.  Greg worked with KH over and over, practicing and teaching him how to push the crosswalk button so that he could cross the street safely to go to the corner store for milk. He was consistent in encouraging him to propel himself in the wheelchair, where KH used to wait for his staff to push him everywhere.  When he would purchases an item at a store, Greg taught him to count out his change to make sure that he received the correct amount back.  KH says that he would not be the same man if he didn’t have Greg.

 

Describe the relationships Greg has developed with the people he supports.

 

Greg has worked with KH and DF for 18 years.  In those years he has impressed many managers with his advocacy, support and compassion with the individuals he works with, that many times over the years he has been offered management positions as they have come up in the agency. Greg has considered the promotion because the financial increase would improve his life, however, what he gains from his relationships with DF and KH have always outweighed the financial gain and he has turned the offers down. Working with the individuals has always been more important to him.  KH says, “He is like my brother. He’s always happy and always grinning and makes me happy. You got the whole thing right there…he makes me happy”.

 

What are some examples of how Greg has advocated or affected change with and/or on behalf of people with disabilities?

 

KH distanced himself from family over the years because he felt they were taking advantage of him. He is proud to be his own legal guardian. Recently, a family member began calling him repeatedly, requesting a key to his apartment, telling him that he was unable to care for himself and threatening to take him to court to become his guardian.  KH became agitated with the calls and told the supervisor of the program. The next day, he called back; “You don’t need to worry about it”, he said “Greg took care of it”.  Greg was very upset with the situation, too. “I can’t let anyone upset him like that”, Greg said. “He has high blood pressure and it’s dangerous.  I got on the phone and told them; he is doing great and they need to respect his wishes and stop harassing him”.  KH has not heard back from them. 

 

Describe some of the sacrifices Greg has made in order to be a Direct Support Professional.  

 

Not only has Greg sacrificed by turning down promotions, but he also is determined to do whatever necessary to make sure that KH and DF are safe and happy. Once there was a bad snowstorm and when the regular staff was not able to get in, Greg was asked if he could work the shift. Greg was also snowed in and unable to get his car out of his driveway. When he learned that there was no one else to go in, he figured it out. He bundled up, walked five blocks in the snow to catch a bus, and walked the rest of the way in the snow to their apartment so that they were not alone. He often changes his schedule based on what the guys want to do for activities, and stays past his shift many times so that they would not have to leave activities early.

 

What are some examples of the creativity Greg has shown in individualizing supports and services provided?  

 

KH loves all things hunting and fishing.  He has his own fishing pole and owns a rifle. Greg was able to find a place to take KH to fish that was accessible, but because KH uses a wheelchair, he was never able to go to the shooting range. Greg, although he’s petrified of guns, worked to find a place that accommodated KH’s wheelchair, and arranged for an expert to meet with Greg and KH to supervise and ensure safety and compliance before he shot. Greg also found someone who had a subscription to hunting and fishing magazine and arranged for KH to receive each magazine after they had been read because he knew it was KH’s passion.  When he learned that another employee had venison in their freezer, he encouraged them to donate some to KH because he knew how much it would mean to KH to have some.

 

Select one tenet of the NADSP Code of Ethics and show how Greg exemplifies the chosen ethic.  

 

Anyone who knows Greg would say he exemplifies all of these tenets of the Code, but they would also all say the “person-centered support” tenet of the code is what Greg is all about.  One manager said that she thought Greg invented the practice, since that is what he has provided and personified since day one, eighteen years ago.  KH says that Greg asks him what he wants to do, doesn’t tell him, except “somehow he gets me to eat my vegetables”! Greg is very modest about this because he says it’s not a choice that he consciously makes; it just is the way it needs to be. It’s why he’s here. It’s what he does. He says that he just helps the individuals make their way of living more comfortable, safe and happy for them. That’s it.

 

Each nomination should also include an affirmation letter or statement from the person(s) served and/or a family member.

 

Letter of support for Greg Brown, dictated by one of the individuals he supports.

 

My name is DF and Greg has worked with me and my roommate KH for a long time. He is important to me because sometimes we do things that are fun, interesting and different and we work together to improve my quality and well being of life. Greg takes his time to explain things that are important in my life that I want to work on and improve. Greg has fixed many meals that are healthy for my dietary needs… I am a diabetic.  If other people saw what food he makes me that they would also want it too! Greg sometimes gives me good tips on some areas to improve my way of living and for that I am grateful.  He is very important to me.  As long as I have known Greg there has been nobody that could ever replace him.