ARRM Cares Award Winner
7 Years of Service
Drew is a skilled advocate. While working with one of his clients, Drew learned about PWs need for services. PW had been working with a different provider, who was forced to suspend services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drew’s current client facilitated a connection with PW, and Drew was able to work with PW, PW’s case manager, and the other provider, to figure out a way that MORA could serve PW. This enabled PW to continue receiving important services and gave the other provider some much needed flexibility to resume their services when able to safely do so. Shortly after beginning work with PW, Drew became aware of PW’s dream to move to a new apartment in a neighboring city. PW was on a waitlist at a new building and when his name came up, Drew was there to help with all steps of the process. Drew worked with PW to go through all his belongings and get rid of items he no longer wanted or needed. He worked alongside PW packing things up. And, after movers got all of PW’s things into the new place, Drew helped PW begin the process of unpacking and setting up his new digs.
Drew is a mentor to other DSPs by modeling excellence. This is reflected in his relationship skills, good work habits, organizational skills, and adhering to a high standard of professional conduct. Drew has worked as a Program Coordinator for the In-Home department at Mount Olivet Rolling Acres for 7 years. During that time, he has built positive and trusting relationships with his team. Staff look up to Drew as a mentor and come to him to brainstorm ideas. Client teams see him as playing an instrumental role in individuals’ lives and rely on his guidance, expertise, and skills. Drew has a naturally calm demeanor that is reassuring to clients and staff alike. When service modifications are needed, Drew stays positive and responsive, looking for creative ways to adjust services. Drew helped clients find new preferred activities at home, learn new games, spend time outdoors and access online opportunities to connect with peers. Drew always puts his best foot forward and the clients he works with are at the center of everything he does at MORA.
Drew is willing to connect to others who might need his support, sense of humor, and compassion, even those he no longer works with directly. Drew’s genuine kindness and attention is often in high demand. Over the years, Drew cared for clients who have transitioned from In-Home Services to group home living. Sometimes clients who moved needed comfort and reconnection. Drew has made space to Facetime with clients who miss him and need some friendly connection. Throughout the COVID pandemic, Drew worked to help his clients maintain friendships and familial relationships. He encouraged virtual communications. He helped plan several safe, socially distanced events, including a summer picnic and pumpkin party. Drew used his own network to secure a donation of pumpkins for the pumpkin party, so all clients who attended got a pumpkin to carve in addition to goodie bags and fun fall treats. Drew has gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic. When JW had an emergency with her cat, Drew was there to help her seek out a veterinarian and access that care. Despite this being outside the scope of services, Drew took charge and helped and made this experience less stressful for JW and her kitty.