At Community Supports Network (CSN), we know that caregiving is love in action — but it can also be exhausting, emotional, and demanding, leaving no room for self-care. Since November is National Family Caregivers Month, this is the perfect time to recognize the incredible individuals who care for loved ones with disabilities, medical needs, or age-related challenges.
Therefore, this month, in honor of caregivers who give of themselves so much every day, we want to remind everyone of something that’s easy to forget — you deserve care, too.
Between managing appointments, advocating for services, and juggling home and work responsibilities, finding time for yourself can feel impossible. But self-care doesn’t always require hours or big changes — sometimes it’s about small, sustainable moments that help you reset.
Here are a few practical ways to care for yourself, even on the busiest days:
💧 1. Take Micro-Moments of Rest
Even five minutes can make a difference. Step outside for a breath of fresh air, stretch between tasks, or sit quietly with your coffee before the day begins. These small pauses help reduce stress and refocus your energy.
☕ 2. Ask for Help — and Accept It
You don’t have to do it all alone. Let a friend run an errand, ask a family member to step in for an hour, or explore respite options through programs like CSN. Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s an act of strength and sustainability.
🕰️ 3. Simplify Where You Can
Choose shortcuts that lighten your load: order groceries online, set up medication reminders, or plan easy meals for the week. Efficiency is a form of self-care too.
💛 4. Stay Connected
Isolation is one of the hardest parts of caregiving. Join a support group, connect with other families, or reach out to your CSN coordinator for resources. Community makes the journey easier.
🌷 5. Celebrate Yourself
You are doing meaningful, life-changing work — even on the days it doesn’t feel like it. Take a moment to recognize your effort, your love, and your resilience. You are the heart of caregiving.
At CSN, we see you. We honor your strength, your patience, and your commitment to those you love. This National Family Caregivers Month, we encourage every caregiver to take one small step toward caring for themselves, too.
Because when you’re supported, those you care for thrive. 💙
Learn more about our caregiver resources and support programs at www.yourcsn.com.
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe that kindness is more than a single act — it’s a way of being. It shows up in how we listen, how we include, and how we support one another.
Each year on November 13, the world comes together to celebrate World Kindness Day, a global reminder that compassion can transform communities. Whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, or simply taking the time to understand someone’s story, kindness has the power to change the way we live and work together.
💬 Kindness in Action — What It Looks Like at CSN
Kindness is woven into everything we do at CSN. It’s in the patience of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) teaching a new skill. It’s in the encouragement shared between coworkers on a long day. It’s in the empathy shown to caregivers who give so much of themselves.
Every day, we see how small, consistent acts of kindness lead to big outcomes — greater confidence, stronger relationships, and more inclusive communities.
Here are just a few ways kindness shows up across our network:
A DSP takes extra time to help someone practice independence at the grocery store.
A supervisor checks in with a staff member who’s been juggling work and family challenges.
A community partner opens their doors to create more inclusive opportunities for adults with disabilities.
These moments might not make headlines, but they build the foundation of who we are.
🌎 Why Kindness Matters — Especially in Human Services
In the field of disability supports, kindness isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.
It reminds us that everyone deserves respect and patience. It reminds us that progress happens when people feel seen, understood, and valued. And it reminds us that being kind doesn’t just make someone’s day — it strengthens the culture of care that defines CSN.
When we lead with kindness, we create ripple effects that reach far beyond one moment or one person.
💛 How You Can Celebrate World Kindness Day
You don’t need grand gestures to make a difference — start small and start where you are.
Here are a few ideas to bring more kindness into your day: ✅ Send a thank-you note to a coworker, DSP, or caregiver who inspires you. ✅ Offer encouragement to someone who’s having a tough week. ✅ Listen fully when someone shares their story. ✅ Include intentionally — invite others to join in conversations or activities. ✅ Give yourself grace. Self-kindness matters too.
💬 A Message from CSN
At CSN, our work is built on connection — and kindness is at the heart of that connection.
To our team members, families, caregivers, and community partners: thank you for showing what kindness in action looks like every single day. Together, we’re creating a more compassionate, inclusive world — one act of kindness at a time.
✨ Happy World Kindness Day from all of us at Community Supports Network! Let’s keep leading with empathy, patience, and heart — today and every day.
Every day, across New Jersey and across the country, millions of family caregivers are quietly doing the work that keeps families strong. They coordinate medical appointments, advocate at schools, manage medications, provide transportation, help with daily living skills, and offer love, patience, and encouragement through every triumph and challenge.
This month, we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month — a time to recognize the strength, dedication, and resilience of the individuals who care for their loved ones with disabilities, medical needs, or age-related challenges. Their work is invaluable, and too often, it goes unseen.
Caregiving Is Love in Action
Caregivers are parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and friends. They take on responsibilities that are emotionally and physically demanding — often while balancing careers, family life, and financial pressure. They become experts in communication, scheduling, advocacy, calming techniques, medication management, therapy routines, emergencies, and transitions.
And they do all of this not because it’s easy, but because someone they love needs them.
The Weight They Carry — and Why Support Matters
Research shows that caregivers are more likely to experience:
Chronic stress
Exhaustion and sleep disruption
Financial strain
Anxiety or depression
Social isolation
Limited time for self-care
Many have little to no break from caregiving duties. Some don’t have nearby family to support them. Others don’t realize help exists.
That’s why recognition matters. Support matters. Community matters.
Caring for the Caregivers
This month is a reminder that caregivers deserve care, too.
National Family Caregivers Month encourages:
✅ Respite options so families can rest and recharge ✅ Access to mental-health and wellness resources ✅ Training and community support ✅ Financial and policy advocacy ✅ Acknowledgment of the emotional labor caregivers carry every day
At CSN, Caregivers Are Our Partners
Our work is rooted in respect for the individuals we support — and for the caregivers who walk beside them. We see your sacrifices, your dedication, and the love behind every decision. Whether you are navigating services for the first time or have been caregiving for decades, you are a critical part of the community that helps people with disabilities thrive.
We are here for you, too — with connection, resources, and support.
To Every Caregiver:
You matter. The work you do matters. Your love, patience, advocacy, and resilience change lives.
Please take a moment this month to breathe, rest, and remind yourself that you are doing an extraordinary job.
How You Can Support a Caregiver This Month:
Offer to help, even in small ways
Listen without judgment
Check in regularly
Provide space for them to rest
Share resources or respite options
Celebrate their wins — even the small ones
Caregivers shouldn’t have to carry everything alone.
We Honor You
During National Family Caregivers Month, and every month, CSN is grateful for the families who show what love in action looks like. We are proud to support you and walk alongside you on this journey.
If you are a caregiver in need of help, connection, or resources, reach out. We are always here to support you — because caring for you helps support the loved ones you care for.
We are here for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us & visit us at www.yourcsn.com
Why Breaking Down Tasks Matters in Disability Support
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we know that independence doesn’t happen all at once — it’s built one step, one choice, and one moment of trust at a time. This week, while preparing lunch with a client, we were reminded how important that approach truly is.
The individual we were working with assumed we would handle the entire lunch preparation from start to finish, explaining that they don’t typically use the stove. It would have been easy — and faster — to simply step in and prepare everything ourselves. But that would have turned a support opportunity into a missed opportunity. Instead, we looked for moments within the task to build skills and confidence. Even though using the stove wasn’t appropriate for them right now, there were many other steps they could safely take part in. So we shifted our mindset from “doing it for them” to “doing it with them.”
Here’s how we incorporated them into the process: ✅ They helped gather ingredients from the fridge and cabinets. ✅ We discussed each part of the recipe and what tools were needed. ✅ They stirred and mixed ingredients at the counter. ✅ We introduced basic kitchen safety concepts in real time. ✅ They plated the final meal and took ownership of the finished product.
By the end, this wasn’t just “lunch someone made for me.” It became, “lunch I helped prepare.”
How Breaking Down Tasks Helps Build Independence
For many individuals with disabilities, being left out of tasks — even unintentionally — can reinforce the belief that they are dependent rather than capable. When we break down tasks into accessible pieces, we’re not simplifying the process — we’re strengthening it.
Breaking a task into steps helps: ✅ Build confidence through achievable actions. ✅ Support skill development gradually over time. ✅ Reduce fear or anxiety around unfamiliar tasks. ✅ Show individuals that participation is possible, even if full independence isn’t there yet. ✅ Encourage pride, ownership, and self-worth.
It’s a common misconception that being “independent” means doing everything entirely alone. In reality, independence often begins with supported participation. Even being involved in one step can open the door to stronger engagement the next time. This eventually leads to greater independence over time. When a person realizes, “I can do this part,” it shifts the narrative from limitation to possibility.
As DSPs, caregivers, and support professionals, our role isn’t to rush to finish a task — we use that task as a bridge toward growth. That often means slowing down, asking “Where can I include them here?” and celebrating progress at every level. At CSN, we believe that success is not measured by whether someone completes an entire task alone. We see success when they gain confidence, learn something new, or feel empowered to try again.
Next time we approach a daily task with someone we support, we can ask ourselves:
“Am I doing this for them — or with them?” “Is there a step here they can safely try?” “How can we turn this routine moment into a chance to build independence?”
Whether someone stirs ingredients, chooses a topping, or sets the table, these moments are not small. They are stepping stones toward confidence, self-reliance, and pride in their abilities.
At CSN, we don’t just finish tasks — we build futures, one step at a time.
Have you witnessed a moment when breaking a task into smaller steps led to growth or independence? We’d love to hear about it!
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe inclusive spaces do more than open their doors—they open possibilities. When individuals with disabilities are not just welcomed but actively empowered, communities grow stronger, perspectives shift, and the true meaning of belonging comes to life.
Yesterday, we visited I’m Possible Café, a pop-up breakfast café operating inside Seven Scoops & Sips in Pine Brook, NJ — and what we experienced was more than just good coffee. It was community in motion.
A Space Built on Opportunity and Dignity
I’m Possible Café offers adults with disabilities the chance to work, connect, and gain real-world experience in a public-facing environment. From greeting customers to preparing and serving coffee and breakfast items, to actively working as the cashier, each role is filled with purpose and pride.
These moments matter. When individuals are seen for what they can do rather than what others assume they can’t, confidence grows. Skills build. Futures expand. This is the kind of environment that changes lives. Not just for those working there, but for every customer who walks in and sees ability in action.
Why Inclusive Community Spaces Matter
Employment isn’t just about a paycheck — it’s about belonging, identity, and contribution. Far too often, people with disabilities are left out of public-facing workplaces. Not because they are incapable, but because opportunity is withheld.
Spaces like I’m Possible Café flip that narrative. They don’t just provide jobs — they model what equitable employment can and should look like. When customers order a cup of Café Joyeux coffee, they’re not just starting their morning — they’re engaging with a workforce that is talented, capable, and deserving of visibility.
A Community Experience That Feels Like Connection
What struck us most was the energy—warm, welcoming, and filled with genuine joy. Team members weren’t just performing tasks; they were contributing to an environment that felt hopeful and human. You don’t leave this café the same way you entered. You leave more aware. More inspired. More certain that inclusion is not just possible — it’s powerful.
Join Them for the Grand Opening (Saturday, October 25 at 8:00 AM)
The community is invited to celebrate I’m Possible Café’s Grand Opening this Saturday, October 25, starting at 8:00 AM. It’s a perfect moment to show up, enjoy breakfast and Café Joyeux coffee, and cheer on a team making inclusion visible — and delicious.
How to Support I’m Possible Café
If you’re local and looking for a meaningful way to support inclusive employment, stop by, grab breakfast, and share in their mission.
At CSN, our work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow, contribute, and be part of something bigger than themselves. I’m Possible Café reflects that same belief—one cup, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time.
Because inclusion shouldn’t be an exception. It should be the standard.
If you attend the Grand Opening, tag us and I’m Possible Café so we can share your photos and keep the momentum going.
Turning Interests into Skill-Building Opportunities
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we know that progress happens when people feel seen, heard, and motivated. That’s why one of our favorite strategies for promoting growth and independence is simple — but powerful:
👉 Start with what they love.
Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all activity, we lean into each person’s interests to create meaningful, engaging experiences that naturally encourage skill development.
✨ A Real-Life Example from Today
One of our clients loves exploring new places and playing games. She’s curious, energetic, and thrives when there’s a bit of adventure involved. Rather than sticking with a traditional structured activity indoors, her DSP got creative.
Together, they built a community scavenger hunt and took it into local stores around town. 🎯
With a simple list of items to “find,” the activity suddenly became:
✅ A game (which she loves) ✅ A chance to explore different environments ✅ A way to practice navigation and awareness ✅ An opportunity to engage with store staff (communication + social skills) ✅ A platform for working on money skills and decision-making ✅ A confidence booster with every successful item found
What looked like a game was actually a customized, person-centered plan in motion — rooted in joy but full of purpose.
🎯 Why Interests Matter in Support
When activities are aligned with a person’s passions, they are more likely to:
✔ Show enthusiasm and stay engaged ✔ Take ownership of their progress ✔ Build confidence in their abilities ✔ Develop new job skills more naturally ✔ See themselves as capable and independent
Starting with interests doesn’t just make activities fun — it builds trust, sparks motivation, and opens the door for deeper, long-term growth.
💡 DSP Tip: Ask This First
Before planning your next session, try asking:
“What does this person love — and how can I build skills around that?”
Whether it’s cooking, music, shopping, sports, or exploring the community, there’s always a way to transform interests into opportunities for independence.
🌱 When we build with joy, we build confidence. When we start with interests, we build futures.
At CSN, independence doesn’t begin with instructions — it begins with excitement.
Editor’s note: If you are looking to help build independence for a loved one who has special needs, please take a look at our individual supports page for more information.
October is a month filled with advocacy and awareness days to celebrate, and one of them is Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM).
My name is Jessica Quarello, and as the Brand Communications Manager at Community Supports Network (CSN) and, as a mom to my 5-year-old daughter Adeline, this month holds a special place in my heart. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, to educate others, and to celebrate the incredible individuals who make the world brighter just by being in it.
What Down Syndrome Awareness Month Means to Me
When Adeline was born, I entered a world I knew very little about — one filled with medical terms, therapy appointments, and questions about what the future would hold. But five years later, I can confidently say that what I once feared has become one of the greatest joys of my life.
Down syndrome is not something that defines Adeline — it’s simply one part of who she is. She’s curious, funny, gentle, stubborn, and full of life. She adores music, her big sister Charlee, and has a smile that lights up every room she walks into.
She taught me that milestones don’t have to happen on a certain timeline to be worth celebrating, and that inclusion isn’t just a word — it’s a way of life. Every time someone sees her for exactly who she is, not just her diagnosis, it reminds me of how far our communities have come — and how much farther we can still go.
Understanding Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It’s the most common chromosomal condition, occurring in about 1 in every 775 babies born in the United States each year. (NDSS, n.d., “Facts, Myths & Truths About Down Syndrome“)
While individuals with Down syndrome may share some physical traits or experience varying levels of developmental delay, each person is beautifully unique. They have their own personalities, talents, and dreams — just like anyone else.
With early intervention, inclusive education, and access to community-based support, individuals with Down syndrome can thrive in school, build friendships, pursue careers, and lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Beyond Awareness: Building a Culture of Inclusion
For me, Down Syndrome Awareness Month isn’t just about awareness — it’s about action. It’s about challenging assumptions, amplifying voices, and celebrating the fact that people with Down syndrome make our communities stronger, more compassionate, and more vibrant.
That belief is what led me to co-found Extra Lucky Moms, a platform dedicated to celebrating disability and reminding families that they are never alone. What started as a small Instagram page has grown into a nationwide community of parents, advocates, and allies — all sharing stories that shift perspectives and promote inclusion.
Through Extra Lucky Moms, I’ve witnessed the incredible power of storytelling. Every shared experience — every challenge, every victory, every moment of joy — reminds others that difference is something to be embraced, not feared.
That same spirit of inclusion is what drives us at Community Supports Network. From the way we communicate to the way we design our programs, CSN is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families through compassion, connection, and opportunity. We know that inclusion doesn’t happen by chance — it happens through intention.
This month, I encourage everyone to take a moment to learn, listen, and engage. Ask questions. Share stories. See the beauty in differences.
What Adeline Has Taught Me
Adeline has reshaped the way I see the world. She taught me patience, perspective, and the importance of celebrating small victories. She showed me that progress isn’t always linear — and that sometimes the most meaningful growth happens in quiet, beautiful moments.
Most importantly, she taught me that love isn’t measured by milestones. It is found in connections, in laughter, in hugs, and in countless reminders that every single person — regardless of ability — belongs.
Learn More & Get Involved
If this month has inspired you to learn more about Down syndrome or how you can be part of creating a more inclusive world, there are so many wonderful ways to start.
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we’re proud to partner with families of children and adults with disabilities across New Jersey. Our mission is to empower individuals through compassion, respect, and individualized support — helping every person live a full, meaningful life in their community.
If you’re raising a child or supporting an adult with Down syndrome and are looking for guidance, programs, or community-based services, don’t hesitate to reach out to CSN. Our team is here to help you navigate available supports, connect with resources, and build a plan that fits your family’s needs.
To learn more about Down syndrome, I also encourage you to visit:
And if you’re a parent, caregiver, or ally seeking inspiration and community, visit Extra Lucky Moms — the platform I co-founded to celebrate the beauty in every kind of “extra.” 💙💛
Together, we can continue to build a world where every individual — regardless of ability — is valued, supported, and included.
Written by: Jess Quarello Brand Communications Manager, Community Supports Network Co-founder, Extra Lucky Moms Proud mom to Charlee & Adeline 💙💛
Caring for a loved one with a disability is one of the most meaningful roles you can have — but it’s also one of the most demanding physically, emotionally and spiritually. Caregivers often pour so much of themselves into the needs of others that they forget to check in with their own well-being. Over time, this can lead to stress, exhaustion, or even burnout.
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we know that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential. When caregivers take time to recharge, they can provide better, more consistent and intentional support for those who rely on them. Here are five simple, actionable ways to make self-care part of your routine.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Many caregivers feel guilty for taking a break, but rest is a non-negotiable part of health. Even a few minutes of quiet time with a cup of tea, a short nap, or reading a chapter of a book can restore your energy.
Tip: Schedule and time block downtime on your calendar just like you would a doctor’s appointment — because it’s just as important.
2. Build a Support Network
No one should navigate the caregiving journey alone. Reach out to friends, family, or local support groups who understand what you’re going through. Sharing experiences and challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable emotional support.
Physical activity can boost mood and reduce stress. You don’t need an intense workout — a 15-minute walk, stretching while watching TV, or even dancing around the kitchen counts!
Remember: Movement is as much about releasing tension and stress as it is about fitness.
4. Practice Mindfulness or Gratitude
Caring for others can feel overwhelming, especially on tough days. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, meditate, or reflect on small wins can bring a sense of calm. Even jotting down three things you’re grateful for each night can shift your mindset in powerful ways.
5. Ask for Help Without Guilt
It’s okay — and necessary — to ask for help. Whether it’s requesting respite care, swapping duties with a friend, or leaning on professional services like those at CSN, support is available.
You don’t have to do everything alone. Accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Bottom Line
Caring for someone you love is a profound act of compassion, but you deserve care, too. By incorporating these small steps into your daily life, you’ll not only nurture your own well-being but also create a sustainable, healthy environment for the person you care for.
If you’re looking for additional support or resources, CSN is here to help. Visit yourcsn.com to explore our services and learn how we can walk alongside you on your caregiving journey.
Written by Jessica Quarello, Brand Communications Manager
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe that inclusion begins with something simple but powerful — our words. The language we use to talk about disability shapes how people are perceived, included, and valued in our communities. When we speak with respect and awareness, we help build a world where everyone belongs.
Why Language Matters
Language does more than describe — it defines how we think. The words we choose can either reinforce stereotypes or create understanding. Over time, society’s approach to disability language has evolved — moving away from labels that isolate toward language that empowers.
For example, phrases like “the disabled” have shifted to “people with disabilities” to emphasize the person, not the condition. This approach, known as person-first language, reflects the idea that disability is one part of who someone is — not their entire identity.
Person-First vs. Identity-First Language
In recent years, there’s been an important and ongoing conversation about how people prefer to be identified.
Person-first language (like “a person with autism” or “a person who uses a wheelchair”) focuses on individuality before disability.
Identity-first language (like “an autistic person” or “a Deaf person”) centers pride in disability identity and culture.
Neither is “right” or “wrong” — the most respectful approach is to listen and use the language someone chooses for themselves.
Common Phrases to Rethink
We all use language out of habit, and sometimes without realizing the impact it can have. Here are a few easy shifts to make:
Instead of…
Try Saying…
“Suffers from” or “victim of”
“Lives with” or “has”
“Wheelchair-bound”
“Uses a wheelchair”
“Normal” or “healthy”
“Non-disabled”
“Special needs”
“Support needs” or “disabled” (if preferred)
Small changes make a big difference. Inclusive language helps everyone feel seen, respected, and part of the conversation.
How We Practice Inclusion at CSN
At CSN, we’re committed to modeling inclusive communication in everything we do — from the way we speak with individuals and families to the language we use in our programs, newsletters, and community outreach. We know that words are one of the first ways people experience our values.
Our mission is not only to provide exceptional support services but also to promote a culture of respect and belonging — across New Jersey and beyond.
The Takeaway
Language evolves, and so should we. By being mindful, open, and willing to learn, we can all help shape a more inclusive world — one word at a time.
October is more than just a month of fall colors and changing seasons—it’s a time to spotlight the importance of disability awareness, advocacy, and inclusion. At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change is also one of the simplest: having meaningful conversations.
Talking about disability can sometimes feel intimidating—people may worry about saying the wrong thing or not knowing enough. But silence doesn’t create progress. By asking thoughtful questions, sharing stories, and opening space for dialogue, each of us can help break down barriers and foster understanding.
Why Conversations Matter
Conversations are where awareness becomes action. They:
Educate others by sharing knowledge about disabilities, accessibility, and advocacy.
Challenge stereotypes by providing real-life examples that humanize experiences.
Build connection by encouraging empathy and mutual understanding.
Promote inclusion by sparking ideas for how workplaces, schools, and communities can do better.
Every dialogue—whether in the break room, at the dinner table, or during a community event—creates ripples that move us toward a more inclusive world.
Conversation Starters You Can Use
If you’re not sure how to begin, here are some simple, approachable ways to start a conversation during Disability Awareness Month (and beyond):
💬 At Work:
“Did you know October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month? What do you think our workplace could do to be more inclusive?”
“I read about an employer who hired more individuals with disabilities and saw incredible results—have you seen stories like that?”
💬 In the Community:
“October highlights Down Syndrome Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, and Dyslexia Awareness Month. Which of these causes resonates with you most?”
“Have you ever attended a local awareness walk or event? I’ve been thinking about going to one this month.”
💬 With Family & Friends:
“I saw that October 10 is World Mental Health Day. What are some ways we can support each other’s mental health?”
“I came across a story about someone thriving with spina bifida—it made me think about the importance of access to resources. What do you think helps communities be more supportive?”
These starters aren’t about having all the answers—they’re about opening doors to meaningful dialogue.
Tips for Meaningful Conversations
Lead with curiosity. Ask questions and listen without judgment.
Share stories. Personal experiences (your own or those you’ve learned from others) help make topics relatable.
Stay respectful. Use person-first or identity-first language based on the preference of the individual.
Don’t worry about being perfect. A genuine effort matters more than flawless wording.
Turning Conversations Into Action
Words are powerful, but they’re only the beginning. Once a conversation begins, you can take it further by:
Attending awareness events together.
Volunteering with organizations supporting individuals with disabilities.
Advocating for accessibility at work or in your community.
Sharing resources, blogs, or educational materials with others.
Final Thoughts
Disability Awareness Month reminds us that inclusion begins with dialogue. Every question asked, every story shared, and every conversation started has the potential to create understanding and spark meaningful change.
This October, we encourage you to take the first step: start the conversation. You might be surprised by how much you learn—and how much impact you can make. 💙
Editor’s note: If you would like to start a conversation about support services for a loved one with special needs, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to help!
Provides direct support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
May be required to offer verbal prompts with completion of ADL’s including but not limited to personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks.
Assists in being a positive role model for the client.
Ensures client safety and helps to maintain a safe environment.
Reminds and assists clients with self-administration of medications (with proper training).
Encourages self-help activities.
Reports changes in client’s condition or family situation to administrators and supervisors.
Documents all services provided in accordance with their NJISP outcomes.
Assists client in home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning.
Assists in the planning of meals, shopping for groceries, preparing and serving food/meals, feeding and clean-up.
Transports and accompanies clients to scheduled appointments and to activities within the community.
Participates in the development and support of a Person-Centered Plan.
Work Schedule:
Our schedule favors a flexible workweek. Once clients are assigned, a DSP will maintain their work schedule in accordance with the demands and schedule as are mutually agreed upon at time of hire.
Direct Support Professional Qualifications / Skills:
Ability to work within the community or in a home-based setting.
Communication skills (verbally and written) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company.
Ability to handle physical aspects of job, including bending, stooping, lifting, as well as engaging in physical activities as are needed.
Above all, DSP’s should be patient and empathetic. Our best candidates display excellent communication and listening skills.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
20 years of age or older
Valid New Jersey driver’s license with fewer than 5 points in moving violations
Provides direct support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
May be required to offer verbal prompts with completion of ADL’s including but not limited to personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks.
Assists in being a positive role model for the client.
Ensures client safety and helps to maintain a safe environment.
Reminds and assists clients with self-administration of medications (with proper training).
Encourages self-help activities.
Reports changes in client’s condition or family situation to administrators and supervisors.
Documents all services provided in accordance with their NJISP outcomes.
Assists client in home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning.
Assists in the planning of meals, shopping for groceries, preparing and serving food/meals, feeding and clean-up.
Transports and accompanies clients to scheduled appointments and to activities within the community.
Participates in the development and support of a Person-Centered Plan.
Work Schedule:
Our schedule favors a flexible workweek. Once clients are assigned, a DSP will maintain their work schedule in accordance with the demands and schedule as are mutually agreed upon at time of hire.
Direct Support Professional Qualifications / Skills:
Ability to work within the community or in a home-based setting.
Communication skills (verbally and written) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company.
Ability to handle physical aspects of job, including bending, stooping, lifting, as well as engaging in physical activities as are needed.
Above all, DSP’s should be patient and empathetic. Our best candidates display excellent communication and listening skills.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
20 years of age or older
Valid New Jersey driver’s license with fewer than 5 points in moving violations
Provides direct support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
May be required to offer verbal prompts with completion of ADL’s including but not limited to personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks.
Assists in being a positive role model for the client.
Ensures client safety and helps to maintain a safe environment.
Reminds and assists clients with self-administration of medications (with proper training).
Encourages self-help activities.
Reports changes in client’s condition or family situation to administrators and supervisors.
Documents all services provided in accordance with their NJISP outcomes.
Assists client in home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning.
Assists in the planning of meals, shopping for groceries, preparing and serving food/meals, feeding and clean-up.
Transports and accompanies clients to scheduled appointments and to activities within the community.
Participates in the development and support of a Person-Centered Plan.
Work Schedule:
Our schedule favors a flexible workweek. Once clients are assigned, a DSP will maintain their work schedule in accordance with the demands and schedule as are mutually agreed upon at time of hire.
Direct Support Professional Qualifications / Skills:
Ability to work within the community or in a home-based setting.
Communication skills (verbally and written) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company.
Ability to handle physical aspects of job, including bending, stooping, lifting, as well as engaging in physical activities as are needed.
Above all, DSP’s should be patient and empathetic. Our best candidates display excellent communication and listening skills.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
20 years of age or older
Valid New Jersey driver’s license with fewer than 5 points in moving violations
Provides direct support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
May be required to offer verbal prompts with completion of ADL’s including but not limited to personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks.
Assists in being a positive role model for the client.
Ensures client safety and helps to maintain a safe environment.
Reminds and assists clients with self-administration of medications (with proper training).
Encourages self-help activities.
Reports changes in client’s condition or family situation to administrators and supervisors.
Documents all services provided in accordance with their NJISP outcomes.
Assists client in home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning.
Assists in the planning of meals, shopping for groceries, preparing and serving food/meals, feeding and clean-up.
Transports and accompanies clients to scheduled appointments and to activities within the community.
Participates in the development and support of a Person-Centered Plan.
Work Schedule:
Our schedule favors a flexible workweek. Once clients are assigned, a DSP will maintain their work schedule in accordance with the demands and schedule as are mutually agreed upon at time of hire.
Direct Support Professional Qualifications / Skills:
Ability to work within the community or in a home-based setting.
Communication skills (verbally and written) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company.
Ability to handle physical aspects of job, including bending, stooping, lifting, as well as engaging in physical activities as are needed.
Above all, DSP’s should be patient and empathetic. Our best candidates display excellent communication and listening skills.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
20 years of age or older
Valid New Jersey driver’s license with fewer than 5 points in moving violations
Provides direct support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
May be required to offer verbal prompts with completion of ADL’s including but not limited to personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks.
Assists in being a positive role model for the client.
Ensures client safety and helps to maintain a safe environment.
Reminds and assists clients with self-administration of medications (with proper training).
Encourages self-help activities.
Reports changes in client’s condition or family situation to administrators and supervisors.
Documents all services provided in accordance with their NJISP outcomes.
Assists client in home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning.
Assists in the planning of meals, shopping for groceries, preparing and serving food/meals, feeding and clean-up.
Transports and accompanies clients to scheduled appointments and to activities within the community.
Participates in the development and support of a Person-Centered Plan.
Work Schedule:
Our schedule favors a flexible workweek. Once clients are assigned, a DSP will maintain their work schedule in accordance with the demands and schedule as are mutually agreed upon at time of hire.
Direct Support Professional Qualifications / Skills:
Ability to work within the community or in a home-based setting.
Communication skills (verbally and written) with all levels of personnel, internal and external to the company.
Ability to handle physical aspects of job, including bending, stooping, lifting, as well as engaging in physical activities as are needed.
Above all, DSP’s should be patient and empathetic. Our best candidates display excellent communication and listening skills.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:
High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
20 years of age or older
Valid New Jersey driver’s license with fewer than 5 points in moving violations
