Launch of Project RISE: Funded by the Strengthening Relationships Campaign
The Arc Carroll County celebrated the launch of Project RISE with virtual events on April 12 and 13, 2021. Funded by the community through our Strengthening Relationships campaign, Project RISE is a new direct support professional (DSP) certification program that allows DSPs to grow their professional skills and earn nationally recognized industry credentials as well as earn financial incentives along the way. The program’s name reflects our goal to Recognize, Invest in, Support, and Empower our DSPs.
The campaign has reached nearly 90% of the $700,000 fundraising goal which allowed us to launch the program with a class of twenty-four (24) DSPs. The events introduced this inaugural class, thanked donors for helping to make the program possible, and included remarks from Secretary Carol A. Beatty from the Department of Disabilities, Senator Justin Ready, and Ande Kolp, executive director of The Arc Maryland. The events were hosted by our board president, Corynne Courpas and executive director, Don Rowe.
In addition to highlighting the important roles that DSPs play in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the celebrations recognized the DSP class for their dedication and achievements (and longevity, in many cases) at The Arc. We are thrilled for this opportunity for DSPs to earn their DSP-I, DSP-II, and DSP-III certifications which will not only support our DSP workforce but also help us provide quality services throughout the community.
Congratulations to Project RISE’s inaugural DSP class which includes:
- Bonnie Andrews
- Kellie Bradshaw
- Karen Brentlinger
- Bethany Chalmers
- Aaron Cole
- Linda Dalton
- Lisa Friedlander
- Shelly Garber
- Ashley Hanson
- Catherine Hendrix
- Amanda Holmes
- Melissa Meyer
- Amanda Morsell
- Carla Neal
- Jessica Officer
- Amelia Quiroz
- Manuel Quiroz
- Mariel Ramey
- Donna Renninger
- Dana Shrader
- Claudine Skidmore
- Jessica Tye
- Cheryl Walker