News from the Noteworthy from Springbrook

Direct Support Staff Plays an Important Role

The people we often look to for leadership are CEOs of some of the top companies worldwide, or celebrities like our favorite baseball player or pop singer. We are captivated by their charisma and resilience under the limelight. I look to them, too.

The people we should be looking to, and whom I find myself turning to more and more, are those who work tirelessly behind the scenes: the public service and service industry employees and frontline workers. These individuals embody a form of leadership grounded in dedication, humility, and a profound commitment to their community. They are the people who ensure that the world around us remains efficient and pleasant to live in.

The numbers for these employees continue to decline, especially for frontline workers. Wages are still falling behind inflation, causing employees to live precariously while managing families and facing eventual burnout. Imagine a day without the contributions of a dedicated barista, a conscientious bartender, a meticulous housekeeper, a compassionate nurse, or an empathetic direct support professional.

These roles are often undervalued in the broader discourse about leadership; unlike the traditional corporate leader, whose influence is measured by financial metrics and strategic decisions, these frontline workers lead through their everyday actions. Their work may focus on completing tasks, but they ensure that every interaction counts. They foster a sense of connection to others and support their community by engaging with people on a personal level and demonstrating empathy. Frontline staff, like direct support professionals, teachers, and assistants at Springbrook, demonstrate this same leadership by offering the people they support every chance to integrate with their local community through vocational training and employment, residency, and attending events.

As we strive to create the best possible community for all to live in, we must reframe our understanding of who a leader is and what a leader does, and recognize that the true measure of leadership lies in the ability to connect, support, and enhance the lives of others.

A more inclusive community hinges on recognizing and valuing the contributions of the essential members of our community who do this every day. This is more than a vision; it is a call to action. We must prioritize the very tangible goal of better wages, working conditions, and future opportunities for the leaders in the community based on the shared values of community-based, reciprocal support.

September 8-14 is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. We want to take this opportunity to express gratitude to direct support professionals for their outstanding leadership and unshakable dedication to creating inclusive and supportive communities. Direct support professionals are the lifeblood of Springbrook and the community, and their contributions are deeply appreciated.

Patricia Kennedy is the chief executive officer of Springbrook.