2007 DDSD Statewide Awards
The Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) honored the following people and agencies for demonstrating excellence in Meaningful Day services.  Awards were given in the areas of Best Employer and Employee, Individual Accomplishment, Professional Achievement, Provider Excellence, and Best Community Membership practices.

Dorothy Gaydos and Her Team Receive Awards

2007 ddsd statewide directors meeting award winners

Best Team for Successful Community Inclusion

The team that supported Dorothy Gaydos to success includes:

Carolane McNess – Case Manager
Mike Gonzales – Residential received by Leslie Cordova of R-Way
Mike and Anna Rael - Family Living Providers
John Acker – Guardian
Patricia Hampton & Sonny Gaydos & May Hampton
Dorothy Vaughn – Las Cumbres
Elizabeth Mullen – Behavior Therapist
Robin Thompson – Physical Therapist

This team supported Dorothy Gaydos to connect with her community. They supported her to get a job when she wanted to start working at age 60. They helped Dorothy find community involvement through volunteering at the Knights of Columbus concession stand where she won an appreciation award for her volunteer work. At the time of this award, Dorothy worked at a Travel Agency in Espanola and had started a savings account.

Dorothy came to live with the Rael family as part of Family Living Services in 2003. Mike and Anna Rael encourage her to open up and to make friends. Dorothy helps them clean house, sews, shops, attends church and they go to play Bingo. She feels happy and is a contributing part of the family. When family decisions are made, Dorothy’s opinions are taken into consideration. Dorothy takes care of her own possessions and her environment is safe and healthy.

Dorothy’s birth family takes part in the pueblo’s feast day celebrations and Dorothy helps them prepare food. Her mother, brother and sister are always happy to see Dorothy. They give her gifts and visit her often. For Dorothy, her dreams came true through the wonderful efforts of this dynamic team.

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