Celebrating National Direct Support Professionals Week 2025 

Earlier this month, TNC Community joined organizations across the country in celebrating National Direct Support Professionals Week, held September 7–13, 2025. This annual observance gave us a special opportunity to honor the incredible Direct Support Professionals who serve as the backbone of our mission to champion equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, inspiring lives of dignity, belonging, and joy.

At TNC Community, we know that the quality of care and support we provide depends directly on the compassion, commitment, and skill of our DSPs. These professionals worked tirelessly to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live fulfilling, independent, and empowered lives. From assisting with daily routines to encouraging our individuals in community settings, to fostering personal growth and achievement, DSPs are essential to helping our individuals thrive.

Their work is not just a job—it’s a calling. Each day, they embody TNC Community’s core values of loving care, home, respect, excellence, and reliability. The relationships they build with the individuals and families we serve extend far beyond support; they are trusted partners, advocates, and friends.

During National DSP Week, we extended our deepest gratitude to these individuals who often work behind the scenes but make a profound difference every single day. Without them, our mission would not be possible.

In August, Serge Ngounou was highlighted for his outstanding dedication, receiving the 2025 Direct Support Employee of the Year Award in memory of Jeffery Tognascioli.

He is always going above and beyond for TNC. He is always willing to work, come in at the drop of a dime. He cares about his residents. He makes sure they have all they need even if that means coming in on his day off to cut their hair or shave them up. He shows pride in what he does. He has residents who look forward to working with them. He makes healthy living for his resident’s fun so they participate and have a healthier lifestyle. He cooks healthier option foods as he knows some are not able to run around for their exercise. Serge always has a smile on his face. Ready at all times to take control and help his housemates out, and or train someone new coming in. Serge is the definition of a staff that follows the TNC way. – Breona Tyner, TNC Community Qualified Developmental Disability Professional.

Lacey Taylor, Chief Program Officer, giving Serge Ngounou, DSP, the 2025 Direct Support Employee of the Year award.

As we wrapped up the appreciation week, we invited our individuals to join us in recognizing and thanking Direct Support Professionals for their invaluable contributions. Many shared kind words, notes of appreciation, and stories of impact—together shining a well-deserved spotlight on the dedicated DSPs who make TNC Community stronger.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our TNC Community DSPs. We couldn’t do it without you!

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