AHRC New York City salutes all Direct Support Professionals during National DSP Recognition Week, Sept. 10-16. DSPs are the backbone of AHRC New York City and are dedicated to promoting independence among the people they support.
Maggie Wainwright never imagined working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an AHRC NYC residential program. Now, she can’t imagine ever doing anything else.
‘I’ve Always Loved Being a DSP’
Maggie Wainwright recalls joining her mother in caring for her two brothers, Joseph and Lawrence, who both died at a young age.
“They required a lot of care,” she said, of her mother’s decision to keep them home.
She recognized that she was good working with people who needed assistance. That led her to join AHRC New York City in 1998 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Agovino residence in the Bronx. Even though many of the 14 residents have communication challenges, Maggie understands their wants and needs.
“Maggie is a wonderful DSP,” says Brinda Blythe, Manager at Agovino. “She’s got what it takes. She interacts and advocates for all 14 residents. She takes initiative and knows when they’re not feeling well.”
Brinda recalls Maggie making her feel welcome on her first day at AHRC NYC as a substitute 20 years ago. “She makes everyone comfortable, shows them around and helps with any questions. She’s a gem. She doesn’t need to be asked to help, she just does it.”
Maggie, a Bronx resident, says she never imagined finding such a rewarding career. “I can be having a rough morning, and as soon as I walk in the door, one of the people I support wants to give me a hug, someone else is yelling my name, while another person is telling the other to be quiet,” Maggie says with a laugh. “It makes my day.” She also enjoys the camaraderie with staff.
“I love what I do here,” Maggie says. “When I come to work, I have fun.”
Perhaps that’s why, as she approaches her 70th birthday in October, she hasn’t been talking about retirement. She began a three-year countdown to retirement at age 66. But that didn’t happen.
“I think if I retired now, I’d be visiting here every day,” Maggie says, quickly adding, “and then I’d have to come back to work.”
Whether it’s shopping for the people she supports, taking them to medical appointments or into the community for a meal, Maggie can’t imagine ever doing anything else.
“I’ve always loved being a DSP,” she says.
