Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who are a vital component in someone with a disability’s life.  Direct Support Professionals are people who perform many tasks such as teaching, counseling, nursing, assisting with meal preparation, exercising, driving individuals around, connecting individuals to the community, and companionship.  These are not entry-level tasks.  The responsibilities of a Direct Support Professional are substantial, and the job is increasingly complex.  The position requires good communication skills, ability to analyze a problem and determine corrective measures on the fly, excellent organizational skills, and ability to teach. All of this delivered compassionately and respectfully.

We are not able to pay staff the value they deserve. Most of the staff members who work in these critical roles need to work several jobs to provide for their families. Let's help them out by providing them with some funds in recognition of the work they do.

At The Arc of Rensselaer County, we are starting a new initiative called the Direct Support Professional Fund. Any fundraised dollars from now thru December 15^th will be given to the Direct Support Professionals, in the form of a lump sum payment.  We will not take any dollars out for administrative costs.  The more we raise, the more impact we can have on the Direct Support Professional’s life.  We ask you to join us and donate to the Direct Support Professional Fund. Donate online at www.renarc.org, or send donations to the DSP Fund at The Arc of Rensselaer County c/o DSP Fund 79 102^nd St Troy NY 12180, or call us at 518-274-3110 x3028.

We thank you in advance for your help.