Brenda Peterson is nominee for 2016 ARRM Cares Award
The ARRM Cares Award allows member organizations in Minnesota a way to recognize direct support professionals (DSPs) who demonstrate a commitment to quality services. This year, Hope Residence is excited to nominate two direct support professionals.
Hope Residence Designated Coordinator and Program ManagerJudy Vogel had this to share about nominee Brenda Peterson:
Brenda Peterson exemplifies all the qualities of an amazing caregiver. Brenda can be described as a high energy motivator, customer service pro and outstanding client advocate. These qualities make her an excellent direct support professional and a person we are blessed to have on our team.
Brenda is an outstanding advocate for residents. She often comes into work on her days off to accompany themon important medical appointments and stays late to meet their needs. All who come in contact with Brenda sing her praises — case managers, family members of our residents and physicians — often saying, “I would like to clone Brenda!”
We serve residents who have challenging medical issues. Because of Brenda, we are confident we can care for them and keep them healthy. Brenda is very in tune residents and is usually the first person to recognize when something is wrong. Family members and case managers frequently request Brenda accompany residents on medical appointments because she is an exceptional advocate for the people she serves.
A resident’s social worker sent an email to Brenda’s supervisor after having the opportunity to see Brenda advocate for a mutual client during a medical appointment. In the email, the social worker stated, “I have to tell you how impressed I was with Brenda yesterday. … It was very reassuring to me to see Brenda in action, knowing that she did such a great job advocating on his behalf. If I had a family member living at Hope Residence, I would like Brenda to be representing my loved one. It’s great to see such compassion for the care she gives to other others and that she does so, so passionately.”
Brenda has dedicated 10 years to caring for our residents. Her work ethic sets an example for all team members. She is kind, hardworking, conscientious and simply an outstanding person. Brenda has a heart of gold that shines through in every interaction she has with clients and their families.
Meet Hope Residence’s other 2016 nominee, Joyce Koepp.
All 2016 nominees will be recognized at the ARRM Annual Conference during the awards ceremony on May 12, 2016 in Duluth. ARRM is a nonprofit association of more than 200 providers, businesses and advocates dedicated to leading the advancement of community-based services that support people living with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives.