Position: Developmental Assistant II
Years of Service: 37
Darlene Baker was named one of the Taconic DDSOOs’ 2024 DSPs of the Year because since walking in the door at age 16, her level of continual commitment and support to OPWDD’s agency mission is second to none.
“There is no other person I know who has shown such a continuous level of commitment in support of this agency’s mission,” says Team Treatment Leader Renee Cabreja. “Especially throughout all the changes, staffing crises and a worldwide pandemic, Darlene has maintained an exceptional level of commitment to management, residential team members and her favorites – the people she supports.”
Darlene’s hard work, attitude and dedication have made a significant impact on the team and have contributed greatly to its success., Cabreja says.
“She provides support to her peers that are new to their role by training them in daily operations and programs needed,” Cabreja adds. “She always maintains a positive attitude and her sense of humor brings a shining light to the workplace. Darlene makes all who come into contact with her feel warmth and compassion as if they were a family member.”
“Darlene is the type of person who meets you where you are, in a no-judgment zone, which makes her a trustworthy support person for a lot of people – including myself – over the years,” Cabreja says. “Not to mention the fact that she is our team cook, she has taken on this title for over 15 years. With her most recent contributions being to homes that were affected by COVID, she would make them lunches and dinners and deliver the food, so staff didn’t have to worry about making a meal or eating themselves.”
Darlene gives equally to the people she supports. Cabreja says one person who lives in the home where Darlene works has retired from day program. She gave this person a desk right next to hers and he considers himself to be a part of the house management. On some days when he isn’t out doing things, he sits next to Darlene and does his “paperwork.”
“The home doesn’t miss the celebration of holidays from costumes to matching t-shirts to a decorative tree in the living room that changes with every holiday and season. Darlene ensures that each person in the home celebrates their birthday the way they choose from having home celebrations to bowling parties and inviting all their friends,” Cabreja says. “Her drive, humility and commitment to excellence is what makes this possible.”
Darlene’s immediate supervisor Donnell Faison, DAIII, adds: “Darlene is the true definition of caregiver and leader, and she has shown this over the years. All staff respect and love working beside her. They are always willing to communicate when they need assistance, and they know she will be there.
“I know we only have a little while longer with Darlene, as she is close to retirement, but she will be missed and her shoes will be very hard to fill,” Faison says.