Position: Direct Support Assistant
Years of Service: 2
Eric Loucks was named one of the Central New York DDSOO’s 2024 DSPs of the Year due to his kind, and nurturing demeanor.
Laccy Braun, Habilitation Specialist II, says Eric comes to work with a bright smile and a good attitude. At the home, Eric can be counted on to provide quality community experiences based on the person’s likes and preferences.
“Eric is a good steward in that he is truly person-centered and works with this in mind. Eric volunteers his time when appropriate and never hesitates,” Braun says. “He volunteered to take one of the people in the home camping and was asked to volunteer some of his time, at which he replied, ‘I would volunteer all of it if I had to.’ Eric also volunteered time to go to Monster Jam twice. Eric is well liked by all staff and people living in the home.”
Eric works within and upholds the People First philosophy always, Braun says.
“He is engaging, nurturing, creative and always willing to provide respectful interactions with the people in the home,” she adds. “Eric thinks outside the box and comes up with strategies to assist the people living in the home to live the life they want. Whether he is using music and dance or a conversation on baking, he is engaging with them fully.
“When Eric is working the team knows that the people in the home are well cared for and we’re confident in his ability to handle any situation professionally and successfully,” Braun says. “Eric’s dedication to his role as a DSA is the model that all employees should strive for. Our team is proud to name Eric as a 2024 Direct Support Professional of the Year.”