Direct Support Professional: A Fulfilling & Rewarding Role

Hope Haven Ambassadors: Changing the Narrative

By 7017444915 • June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission .
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In this blog Direct Support Professional (DSP) Dante shares his firsthand account of working at Hope Haven and why he loves his job.

I’ve been working with these four awesome guys since August 2018. Previous to starting with Hope Haven  I had been working construction jobs. I was pouring concrete for a while then I was traveling and building grain bins around the country. We even got to go to California for a couple months but it still wasn’t really what I was looking for. Later I found out from my Mom that Hope Haven was looking for help. I thought that it might be a positive change for me and a new experience with a different kind of work from what I was used to more fulfilling maybe.

So I applied. I have always tried to be an open and understanding person and I thought those skills would help me as a new Direct Support Professional. I started out in August and boy I was nervous. But I caught on soon enough and had the joy of getting to know Eric Wayne Dylan and Jeremy. It has been very wholesome for me working with the guys has been a learning experience.  I’ve learned that being personable is more important than being demanding and that those snickers commercials are true; ‘You’re not you when you’re hungry!’ Sometimes a snack is all it takes to turn a crabby guy into a happy guy.

My favorite part of my job has got to be the evening walks we’ll take on the weekends and shoot hoops at the park. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though! The hardest part of this job for me is calming them down when they are upset and angry. Sometimes all it takes is a little conversation talking through what they are upset about. Our days can bring a lot of surprises but I always find time for spinning Eric around in his chair and getting some laughs out of him! Eric has taught me that it doesn’t need to take much to be happy! 

My advice to a new team member would be to always be open   show the people you’re working with that you respect their choices and what they think and they will give it right back. It has worked for me and I think that the guys and I have not only a good working relationship but a great friendship as well. I also get to work with some of the most helpful and kind staff. I’m glad to be a part of Hope Haven!

Interested in joining our team as a DSP? Apply here.