Dakota County Launches New Excellence in Service Award to Honor Local Direct Support Professionals

Dakota County has recently put a new award into play designed to shine a spotlight on those silent heroes working tirelessly in the shadows. The Excellence in Service Award is a monthly accolade set to honor Direct Support Professionals (DSP) who selflessly dedicate themselves to individuals with disabilities. According to a recent social media post by Dakota County, the inaugural recognition for September was bestowed upon Jeannette Fordyce of Thomas Allen, Inc.

Those who work in support of others often go unrecognized, their actions rippling quietly through the communities they serve. The award seeks to change this to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the commitment of these professionals. In praising the September honoree, Jeannette's supervisor was quoted saying, "Jeannette pours her whole heart and soul into her work. She is generous and kind, passionate about what she does, and is one of a kind. She makes such a huge impact in the lives of the individuals she serves!" 

A congratulatory note goes to Jeannette Fordyce for not only carrying out her responsibilities with grace and care but for simultaneously setting a standard for service in Dakota County. 

Dakota County is eager to continuously identify and reward more unsung heroes like Fordyce. They encourage community members to take part in elevating these deserving individuals. Nominations for the award can be directed to Annelise Edsten, and Dakota County makes this process accessible by providing contact details: [email protected]. If there's a DSP who has touched lives through their work that you know of, consider taking the time to nominate them, to possibly give them a chance to be celebrated in the way they duly deserve.