Thank You to Our Everyday Heroes - Disability Support Professional Week 2025

This week, (May 12 - 16) is one of the most meaningful times of the year for Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc. It is Disability Support Professionals Week. This week is a chance for us to pause and recognize the incredible people who show up every single day with care, strength and heart.

If you have ever visited our day program, group home or seen us in the community, you've seen our support workers in action. They are the calm in the chaos, a beam of light on a hard day, and the biggest cheerleaders when a participant reaches a milestone.

Every member of our team brings something special and unique to our team.

I see Jackie's patient and humorous approach that brings a sense of peace on even the busiest days. Annette's quick humor lifts the spirits around her and fills the room with laughter. Lynn has a calming influence that grounds everyone around her. Anne brings creativity and bright, upbeat energy to every room she enters. Chad shares his incredible musical gifts, sparking joy through music and connection. Camille is calm, dependable and knows how to walk with participants through even the heaviest moments of grief.

Anna's laid-back positivity is contagious. Monica is upbeat and always ready to take on a challenge with a smile. Desiree and Hailey both bring fun, lighthearted energy that makes every day feel happy and safe. Though Nikunj is new to our team, his experience in the Disability sector and his care for people is already evident.

Aurora is a steady, calm presence that we can always count on. Amy brings energy and fun. She even planned an amazing Halloween Party for the participants in 2024! Rosalie is the perfect mix of calm and comedy, and Denise is always looking out for the well-being of the participants, encouraging them towards independence.

Sherri's sense of humor and ability to bring calm to tough moments is unmatched. Claudette is constantly coming up with new and exciting ideas to keep everyone happy and engaged. In our SIL program, Leslie goes above and beyond, every single day.

We also want to give a shout out to Tristan and Erin, who, although they aren't officially part of our team, play a key roll in supporting participants through their work with the school. Tristan's calm, collected and fun presence is felt in the day program, and Erin brings steady support and kindness when she accompanies a participant to the day program. We are so grateful for the partnership and care they both bring into our space.

To each and every one of you, THANK YOU. Thank you for showing up. Caring deeply. Creating safe spaces. Spreading joy. The participants are thriving because of you - and so are we.

What you do is not easy. It takes incredible patience, flexibility and empathy. It's long hours, emotional labour, and often, invisible victories. You do this with grace and purpose.

This week, we will be celebrating YOU in big and small ways, but please know: the gratitude goes FAR beyond this week.

With Gratitude,

Paige Fink

Executive Director Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc.