The Oregon Resource Association (ORA) annually bestows the Works of Heart Award on direct support professionals who go above and beyond in their work to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, two Shangri-La employees received the award.
Award winner, Kyler Dehut, works as a job coach for Shangri-La’s Community Employment Services program and spends his time coaching program participants to overcome barriers and increase their independence at work. He has increased the independence of over 12 individuals at their worksites where previous job coaches thought these individuals might not be able to work independently.
“[Kyler] tailors his approach to meet their specific needs,” said Tyler, Kyler's supervisor who nominated him for the award. “Many of the individuals he works with refer to him as their preferred coach and speak very highly of his coaching styles. Kyler knows when to step back and when to provide additional support.”
“I learned that I had won the award through a call while I was coaching with a participant,” Kyler said. “It brightened up the rest of my day and made me feel seen and appreciated.”
Taylor Back, who works as a Direct Support Professional in Shangri-La’s I/DD program, also received a Works of Heart Award.
“I am enamored with the way that she sets the tone of the home where she works and models an even calm tone for the individuals," said Shana Winn, Taylor’s manager. “Their house is a home because of the way that she shows up and spends her time while she is there.”
“I was a little blind-sided,” Taylor said. “My manager [and I] were doing routine stuff and she turned to me and said, ‘I have something exciting to tell you. Shana and I entered you for the Works of Heart [award] and you won.’ I had no idea and was pretty shocked.”
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