Award Recognizes Impressive 38-Year Tenure with the Organization
Donna Westbrook is the recipient of The Arc Baltimore’s Career Excellence in Direct Support Award for 2024.
Presented during The Arc Baltimore’s recent Annual Meeting and Awards Reception, the Excellence in Direct Support Award recognizes a direct support professional who demonstrates excellence in job performance, including technical knowledge of developmental disabilities and training techniques, reliability, good relationships with individuals supported by The Arc Baltimore and co-workers, and dedication to advocacy and community participation.
“Donna Westbrook boasts an impressive 38-year tenure with The Arc Baltimore, leaving a lasting impact on countless people she supports. From the old Sub-Contract Workshop to various day programs, including Catonsville, Rutherford, Woodlawn, and Seton, she has consistently empowered people to learn, grow, and transition to independent employment,” says Kathleen Durkin, The Arc Baltimore’s Chief Executive Officer.
Durkin continues, “Donna’s knack for understanding each person’s strengths and needs has been pivotal in their development. Whether facilitating contract work or designing engaging activities for seniors, she infuses each day with purpose and fun. Her reliability extends beyond her creative endeavors. She ensures meticulous documentation, now utilizing ICM for streamlined efficiency. Her dedication and adaptability have made her an invaluable asset to The Arc Baltimore.”
The Annual Meeting and Awards Reception provides an opportunity for The Arc Baltimore to recognize those individuals who have gone the extra mile in their service to the organization and those people with developmental disabilities who are recipients of The Arc’s programs and services. As in past years, the event featured numerous recognitions, as well as the election of The Arc Baltimore’s new board of directors and officers.
The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities (autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability) to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. The Arc provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, respite care, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals. For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org, email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org, or call 410-296-2272.
