(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted the DSP (Direct Support Professional) Appreciation Dinner on September 10, 2025, to honor these hardworking individuals for what they have done for the community that we serve.

Lindsay Graves, a Provider Development Coordinator at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, put together a lovely evening to celebrate the Warren County DSPs for the seventh year in a row. Graves said, “What I love most about celebrating them during appreciation week is the chance to shine a spotlight on the heart of this industry of supporting individuals. It really is a moment to say, ‘We see you. We value you.’”

The theme of the dinner was “Life is sweet as a DSP.” Upon walking in, DSPs from across Warren County were greeted by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities employees. They were handed t-shirts and given the opportunity to enter into a raffle for candy and gift cards. Graves joked, “I am trying to give you all a stomach ache” to which everyone laughed, as there were so many different candy options for people to take home. The DSPs enjoyed the candy bar, so much so that it was in need of a restock before the night was over!

One of the most touching portions of the evening was the playing of a compilation video of individuals sharing their thoughts and their favorite memories with their DSPs. Months prior to the dinner, Graves and Angela Mason drove to different day programs in the area to interview individuals. At these interviews, they shared their favorite memories and different milestones they have achieved with the help of their DSP. 

Graves shared, “One thing I’ve learned from working with DSPs is how important their work really is. These are the people who show up every day, often behind the scenes, making things run smoothly with dedication, resilience, and care…Celebrating them is more than just recognition—it’s a way to honor the human connection and the impact they make on a daily basis.”

Being a DSP may not always be easy, but the success stories, no matter how big or small they may be, are why they do what they do. Life truly is sweet as a DSP.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org or (513) 335-1026.