Linda Hagan prepared Abilities of Northwest Jersey’s Phillipsburg Day Program facility to re-open post-COVID and worked with participants who were unable to return to the facility, earning her a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Heroes Award by the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP).

The award, which honors DSPs who make an impact on the lives of the people they serve, was presented to her during an online ceremony on Friday, Sept.16.

Following the pandemic, Hagan worked with program supervisors to prepare the Phillipsburg center for the individuals served by Abilities to return, creating a comfortable yet safe space. For individuals who were unable to return to facility, she offered to provide community-based supports in their homes and remote services so everyone could be connected to their peers.

The 2019-2020 COVID years were extremely challenging for Abilities, whose mission is to inspire people with disabilities to achieve their life goals by providing individualized supports. Abilities, like many other organizations, had to close down the facilities where it provided training and individualized services.

For DSPs like Hagan, this not only meant making adjustments, but sacrifices as well. This included working longer hours, dealing with staff vacancies and the continuing threat of illness.

“It was a way of life during the pandemic, but the consumers really needed the activities so we did what was necessary to make sure they were served, that they remained engaged despite the circumstances, and that they also got enjoyment out of them,” said Hagan, who has worked for Abilities since 2010.

“Any time there is a void, Linda is always willing to step in and help, always providing exceptional care,” said Zukoski. “Because of Linda’s desire to give 100% to her job, and for her dedication in providing supports to individuals with disabilities, she is very deserving of this award.