Celebrating NYS ADSP’s Direct Support Professional of the Year, Gina Bari

By Dylan Watton | November 14th, 2016 | General Interest

Gina Bari just had a whirlwind week. From November 2nd through the 4th, 2016, she attended the New York State Association of Day Service Providers‘ Annual Symposium in Saratoga Springs, where she was recognized as the Direct Support Professional of the Year. Then on Sunday, she attended the screening of her stop-motion animation film, which she made as part of an all-female group of animators.

“This was my third year doing [an animation film],” Gina said in the model apartment at Betty Pendler New York League, where she has been a Community Support Professional for the past three years. “My friend recommended doing it because women in animation often don’t get hired.”

Career Modifications Leading to New Rewards

Gina was an art major with a focus in animation in college and intended to go into that field upon graduating. However, an opportunity with another service provider changed her career path.

“I was doing arts and crafts with the residents, and I enjoyed being there with them,” Gina recalled. “People there were like, ‘You know can be paid to do every day and get benefits, right?’ I wish had known when I went to college about this, as I would have gone into social work.”

Gina has worked in a variety of departments at AHRC NYC, first in Residential Services and Employment and Business Services before moving to a CSP position at Day Hab Without Walls and finally, the New York League.

read full article here:

https://www.ahrcnyc.org/news/celebrating-nys-adsps-direct-support-professional-year-gina-bari/