Caring, choice and compassion are just a few of the positive words we at MRCI prefer to use that start with “C” instead of Covid-19 or Coronavirus. A few other letters we especially enjoy during the month of September are D, S and P.
During the month of September, we are proud to celebrate the numerous individuals we call Direct Support Professionals, also known as DSPs, who work directly with people with a wide range of disabilities. The DSP role is much more than being a caregiver. DSPs help the people they work with become integrated, interested and engaged members of the community. Heroes to each individual and family they support!

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 13-19, 2020, provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the dedicated, innovative direct support workforce that is the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities. At MRCI we believe, DSPs deserve recognition, not just for a week or a month but every day of the year. If you are or ever were a MRCI DSP – thank you!
The care provided by MRCI DSPs across the state is positively impacting our fellow Minnesotans with disabilities. From Fergus Falls to Winona…Red Wing to Duluth as well as the more than 65 counties across Minnesota in-between, MRCI is proud to be involved in our client’s choice to self-direct their care and enabling us the opportunity to work with more than 4600 DSPs across the state. We are proud of all that we can do together.
With a mission of creating innovative and genuine opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages at home, at work and in the community, MRCI is one of Minnesota’s largest and most diverse providers of employment services, day services and in-home support services (Financial Management Service – FMS).
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 13-19, 2020, provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the dedicated, innovative direct support workforce that is the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities.
For more than 65 years, MRCI has taken pride in providing the best possible service to the clients and families we serve. The pandemic has brought extraordinary challenges for everyone, especially for people with intellectual and development disabilities. However, with a safety-first approach, MRCI, its staff and affiliated service providers have been closely following advice from state officials during the peacetime emergency tied to the pandemic and are committed to resuming programming for individuals at home, at work and in the community.
At MRCI we believe DSPs deserve recognition, not just for a week or a month but every day of the year.
We look forward to continuing to support individuals such as Krista. Krista’s mom, Lisa Taylor, shared, “We became acquainted with MRCI over three years ago. Krista attended their program, which she truly loved. Krista is looking forward to the new community program starting! MRCI has also been a tremendous help in management of Krista’s staff and services at home. Melissa and all the staff have always made the hiring process so easy. We are very happy to have MRCI watching over our needs.”
Over the past few decades, as the needs of those served have changed, the roles of DSPs began to change. Their work is no longer about doing things for people. It is about helping individuals maintain as much independence as possible. If you have ever considered working as a DSP, many great employment opportunities are now available. DSP Jolene Greenwald says, “Working for MRCI provides me the opportunity and training to offer my client the active and fulfilling life she deserves.” To learn more about career opportunities visit mymrci.org.
Do you have a family member in need of caring and capable DSP assistance? Are you looking for in home support and would benefit from having a talented DSP by your side? Or you are a DSP looking for a rewarding and meaningful career, MRCI can help you meet your needs.
Want to learn more? Visit mymrci.org.
