The Cost of Compassion

Good evening, as many of you know I work in the social services field and we are struggling to keep strong professional DSP's (Direct Support Professionals)  The people we support are losing out, their standard of living is suffering because good people leave to find a job that pays a living wage.



As you all know I am a case manager but I am have been working an extra 20+ hours a week (since November) doing direct support because we are so short staffed right now. Times are tough right now, across the entire field, not just with in my organization .  I know that many of us are tired, from working extra shifts and sacrificing time with our own loved ones in order to move our mission forward. I know that I am.



As part of ongoing advocacy for increased wages for DSPs, ORA (Oregon Rehabilitation Association) has partnered with a local media group to put together an awesome video that spotlights the desperate need for increased wages for DSPs.  I strongly urge each of you to share this video on your social media, ask your family and friends to do the same. In addition, there is a link that you can follow to connect with your State Senator and Representative to urge them to advocate for increased dollars to go to our employees.



Slàinte,

Kat