Fostering a Professional Community with Perspectives' 45 Year Celebrations

We all know there's no better time for reflection than an anniversary. And when there's an attitude like the one held at Perspectives--the attitude of never settling for "good enough," and of always looking for ways to improve the quality of the services we provide--it goes without saying that with it comes an attitude of recognizing all of the milestones, achievements, and victories, too. That's why, in these early autumn months, Perspectives did exactly that: host a celebration at the Perspectives main office and at Gurney's in Newport to recognize the people, within the agency and without, that have contributed to 45 years of success!

Creating the Space to Celebrate

This October, Perspectives held two events for all of Perspectives' professionals, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and people we support. At the main office in North Kingstown, a celebration for all Direct Support Professionals and people we support provided the chance for professionals to catch up with one another, enjoy a light lunch, and take home a special gift as thanks for all the work they do. With everyone mingling together from all different sides of Perspectives, it solidifies the spirit of the agency: a collaborative, friendly team of professionals doing their best work to help improve the lives of others.

"We made sure we scheduled the timing of the Open House so employees from all different shifts had a chance to come to the event," says CCO Julie Sykes. "It was nice to see how excited everyone was to come together to celebrate."

"We want to give the message that all of our professionals and the people we support are important. No one should be left out."

Likewise, at Gurney's Newport Resort and Marina, Perspectives professionals and peers outside the agency got together for an evening meal, raffle, and plenty of great conversation. Along with Perspectives' management and Board of Directors, peers from Rhode Island College and the Division of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH), as well as volunteers from the Human Rights Committee, and other stakeholders, enjoyed the night at Gurney's. They came to share in many good memories over the past 45 years, as well as all the wonderful achievements everyone has made together as the agency grew. It was a warmer, foggy night in Newport, with islands and boats peeking through the mist, and with good food and great company, the hours flew right by.

"We've always been working towards finding people's place in the community," President Dave Ruppell said to Perspectives guests at Gurney's, "and I think most of us have found our place in the community, too."

The Importance of Professional Community

With an agency like Perspectives, operating all across Rhode Island, it can sometimes be difficult to get everyone together to celebrate together, but our leadership is determined to make sure everyone knows how much they're valued for the work they do. Events like the Big Bash and other seasonal events are only a few examples of how Perspectives aims to help everyone stay connected, and with a milestone year like our 45 year anniversary, it goes without saying that the agency would find a way to give everyone the chance to reflect on old memories while making new ones, together with their peers.

"Everyone should feel they belong to something," says CEO Judy Niedbala. "We want to give the message that all of our professionals and the people we support are important. No one should be left out."

And the end result of an attitude like this, where the workplace isn't just a workplace, but a community, is a team that works and succeeds together. It's also a place where, as time passes, the next generation of Perspectives professionals is coming to the table--often on the recommendation of their own parents, who have worked with the agency for several years and recognize the potential to make a difference in the lives of others. We're happy to have seen the growth and change through these past 45 years, and we're proud of the team that's made it all happen. Here's to many more successful years for Perspectives!