Unsung heroes: direct service professionals of Community Entry Services. Meet some of the people who make the 'magic' of care happen.

For 50 years, Community Entry Services has helped hundreds of adults with disabilities thrive and live with dignity primarily through the largely unsung work of professionals who are described as "Direct Service Professionals" or DSPs for short.

DSPs are the people who chaperone, feed, transport, care for and often safeguard our clients who otherwise would not be able to care for themselves. Without the DSPs, our efforts would grind to a complete halt.

If there's a 'secret sauce' to our gold standard of care, they are the chefs that night and day, put the ingredients together.

Like Marshall Gdula and Dr. Allen Huemer who together assist a single client who has particular care needs requiring additional support.

Dr. Huemer and Marshall work in Lander's Gary Hudson Center with a special needs client who requires additional support. The center operates a fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles.

As a gold standard for care of those adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, Community Entry Services customizes its care model for each individual client.

Some clients are fairly high functioning while others are wheelchair bound or bedridden. Whatever their particular individual need, the DSPs rise to the occasion to assist them in maximizing their independence and lead satisfying productive lives in the community as much as is possible.

Dr. Huemer has worked for CES for the past 2 years after a lifetime working at the Wyoming Life Resource Center and as a Community College Political Science professor. He was a long time member of the Fremont County Archeological Society, rock hound, and sportsman.

"CES is a really good program that really lives up to its reputation as a place where people are treated with dignity and respect. The culture of openness to helping clients learn and develop up to their potential, safely, is inspiring and makes me feel good about working here."

Marshall Gdula has worked as a Direct Service Professional with CES for 33 years! A native of upstate NY, Marshall has made the Lander area his home since the late 1970s. An Eagle Scout, Marshall volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader at the local and District level, worked as a staff chaperone of CES clients at the successful Riverton & Lander based recycling program and has been a regular member of Lander Church of Christ for decades.

"Being a DSP is a challenge and a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of this client has given my life purpose and focus. CES was a godsend in my life. The staff are a family and we work as a real team to help our clients maintain stability, a routine, and a consistent level of care."

Marshall and his Wife Carol - who also worked for CES for 20 years - lived in Lander for decades.

Marshall has worked with the same client for the past 15 years. Reflecting on the experience he returned to a common theme echoed by other staff: CES treats these clients with individualized care and delicacy. "People are people, each of us have different skills and qualities. We try to help each client reach their best potential, within their particular conditions."

Achieving that is the challenge. Especially in an era of State and Federal healthcare funding cuts.

Medicaid only covers one customized wheelchair per person every 5 years. If the chair breaks down, that client won't qualify for a replacement until the next term is complete. Other clients' needs include hydraulic lifts to assist them in and out of bed. Wheel chair accessible vehicles - busses and vans are also regularly worn out due to daily trips from group homes and apartments, to doctors' appointments, or other transport needs.

The DSPs are on the front line of this challenge and make due with what they can. Your support for CES today does make a difference in the lives of our clients and staff who are true unsung heroes.