Boone Supported Living held its first-ever graduation ceremony for support professionals, Monday night. The event took place at Woodcast Chapel where 12 graduates have earned the prestigious Direct Support Professional credential.
Cheers erupted the room as graduates walked over to the podium to receive their certificates.
Organizers said the ceremony not only celebrates the achievement of each graduate, but also Boone Supported Living’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care through professional development.
This rigorous program is similar to other certified apprenticeships like welding or certified nurse assistant programs.
Support professionals are individuals that work with people with disabilities.
The program consists of classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience. Each student has completed 159 hours of classroom training in addition to the standard new hire orientation and 2000 hours of on-the-job training.
Recent graduate Francisca Ladasay said her plan after graduation is to keep working with BSL.
“It’s been …