Maggie Wainwright never imagined working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an AHRC NYC residential program. Now, she can’t imagine ever doing anything else.
Wainwright recalled joining her mother in caring for her two brothers, Joseph and Lawrence, who both died at a young age.
“They required a lot of care,” she said of her mother’s decision to keep them home.
She recognized that she was good at working with people who needed assistance. That led her to join AHRC New York City in 1998 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Agovino residence in the Bronx.
DSPs throughout the state work for many organizations supporting nearly 140,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and Down syndrome, in community-based group homes, day and employment programs, recreation, and other services.
Even though many of the 14 Agovino residents have communication challenges, Wainwright understands their wants and needs.
“Maggie is a wonderful DSP,” said Brinda Blythe, manager at Agovino. “She’s got what it takes. She interacts and advocates for all 14 residents. She takes initiative and knows when they’re not feeling well.”
Blythe recalled Wainwright making her feel welcome on her first day at AHRC NYC as a substitute 20 years ago. “She makes everyone comfortable, shows them around, and helps with any questions. She’s a gem. She doesn’t need to be asked to help, she just does it.”
Wainwright, a Bronx resident, said she never imagined finding such a rewarding career.
“I can be having a rough morning, and as soon as I walk in the door, one of the people I support wants to give me a hug, someone else is yelling my name, while another person is telling the other to be quiet,” Wainwright said with a laugh. “It makes my day.”
She also enjoys the camaraderie with staff.
“I love what I do here,” Wainwright said. “When I come to work, I have fun.”
Perhaps, that’s why, as she approaches her 70th birthday in October, she hasn’t been talking about retirement. She began a three-year countdown to retirement at age 66. But that didn’t happen.
“I think if I retired now, I’d be visiting here every day,” Wainwright said, quickly adding, “and then I’d have to come back to work.”
Whether it’s shopping for the Agovino residents, taking them to medical appointments or into the community for a meal, Wainwright has been exceptionally devoted to her role.
“I’ve always loved being a DSP,” she said.
AHRC New York City salutes all direct support professionals during National DSP Recognition Week, Sept. 10- Sept. 16. DSPs are the backbone of AHRC NYC and are dedicated to promoting independence among the people they support. AHRC is a family-governed organization committed to achieving equity for neurodiverse New Yorkers.
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