INARF Annual Awards Feature- Keystone Award

INARF is pleased to offer our members the opportunity to recognize their outstanding Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), executive leadership, community partners and persons with disabilities through the INARF Annual Awards and the Costa N. Miller Scholarship presented at the INARF Annual Conference. In the weeks leading up to the Annual Conference, we'll feature details about each award and some notable award recipients.

The Keystone Award recognizes an outstanding Direct Support Professional (DSP) employed in the Indiana service delivery system. This dedicated professional manifests the mission of the rehabilitation/habilitation industry through exceptional personal attributes and excellence in his/her work. 

In 2013, INARF was proud to present the Keystone Award to Jon Faith, a DSP employed with Rauch, Inc. Jon began work at Rauch after college graduation and quickly earned the reputation for going above and beyond to serve Rauch clients. His work with one young client contributed to the accomplishment of key goals, including completing high school and being active in the community. Through Jon's dedication and support, the client was able to accomplish these goals and even began participating in a day program in anticipation of transition into adult services. 

In the midst of transition, the client's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She trusted Jon to help with the process of finding a supported living placement for her son. For the first few months in the new placement, Jon provided transportation to and from the day program to provide much-needed stability in the client's life. The client's mother passed away several months after placement, knowing that her son was supported by Jon and the Rauch community. 

The 2014 Annual Awards & Costa N. Miller Scholarship nominations are now closed. Nominees will be notified of the results of their applications by February 20. Please plan to join your colleagues to recognize our industry's best and brightest during the INARF Annual Awards Luncheon on March 13 at the Annual Conference.