BECOME A HEROES SPONSOR In celebration of National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 13–19, 2026, NJACP is proud to host its 7th Annual Heroes Recognition Awards, honoring outstanding Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) from across New Jersey. These remarkable professionals have been nominated by their organizations for the dedication, compassion, and commitment they demonstrate every day while supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, we're inviting you to help us make their recognition even more meaningful. BECOME A HEROES SPONSOR Every nominated Hero will receive a gift card as part of their recognition. 100% of Heroes sponsorship dollars will be placed into the Heroes Gift Card Fund, divided equally among all 2026 honorees, and presented to them as gift cards. Your sponsorship is more than support for an event — it's a direct THANK YOU to the DSPs who make a difference every day..
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| HEROES CHAMPION — $1,500 Lead the way in celebrating New Jersey's outstanding DSPs. HEROES PROMOTER — $1,000 Help us elevate and recognize the important work of our Heroes. HEROES SUPPORTER — $750 Show your support for the professionals who support others every day. HEROES ALLY — $500 Stand alongside NJACP in celebrating exceptional DSPs. HEROES APPRECIATOR — $350 Help us say "thank you" to this year's deserving honorees. |
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| SPONSOR RECOGNITION Heroes Sponsors will receive recognition throughout the 2026 celebration, including: · Recognition in the 2026 Heroes Digital Program Book · Sponsor recognition during the online Heroes presentation · Recognition during the closing of the live-streamed event · Visibility as a supporter of New Jersey's Direct Support Professionals PROGRAM ADVERTISING — $275 Organizations may also purchase a full-page digital program ad for $275. Ads will be featured in the electronic Heroes Program Book and incorporated into the online presentation. Ads may be full color and submitted in Word or PowerPoint format. Advertising Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026 |
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Meet Our HEROES Award Alumni |
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| Roger Johnson - A great Direct Support Professional doesn't just help people find a job; they help them discover confidence, purpose, and possibility. Through every challenge, every change, and every success, Roger has been a steady source of encouragement, compassion, and hope.
Dawn Johnson - Some people don't just go to work, they change lives. For more than 40 years, Dawn has led with compassion, laughter, and an unwavering belief in the people she serves. |
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| Monica Santana - As a Direct Support Professional, Monica brings heart, patience, and dedication to her work, helping those she supports navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and celebrate every success along the way.
Edison Holley - Edison embodies what it means to make a difference. Through his kindness, dedication, and commitment to others, he helps create meaningful moments and empowers the people he supports to reach their goals.
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| Kimberly Rothenbeck - Kim’s compassion shines through in every interaction, consistently putting the needs and well-being of those she supports first. Kim goes above and beyond by creating fun, engaging, and thoughtful activities tailored to each individual, ensuring their days are meaningful and enriched. Her commitment to quality care and genuine engagement sets her apart. Kim doesn't simply fulfill her role, she makes a difference.
Jeremiah Huggins - Jeremiah is a stellar employee who consistently goes above and beyond to support the individuals in his care. Whether it’s arriving early for his shift, staying late to ensure everything is in order, or voluntarily clearing snow off agency vehicles in the winter - Jeremiah’s commitment speaks volumes about his character and work ethic. Jeremiah brings not only professionalism to his role but also positivity and warmth. His presence uplifts both clients and coworkers alike. |
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| Moses Erigbe - Moses consistently goes above and beyond. He brings heart, patience, and professionalism to everything he does. On one occasion, he helped a parent support her loved one in the community while the individual was displaying challenging behaviors, demonstrating both skill and empathy in a difficult moment. Moses' commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for our individuals and his team members makes him an irreplaceable part of our team, not only a standout employee but also an inspiration.
Takeya Alford - Since entering the disabilities field in 2007, Takeya has exemplified dedication, compassion, and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on the individuals she supports, their families, colleagues, and her community. Takeya sees the potential in those she supports and, through patience and consistency, helps them make incredible progress. She is a shining example of person-centered care and the life-changing impact of commitment and compassion. |
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| CELEBRATE OUR HEROES WITH US The 2026 Heroes Recognition Awards will be streamed LIVE on Facebook and YouTube, making it easy for families, friends, coworkers, and organizations to watch and celebrate these exceptional professionals from wherever they are. Friday, September 18, 2026 10:00 AM LIVE on Facebook & YouTube HELP US GIVE EVERY HERO A WELL-DESERVED THANK YOU. Become a 2026 Heroes Sponsor today. For sponsorships, advertising, or questions, please contact: Luis Santiago NJACP LSantiago@njacp.org 609-406-1400 ext. 105 |
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| The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 3211), which would support the creation of a distinct federal Standard Occupational Classification, or SOC, for direct support professionals, passed unanimously through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
This legislation now heads to the Senate floor (timing to be determined) to be voted on by the full Senate. Please help us ensure that this bill keeps moving by using this action alert, and keep telling your members of Congress that this bill is a priority for addressing the workforce crisis and sustaining IDD services! |
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