Business : Renn Honored for Outstanding Work People with Disabilities

Linda Renn, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with REM Iowa Community Services who lives in Vinton, was recently honored with The MENTOR Network's Ripple of Hope Award for the positive impact she has made on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 15th annual Ripple of Hope Awards ceremony in Boston recognized The MENTOR Network's most exceptional employees and independent contractors for their passion, energy, skill, and ability to create a "ripple of hope" that will leave a legacy of compassion and caring for others to follow. Renn was one of nine recipients from around the country honored with the award.

Linda Renn (right) and Gerry Morrissey, The MENTOR Network's Chief Quality Officer (left)

Throughout nearly a decade of work with REM Iowa, Renn has worked hand-in-hand with individuals to help them overcome significant barriers and gone above and beyond to support individuals in her care who struggle with changes to their daily routine or living environment. She is known a go-to resource for her colleagues when they have questions and valued as an important member of her team.

REM Iowa is a part of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local health and human services providers. DSPs, like Renn, are helpful, compassionate and committed to improving the lives of others. They build relationships and enhance lives by providing care and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Renn started her career in direct care at a residential program for students who are visually impaired, an experience that would be life-changing for an individual she served many years later at REM Iowa.

Full circle moments are nothing new to Renn. The relationships she makes, she retains, whether it is a morning phone call or being there in an emergency, people know they can count on her to always be in their lives. It's those same people who keep Renn motivated and dedicated to a career in direct care.

"I have learned so much from them," said Renn of the people she serves. "They bring joy to my job every day I work with them."

"When Linda walks in the room everyone smiles and greets her, and her positive attitude tends to leave behind a trail of smiles with everyone she interacts with," said Melinda Grimm, program director at REM Iowa and Renn's nominator.

During the ceremony, Gerry Morrissey, The MENTOR Network's Chief Quality Officer remarked, "She is motivated by all the individuals she serves, and she expresses non-stop gratitude for the joy and learning they bring to her life."

"My thinking is think outside the box," says Renn of her ability to help individuals live life to the fullest. "I'm involved. It's who I am."

Earlier this year, Renn was also named DSP of the Year for Iowa by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR)-the national trade association for providers of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities- for going above and beyond to provide exemplary service in the direct support profession.

REM Iowa has provided quality services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other complex challenges since 1979. REM Iowa's personalized approach maximizes each person's unique efforts to learn, grow and thrive in the communities they call home.