Photo caption: (right to left) Zach Apt and Sheneka Crawford were honored by The Arc of Illinois on April 22. Pictured with Apt and Crawford are Executive Director Samantha Alloway (center), Sertoma Star Services President/CEO Kelly Berardelli, and Sertoma Star Services staff members Delores Delgado and Sheree Hampton.

Sertoma Star Services is proud to share that two of its staff members were recognized by The Arc of Illinois for supporting The Arc’s mission and enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Congratulations to Sheneka Crawford for being named the Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year. Crawford received this honor for her outstanding, dedicated direct care service and support to persons with developmental disabilities.

The following was shared about Crawford as she received her award, “Sheneka has always been a staff to step up and take on new responsibilities. As a peer mentor, Sheneka has supported other DSPs to be more comfortable supporting people receiving services to participate in community activities.”

Congratulations to Zach Apt for being named the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) of the Year. Apt received this honor for his outstanding, dedicated service as a QIDP/Case Manager for persons with developmental disabilities.

The following was shared about Apt as he received his award. “Zach is everything a QIDP should be. Zach has built relationships not only with every person on his caseload but with every person receiving services who he interacts with. He gets to know them outside of what is written about them so he can help them live their life to the fullest. No dream is too big even if it means pushing against the norm or his peers!”

The Arc of Illinois presented Crawford and Apt their awards during the 75th Annual Convention on Tuesday, April 22.