April 19, 2024 | Press Release.pdf

Recognition honors professionals exemplifying workforce that empowers community inclusion for people with intellectual, developmental disabilities.

Columbia, SC – Community Options, a leading national nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, is pleased to announce that Deandrea Young has been named the recipient of the 2024 South Carolina Direct Support Professional of the Year Award by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).

Deandrea is a Senior Direct Support Professional for Community Options in Columbia. Deandrea joins 54 other honorees in the 2024 edition of ANCOR’s annual Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards program. This year’s awards garnered a record-breaking 492 nominations.

“We are thrilled that Deandrea’s hard work has been recognized by ANCOR,” said Craig Scott, Community Options’ Executive Director. “Providing support to individuals with disabilities brings satisfaction to both the individual and staff providing the support. Deandrea’s contributions are invaluable, and we are fortunate to have her as a valued member of our team.”

Community Options develops housing and employment for over 5,000 people with disabilities across 12 states. The national nonprofit employs over 6,000 staff, including thousands of Direct Support Professionals on the frontlines to support people with disabilities in their homes and at their jobs.

“Each year, we are seeing more nominations and more compelling nominations for ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Awards,” said Diane Beastrom, President of ANCOR’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Transition for Ohio-based I Am Boundless. “But Deandrea’s nomination just blew us away. I cannot think of a more deserving professional to honor, as they truly exemplify what it means to see, appreciate, and value the people we are fortunate enough to support.”

Since 2007, ANCOR’s annual DSP of the Year awards recognize outstanding DSPs who deliver long-term services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring people with I/DD have what they need to thrive and be included in the community.

About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 50 offices across 12 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.