Dungarvin Inc.

03/31/2026

“Women are strong and resilient, overcoming generations of obstacles and providing a better future for each and every one of us. Women are our first teachers in life, and their history is our history,” believes Jarrod Gibson, KY State Office Manager.

gives him another chance to reflect and honor the lasting legacy of his late mother.

“Growing up in the poorest parts of Appalachia, my mother taught me that love, patience, and integrity are guiding principles to live life to the fullest. She made countless sacrifices to ensure I had a better life than she did. She instilled in me to help others that need it, speak up for those who can’t, and to speak out against injustices. I am honored to carry on her legacy and apply her teachings to the work I do with Dungarvin,” Jarrod said.

We are so grateful for Jarrod and the kindness that is evident in how he treats others. Thank you to all of the mothers everywhere whose history with their children now inspire our own legacies!

03/30/2026

👉 Sylvia Vandroff, an Area Director for Dungarvin Kentucky, spotlights Program Director Shelley Brooks for .

“When I think about women who are making a difference in their families and the lives of others, I think of Shelley, who embodies that in every way,” Sylvia said. “In the four years I’ve known Shelley, I’ve witnessed her resilience on many levels, and I often find myself wondering how she manages to do it all. Even though there are only 24 hours in a day, the way that Shelley shows up makes you think there are more! She stands strong and leads with grace through any challenge life throws her way.”

Thank you, Shelley, for being a consistent light and a definitive blessing to those around you, including our colleague, Sylvia, and the others on your team and in your family!

03/29/2026

“This , I want to take a moment to honor the woman who has shaped my world more than anyone else — my mom.” Paula Pulley, KY State Director, shared.

“She is the definition of strength wrapped in grace. She has led with compassion, stood firm through challenges, and shown me what resilience truly looks like. Her example has taught me how to work hard, love deeply, speak up, and keep going even on the hard days!”

One big THANK YOU to Paula’s mother from all of us for having such a beautiful impact on her daughter’s life. We think your influence has shaped her as a leader and our colleague!

Happy to all of our colleagues, friends, and family.

03/28/2026

💜 “Meredith Freeman, Paula Pulley, and Lisa Fannin – three exceptional leaders who guide our East region states – lead with integrity, dedication, and a deep commitment to Dungarvin’s mission.”

This is what Julie Josephitis, Regional Director for the East Region, said when nominating them as women she admires during .

“They show up every day with purpose, supporting our teams, advocating for those we serve, and setting a standard of excellence through their leadership. It is truly a privilege to work alongside such a remarkable leadership team. As their supervisor, I am grateful for their passion, professionalism, and the positive example they set each day,” she explained.

WHM is about lifting up the women around us and admiring their contributions, and we’re grateful to Julie for highlighting these remarkable people!

03/27/2026

Meet Larita, an individual Dungarvin supports! 👋

She LOVES to make scarves and hats for her family and even gives them to the homeless during the winter, so they can keep warm. Over time, she’s produced many gifts and even made a scarf and hat for her DSP, Felicia, as a Christmas present! She is so talented and we love to see her sharing her passion with others.

During , we highlight the individuals we support, featuring examples of what they CAN do!

03/27/2026

“Celebrating reminds us that strength doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes it looks like endurance, growth, and choosing to keep going,” Residential Coordinator LaQuita Hart shared.

Celebrating accomplishments is not always easy, but today LaQuita wants to celebrate and honor her own growth. “I’ve overcome difficult seasons, and instead of giving up, I chose to rebuild. That takes courage. I admire the woman I am becoming.”

LaQuita emphasizes the impact of showing up consistently, giving yourself grace, and pushing forward despite difficulties.

👉 Read more about Dungarvin's approach to celebrating Women's History Month on our website: https://bit.ly/4ddOo8K

03/26/2026

“While I may not be Wonder Woman, the mentorship and belief they gave me have empowered me to feel as though anything is possible.” 🦸

Ohio State Director, Lisa Fannin, wishes to recognize two Dungarvin leaders who have had a profound impact on her journey during : Jennifer Gulley, former Dungarvin Ohio State Director, and Julie Josephitis, current Dungarvin Regional Director.

“Jennifer and Julie have helped shape not only the supervisor I have become, but more importantly, the leader I strive to be today,” she said.

Collectively, they’ve supervised Lisa for half of her 23 years with Dungarvin, providing mentorship, encouragement, and growth in both her professional and personal life. She believes much of the success she’s experienced can be traced back to their mentorship and the belief they placed in her throughout her journey.

Thank you Julie, Jennifer, and Lisa for being remarkable examples of the influence and impact women have had on Dungarvin.

03/25/2026

👉 Yesterday, hundreds of Dungarvin staff members and many individuals supported by the organization made their voices heard during Minnesota’s Disability Services Day at the Capitol in St. Paul.

The group rallied alongside thousands of other attendees, urging lawmakers NOT to cut funding for these critical services.
Thank you to all who showed up to advocate for the people we support, as well as our invaluable direct support staff.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4sIEeC3

03/25/2026

As we celebrate throughout March, we pause to recognize that this month is about the experiences, contributions and rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) everywhere.

It is also an important opportunity to encourage our respective communities to offer more inclusive environments for everyone.

With this in mind, and recognizing Dungarvin’s responsibility as a provider to honor and uplift the individuals we serve each and every day – not just one month each year – we wanted to share the following blog from fellow provider, iCare Manager, with you.

Take a moment to continue to educate yourself on why this month is also an opportunity for each of us to take action here: https://www.icaremanager.com/blog-post/developmental-disabilities-awareness-month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is more than recognition — it's a call to action for IDD service providers to strengthen person-centered support, improve workforce systems, and build truly inclusive communities.

03/23/2026

How many of you remember Peggy Porter, one of our inductees? 🌟

Peggy has a very special place in our collective Dungarvin’s hearts. She is also the inspiration behind Dungarvin Ohio’s yearly participation in the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. Sadly, Peggy passed away in December of 2006 trying to save the lives of the individuals she supported. “We give our time because she gave it all,” State Director Lisa Fannin explained.

Hours later, after lots of hard work and inspiration from Peggy, they helped create hundreds of boxes that will feed many elderly citizens in the central Ohio area. The team wanted to share their experience to encourage others to give back to their communities in any way they are able to!

We’re so proud of our Ohio colleagues for making an impact on the lives of others.

03/22/2026

🐴 Nelson is an individual supported by Dungarvin in Nevada who has shown that with a stable home life, personal support and his own perseverance, he could make significant, positive changes in his life.

The Dungarvin Nevada team and Nelson’s Host Home provider are super proud of him!

Read about his story here: https://bit.ly/4bl0UB3

03/21/2026

“ is a reminder of the vital roles women have played that shape our culture, history, and our society,” shared Ananeika Gordon, Behavior Supports Specialist for Dungarvin.

She wishes to spotlight her colleague, Vanessa Ponds (pictured here), whom she believes is a beautiful soul. “She serves her clients gracefully, encouraging smiles and laughs while completing their daily curriculum. She’s taught me that we are all created to serve one another, and we should do it with a spirit of excellency.”

Vanessa and Ananeika are just two of the incredible women working with us. We consider it a joy to celebrate them and all of the other women with whom we have the privilege of working.