Empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health diagnosis to live their best life

April has been in the field since 1997 and has been with the Support Solutions/NC Outreach team since June 2016. She became a licensed AFL under Corey Parker QP's leadership in 2020. As a Direct Support Professional, she provides Supportive Employment and Day Support to a member who started his first job on 12/3/24, after 8 years with NC Outreach. April is known for her leadership and initiative, caring for two individuals as their AFL provider and ensuring all their needs are met, including personal care, meals, medication, leisure, and community integration. She also supports individuals during family visits and communicates well with families, guardians, and colleagues. During Hurricane Helene, she showed great courage, managing a difficult survival situation for 18 days without power or water. April is also an excellent cook for those she serves and her colleagues.

"I work with supportive colleagues who make me smile. I work in an area that interests me and inspires me to learn. I believe my work has an impact on the Persons that we support, and the company's values align with my own."

“I love my job because of the people we support. It matters every day, most of the people we support have little to no family involvement. The staff are their family. We treat our family with love, honor, and respect. Those three little words are how I treat the people we support. They appreciate being valued; we all appreciate feeling valued. You can be having a difficult day, one of the supported people can walk in the building with a smile on their face and they are always genuinely glad to see you. A hug and a how are you is the best gift. I am blessed to work alongside some pretty amazing people, from direct care staff to my supervisor, all amazing and caring people. I have been doing this job since July 1, 1991. I do not regret a day spent in the service of others.”

“Mental health is ignored in many communities, which is something I have witnessed first hand. My current role here allows me to assist those people that would otherwise go ignored. Working at Support Solutions give me the opportunity to make a positive impact, which is also fulfilling for me because I am making a difference in our society. Working here is equivalent to being with family coming together as a team to contribute to great outcomes.”

“The desires of our hearts are often unfilled except through our imaginations. I am living out my desires by collaborating with other professions to enhance the quality of living for our mental health population. My employment at Support Solutions is more than gratifying, provides encouragement, and opportunities for self-elevation. I especially enjoy working with all of my colleagues, an amazing group of dedicated and caring professionals.”