Andre McPherson
2024 Exceptional Service Award Recipient

Program Coordinator
May Center for Adult Services
Western Massachusetts 


Nomination:

Andre is a Program Coordinator in a Spanish-speaking home that supports four men. In addition, he oversees one individual who lives independently in his own apartment. Andre is easily able to adapt to the varying needs of all the individuals he supports. 

In the 24-hour residence that Andre manages, he has great relationships with each individual as well as the staff. The biggest focus for all is having fun and enjoying life. Of course, Andre maintains thorough paperwork and ensures compliance with medications, medical appointments, and finances, but he goes beyond that to ensure each individual enjoys their life and has fun. 

Andre met with his team and came up with a plan to take each individual on a vacation that matched their interests and comfort level. Andre’s staff paired up to plan vacations for each individual including dates, attractions, cost, etc. Andre reviewed the plans to ensure staff coverage to support each man. Some of the trips they took included Lake George, Niagara Falls, Six Flags in New Jersey, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and Sesame Place. Andre even worked with other programs to include other individuals who would enjoy visiting these locations. 

Andre also planned a vacation with the individual he supports who lives independently. Andre met with him and discussed what he wanted to do for his vacation and planned it from there, once again including a compatible individual from another program to maximize the fun for all. 

Andre spends the time getting to know each individual and what they want out of life, and then works with his team to achieve this. In my years as a supervisor, I've not seen anyone with the energy, drive, and commitment that Andre shows to his job. 

Quotes from his community:

“He's straightforward, honest, and cool. He keeps me in check. He takes me to do things and helps me buy the things I need.” — Anthony, May Resident

“He is great with my son. Goes above and beyond. My son loves him!” — Francesco, May Parent  

See all of the pictures from the event on our Flickr album!

 

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