More than a side hustle: Help people with disabilities gain independence with DSP Connections

What is the most recent side hustle you’ve tried? Was it driving ride-share or delivering food? How about grocery shopping for someone else? Most everyone has a smartphone or a YouTube account. Creating content and gaining followers is a way for people to supplement their income.

DSP Connections (DSPC), with headquarters in Salem, Oregon, has opportunities for people to not only take on a side hustle but also make a massive difference. DSPC supports over 2,000 children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Linn, Marion, Polk, and Lincoln Counties from over 2,500 caregivers. DSP Connections is eager to find more Direct Support Professionals (DSP), similar to the role of a caregiver, among people who currently have experience or people looking to start a rewarding part-time job or career.

This isn’t an ordinary side hustle — it’s an opportunity to build a lasting relationship and truly make a positive impact in your community. Additionally, a DSP will grow personally and professionally in ways they may have never realized.

Adam Cardoza is an energetic, fun-loving long-time executive member of DSP Connections. His job title is “relations director” but only because you can’t fit marketing, event coordinating, public relations, culture experience, and vibe setter on a business card. Adam said some DSP’s are a full-time career while others help out during the week or on weekends.

The real value of a DSP is the impact they make with the “client” and their family. Upon signing up to be a DSP, each person undergoes a background check and is interviewed on their experience and what they want out of the role. They are then referred to a “client” whom they believe is the best match.

Next comes the initial meeting between the DSP, client, and their family, which is facilitated by DSP Connections staff. After a mutual agreement from both parties, a schedule is then set and a relationship formed.

Some DSP’s have worked with clients for years, becoming a de facto member of their family. Providers can help a client become independent, communicate, and experience things they may never have dreamed of. Trips to the park are common, and so are sporting and other community events. A DSP can have autonomy while also receiving support from DSP Connections.

Adam shared a heartwarming example of the impact a DSP made on an individual who was told by a doctor that they may never be able to communicate or walk on their own.

Fast forward to being able to signal and walk with supported resources, “That happened because of the dedication and passion of DSPs. It was very hands-on, and it took years, but that person has actual independence that never would have existed without those quality DSPs.”

DSP Connections has immediate openings for DSP’s to make a positive and lasting impact on a life and a family. This is not an ordinary side hustle where you phone it in. Being a DSP is an immersive experience where you can truly fill your bucket and commit wholly to something and someone. This is both a professional opportunity and one that can supplement or be a standalone career.

Visit DSPConnections.org to learn more about their stories and how you can get involved.

You belong

Anytime you see DSP Connections and their heart logo, they want you to think of the words “you belong.”

It’s a holistic idea that you, as an individual, belong in our community.

They don’t want you to just read it on their office walls or in a commercial. They want you to believe it for and about yourself.

#YouBelong

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