Amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of New York City lie a sundry selection of serene parks and gardens, inhaling the frenzy of the city and breathing new life back into it. This is where Yolanda, our dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) at CFS, and Kevin, a vibrant participant, come together to lead a movement of wellness through the CFS Walking Club!
Yolanda and Kevin have been actively organizing and conducting walks across several parks in the city, including the Brooklyn Bridge Park, Central Park and the Hudson River Park. Kevin and Yolanda help encourage CFS participants to prioritize their fitness while also exploring the beautiful parks they tour.
Now, with the arrival of spring and in celebration of CFS’ 70th anniversary, the CFS Walking Club is eagerly preparing for their upcoming event – the 70 Miles in 70 Days Challenge, set to kick off on April 6th. As the Walking Club endeavors to log 70 miles by June 15th, they’re relying on support from donors, supporters, their CFS family and friends.
Through donations and encouragement, the CFS Walking Club aim to raise $7,000, with every dollar going towards CFS’ Advocacy and Innovation Program, which empowers individuals like Kevin to become self-advocates, and equips them with the tools they need to achieve their dreams and aspirations. Thanks to a generous donation from Peloton made already to CFS, each participant will also receive a set of weights! Walkers will also get a new CFS 70th Anniversary water bottle.
Yolanda’s dedication to Kevin, commitment to her work, and her boundless compassion have helped Kevin and the members of the Walking Club execute their walks seamlessly. She tells us that:
“The Role of a DSP is to provide direct care to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This includes assisting clients with daily tasks and goals they have set for themselves related to academics, recreational activities, self-improvement, physical fitness, employment, community safety and traveling to name a few.
What I love about my job is that I get to help those who need it. I love to see the growth of a person over time as they continue to work toward their goals and make incredible life improvements. I’ve been working for CFS for roughly four years now and seeing the growth and success being achieved by our clients has allowed me to understand more about the importance of being a DSP.
I have a job with a purpose, where I get to provide not only assistance but also companionship to our clients while I help guide them towards their independence.”
Deyanelin (known as Deya at CFS), who was a DSP mentor and is now the Support Planning Specialist at CFS, helped train Yolanda during the COVID 19 lockdown. Deya says that she immediately knew that Yolanda would be an outstanding DSP after meeting her.
“I met Yolanda about four years ago. I was a DSP mentor and was asked to assist in guiding her in her new role as a DSP. Right away I noticed she would be one of CFS’ most outstanding staff members. She connected instantly with the person whom she was going to support. Unfortunately, she was not able to provide the full service initially due to the pandemic in 2021, but I reached out to her and asked her if she would like to be part of the virtual Zoom support the innovative team was putting together. Yolanda agreed and later came up with the walking club with Kevin, who loves walking and wanted others to join in his fitness journey with him. I am truly proud of Yolanda and all she has accomplished these four years. She is a rock star and truly supports people with all her heart!” Says Deya.
Kevin, a fun loving ball of energy and determination, leads the charge at the walking club, keeping the energy and everyone’s spirits high. Despite some challenges he has faced with his weight and as an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Kevin’s enthusiasm and zest for life illuminate the path forward, guiding his fellow walkers through the vibrant tapestry of New York City’s parks and landscapes.
“I didn’t realize how much walking alone would help with my weight loss. I’m not always a fan of the gym and this has been a really big help for me. I like walking a lot and I enjoy sharing it with others!” says Kevin enthusiastically.
Today, Kevin regularly delivers his trademark informational walking tours, which educate participants about their surroundings, while also giving them time and space to reflect and think.
The dynamic duo of Kevin and Yolanda truly embodies the spirit of CFS. This March, we wanted to highlight their incredible efforts as part of CFS’ 70-year anniversary, Women’s History Month, and Developmental Disability Awareness Month celebrations.
Both these individuals are remarkable. They are the heart and soul of the CFS Walking Club.
CFS is so proud of both Kevin and Yolanda. We are very grateful for the profound impact that they have had on our family.
