Dungarvin Inc.

10/31/2025

It’s back! has returned as a fun team-building activity for staff and persons served. Check out some recent submissions for Halloween!

From our Portage, Indiana office to the office of Ohio State Director Lisa Fanin, we’re proud to present these door designs from our staff and the people they support.

We’ll be sharing more in the future, so stay tuned and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below!

10/31/2025

👉 As you may know, the current government shutdown affects many people, including many of the individuals and families whom Dungarvin supports, even some of our hard-working employees.

Unfortunately, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps many eligible households purchase nutritious food, is set to expire tomorrow, November 1. SNAP helps nearly 42 million Americans, including many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and professionals in the direct support workforce afford to put food on their tables.

We are asking you to rise above political division and use your voice to contact members of Congress TODAY. The SNAP program benefits our most vulnerable populations, often with incomes below the federal poverty level. We believe that many of you may either benefit from this program, or you know (and love) someone who does.

Let’s ask our elected officials to do what is right and preserve this life-saving program. Click here to take action NOW: www.ancor.org/actions/urge-congress-to-fund-snap

Because Congress has not yet reached an agreement on funding, the federal government is currently shut down. As a result, on November 1, federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will run out.

10/29/2025

For how many of you is camping a favorite pastime?

In early September, 40 persons served, plus Dungarvin support staff, visited the Millersylvania State Park in Washington state in what became an extraordinary and eye-opening experience for everyone involved. Some made the day trip while others stayed overnight, but all agreed that the trip far exceeded expectations, even hopes!

Read about some behind-the-scenes details from those involved in organizing the event and hear from those who attended as well: https://bit.ly/3JfPC71

10/28/2025

It was a circus during the recent Dungarvin Oregon Staff Appreciation events – but that was intentional!

Oregon’s “Fungarvin” Committee hosted Circus Circus-themed events in Portland and Eugene, Sept. 23 and 24, including carnival games, photo booths and face painting. Attendees also enjoyed carnival foods, like hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones.

“It was truly wonderful to see so many people there, sharing laughs, catching up and celebrating all the amazing work our teams do every single day,” said Dungarvin Oregon State Director Brenda Linden.
Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/32z8wsfk

10/27/2025

Today, we are sharing a message from our CEO Lori Kress.
Besides being Dungarvin’s leader, Lori is also the President of American Network of Community Options and Resources, a national community of providers for people with disabilities. Many years ago, Lori started her own career as a Direct Support Professional, so she knows better than most the value our industry’s professionals provide to individuals in need of supports.

“At Dungarvin, we know that our work is a means to and empower those we support to live life on their own terms. With support from our thousands of talented Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), we show up every day – regardless of government shutdowns – to ensure that person-centered care is delivered and individual choice is honored.

In order to raise awareness of the consistent and quality care our teams deliver, Dungarvin is looking to share more examples of the incredible resilience of both our professional caregivers as well as the courageous people they support. As a result and in partnership with our friends at American Network of Community Options and Resources, we are adding the hashtag to all of our posts that demonstrate why our work matters and why having access to one’s community is critical to any person’s success in life.

You can join us in this important work by Liking/Commenting/or Sharing any of these posts with your friends and family members – it’s that easy! And, if you do, please be sure to include to show your support.

On behalf of the thousands of individuals and families whom we proudly support, thank you.”

10/26/2025

We have more artwork to share today from our initiative.

Austin, of Minnesota, created this happy tribute to Dungarvin’s 50th Anniversary and sent us a message: “Happy 50 Years, Dungarvin!” Austin, we sure appreciate the nice wish and artwork to help us celebrate this big Dungarvin milestone.

The fun dog with the red, polka-dot bow was created by Deveren, of Nevada, who says drawing relaxes him, and he loves to draw pets using pencils and markers. He especially enjoys depicting dogs, to which he often adds outfits and accessories.

We also have the amazing work of Terry, of Minnesota, who used wood, a wood burner, crayons, colored pencils, plastic gem drills, chalk and stickers to make this picture inspired by his good memories of camping.

Finally, Adam, of Washington, created this painting of his favorite dog, Milo. Adam met Milo while he was staying in a hotel, waiting to move into his new home. Deborah Anderson, who submitted the painting on Adam’s behalf, said having the chance to love and receive love from the dogs made his temporary home a good place to be.

Thank you to all of these wonderful artists for sharing your beautiful creations with us!

10/24/2025

What do the words albatross, duck hook, lumberjack and mulligan have in common? They are golf lingo, and they might have been part of the conversation at the Dungarvin New Mexico Staff Appreciation Event at TopGolf in Albuquerque.

Employees had the chance to hit balls in the driving range, enjoy a delicious meal and just have a good time. The event also honored 12 people celebrating Milestone anniversaries of more than 10 years with Dungarvin. We want to honor the following:

Guadalupe Leon – 30 Years
Irene Garcia – 25 Years
Joseph Medina – 20 Years
Lawrence Martinez – 20 Years
Andrew Toney – 20 Years
Nicholas Macias – 15 Years
Jeremy Pacheco – 15 Years
Richard Vallez – 15 Years
Austin Wright – 15 Years
Marc Felber – 15 Years
Tarail Bryant – 15 Years
James Johnson – 10 Years

To those celebrating Milestones in New Mexico, congratulations from your Dungarvin family! We’re glad the Albuquerque team made the time to celebrate each other.

10/24/2025

Meet Orv Williamschen, a former marine, who was the perfect leader to join Dungarvin back in the spring of 1987. One of “the few, the proud” Dungarvin ‘pioneers.’

When Orv arrived, Minnesota was experiencing a state government systems change from ICF/MR to waivered services and Dungarvin was converting large, distressed providers to community-based homes in greater Minnesota. Leaning on leadership skills, Orv inherently knew how to operationalize Dungarvin’s mission statement.

Orv’s ultimate oversight of Colorado, New Mexico, California and Oregon will always be an indelible legacy. At the zenith of Orv’s career as a Regional Director, 5 of 13 states and some thousands of consumers and staff counted on his leadership and support.

Over the course of 24 years, he was an important sounding board for owners Tim and Diane Madden and the broader management team. Orv retired in 2011 and currently lives with his wife Sue in Lakeville, Minnesota. Thank you for leaving a legacy, Orv.

10/22/2025

With some help along the way from Dungarvin Wisconsin, Kristy has made huge strides in reaching her goals to live a happy and independent life. She had received support from Dungarvin staff in both Residential Services and Mental Health, from professionals who have guided and encouraged her, while giving her room to be and grow into herself. In fact, she’s done so well, she is now happily living independently.

Kristy, we are incredibly proud of you! Your Dungarvin family wishes you all the very best life has to offer.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/476VW8W

10/21/2025

The ACI-Dungarvin team in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, recently gathered for a DSP Appreciation Event and to celebrate the opening of a new training space.

The new space provides a central location for staff meetings, Foster Parent Support Group meetings and annual training sessions, said State Director Rita Barnes.

“In our Elizabeth City area, we provide home and community services and foster care services in very rural areas, requiring our DSPs to travel great distances to assist with the community goals for their persons served. So, the Elizabeth City team is very excited to have this new meeting/training space in a central location,” Rita said.

The theme of the open house/DSP Appreciation Event was, “You are a superhero,” and included a tour of the training space as well as a catered lunch.

Congratulations to the Elizabeth City team! We’re glad you had the opportunity to honor your DSPs and celebrate the opening of this great new space.

10/20/2025

Dungarvin CT hosted its annual Strategic Planning event in early October at Powder Ridge Ski Resort, bringing together leadership and staff to chart the organization’s future.

The primary objective of the day was to develop a measurable, actionable plan that everyone could contribute to and support. Once finalized, the plan will be published internally, and progress will be evaluated at intervals determined collaboratively.

State Director Robert Gallant led the day’s activities and shared his perspective on strategic planning: “It’s like creating a roadmap for our organization’s future. Just as someone might plan a road trip by choosing a destination, mapping out the route, and planning stops along the way, we use strategic planning to define our goals and determine how to reach them. It ensures that everyone is aligned and working together toward a shared vision.”

Everyone shared ideas and perspectives, making it a truly meaningful and collaborative experience.