FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pittsburgh, PA – Achieva, a leading disability services organization supporting more than 10,000 Pennsylvanians annually, announced it has received a $500,000 grant from The Heinz Endowments to advance two critical workforce initiatives: DEI and engagement of staff, and implementation of a nationally-recognized training, credentialing, and certification program for direct service professionals (DSPs).
The grant will provide $375,000 for NADSP (National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals) training and credentialing, and $125,000 for DEI initiatives designed to create a more inclusive workplace where all employees thrive. The initiative is part of Achieva's Beyond Boundaries campaign, which aims to expand services and support more Pennsylvanians with disabilities to lead lives of personal significance.
The funding comes at a crucial time as the disability services sector faces a national shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs). According to ANCOR, a national advocacy organization, demand for DSP services is expected to grow by 35% over the next decade, making workforce development and retention essential priorities.
“Direct support professionals are the backbone of our services, providing life-changing support that allows people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities,” said Steve Suroviec, President and CEO of Achieva. “This generous support from The Heinz Endowments will help us elevate the profession through credentialing while building a more diverse and inclusive workplace that attracts and retains top talent.”
The majority of the grant ($375,000) will fund Achieva's NADSP’s E-Badge Academy, enabling DSPs to earn professional badges representing key competencies that accumulate toward certification at three levels. The program will credential 150 DSPs over five years, starting with 30 professionals in the first year.
Achieva aims to train and credential 100% of front-line supervisors and at least 25% of its total DSP workforce annually beginning in 2025. The credentialing validates DSP expertise, builds trust with families, promotes workforce retention, and creates clear career development paths with opportunities for higher compensation.
“The training has expanded my knowledge and helped me reflect on my years as a DSP,” said Pam T., an Achieva employee participating in the program. “I feel all aspects of this opportunity aid in what I have learned throughout the years and will still learn.”
The remaining $125,000 will fund DEI initiatives, including an investment in an employee engagement system, expanded recruitment efforts across Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, and membership in Vibrant Pittsburgh, which will provide access to regional DEI best practices and learning opportunities.
The DEI component will help Achieva's workforce provide actionable feedback to leadership that will enhance their employment experience, in addition to shifting the workforce demographics forward to more closely reflect those of Allegheny County. This will also provide employees with access to the latest regional DEI resources and expanded recruitment opportunities.
Both initiatives support Achieva's Beyond Boundaries campaign and directly enhance the organization's ability to serve people with disabilities. Stronger workforce retention leads to more stable relationships between staff and those they support, while professional credentialing ensures higher quality, person-centered care.
“The Heinz Endowments is proud to support Achieva's comprehensive approach to workforce development," said Carmen Anderson, Vice President of The Heinz Endowments. “These investments in professional growth and inclusive workplace culture will strengthen the entire disability services sector while improving outcomes for individuals and families.”
For more information about Achieva and its workforce development initiatives, visit SupportBrightFutures.org.
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About Achieva
Achieva supports more than 10,000 Pennsylvanians with disabilities annually through housing, caregiving, employment, and advocacy programs. The organization is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities to lead lives of personal significance in their communities.
About The Heinz Endowments
The Heinz Endowments works to grow an exemplary, sustainable Pittsburgh region where everyone prospers and belongs. Our work in Arts & Culture; Civic Participation; Climate, Environment & Health; Community & Economic Development; Food Systems; Veterans; and Workforce is supported by reliable data based on results focused goals. The Endowments is among the 60 largest philanthropic organizations in the United States, distributing approximately $90 million in grants annually.
Media Contact:
Marcia Wallander
VP of Advancement
412.676.7974
mwallander@achieva.info