Effective Relationships with Teams

Cassidy Kuningas (left) and Kristen Kuningas (right) volunteer at an inclusive service project at Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Before starting as an administrative assistant at The Arc of Oklahoma, I knew little about disability. Acronyms like DSP (direct support professional), IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities), and DDS (developmental disability services) were foreign to me. I couldn’t tell you anything about Medicaid, guardianship, or even what a direct support professional really did. But it was also exciting—I knew I had a lot to learn.

The Arc of Oklahoma, formerly TARC, has been promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1952. We actively support people’s full inclusion in the community throughout their lifetimes. As the state chapter of The Arc of the United States, the largest national community-based organization advocating for people with IDD, The Arc of Oklahoma plays a vital role in advancing disability rights and inclusion.

It didn’t take long before I became deeply engaged in the history of disability rights, particularly in Oklahoma. Assisting with programs encouraging self-advocacy and community inclusion, I saw firsthand how vital it is to promote social and support groups, engage self-advocates in public policy, and encourage person-centered practices. These actions create a world of possibilities for people of all abilities. The value in that is undeniable. But I saw that it was also relatively unusual for people with disabilities to have these opportunities. That bothered me. And because it did, I knew I needed to do something about it.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Leaders aren’t born; they’re made”? The same applies to advocates. I, like you, are an advocate—whether you know it or not. Every day, you choose to show up to support people with disabilities. How you show up will differ depending on your team, role, and the person you support. Goals and successes may look different, but what truly matters is that you keep showing up.

Kristen’s Story

Twenty-six-year-old Kristen Kuningas has had many successes. She became a resident in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, over four years ago. She married her husband, Cassidy. She obtained her driving permit and served as a panelist on The Arc of Oklahoma’s Panel of Experts. Recently, she completed and graduated from a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program. Kristen regularly volunteers at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, which allows volunteers with and without disabilities to develop skills, build relationships, and demonstrate their ability to give back.

We have coordinated inclusive volunteer opportunities for years and built a strong partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. As the largest private hunger relief organization in eastern Oklahoma, the Food Bank serves 24 counties and distributes food to 400 partner agencies, including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, and after-school programs. In 2021 alone, the Food Bank had 450 assistance programs that distributed 32.7 million pounds of food.

Inclusive Volunteering to Address Community Need

This partnership addresses a critical community need—Oklahoma is one of only five states with a food insecurity rate above 14.5%. The Food Bank is also a place where Kristen has opportunities to give back. Research from Hunger Free Oklahoma shows that 67% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants are children, people who are aging, or people with disabilities. Our initiative challenges the narrative that people with disabilities are only recipients of aid. Instead, people have opportunities to be valuable and active contributors.

Last year, our volunteers, including Kristen and Cassidy, contributed over 1,034 service hours, providing food assistance to 15,398 Oklahomans facing food insecurity.

Last year, our volunteers, including Kristen and Cassidy, contributed over 1,034 service hours, providing food assistance to 15,398 Oklahomans facing food insecurity. While the numbers speak for themselves, the impact is best captured through testimonials from those who experience these opportunities firsthand.

Kristen's Thanks to People on her Team

At the end of February, Kristen invited me to her graduation party at Gatesway Foundation, where she gave a heartfelt speech acknowledging the staff who supported her journey. She allowed me to share her words as a thank-you to those who continue to show up, even when it’s hard, because they want better for the people they support.

As I was going through CNA school, I learned to appreciate the staff we have here, not just because of their dedication to show up to work, but because of what they go through to take care of each and every one of us. They don’t just sit and do nothing—they do the dirty work that we don’t always know about. They help prepare us for life and learn how to manage it and help the ones that will never be able to care for themselves. They do it all, just so we can be as independent as possible while having the help and support we need. So, thank you.

The [Human Resources] people help behind the scenes so we can have a meaningful life without worry. They pay the bills, give us food, and provide a safe place to live. They do the paperwork for us and resolve our issues. Thank you all. I appreciate all you have done and for your part in getting me in and through CNA school. I know I did a lot of it on my own, but I just want to give you guys credit where it belongs. Thank you.

Like so many others, Kristen's success reflects the extra effort, teamwork, and dedication of those who choose to show up. Whether through inclusive volunteerism, employment training, or direct support, the role DSPs play is invaluable. The work you do is not just about assistance, it’s about empowerment, advocacy, and creating opportunities for independence.

So, the next time you step into your role, remember showing up matters. The ways in which you show up will shape someone’s future. Your effort, teamwork, and commitment to advocacy are the foundation of success for the people you support.

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