We are proud to announce that Direct Support Professional (DSP) 
Wanda Renee Newkirk of All Ways Caring HomeCare has received the 2026 DSP of the Year Award for Georgia from the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).
Since 2007, ANCOR has recognized DSPs from each state who work tirelessly to provide safe, compassionate care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while empowering their independence and inclusion in the community.
Wanda Renee Newkirk is an outstanding advocate for her clients and truly goes above and beyond for them.
After surviving a devastating house fire that left her injured and displaced, Wanda could have taken time to step back. Instead, she stayed in touch with the families she supports and returned to work as soon as she was able. Not long after, she completed a demanding apprenticeship and earned her DSP III designation — another step in a career defined by a commitment to person-centered care.
When one woman wanted to manage her own money, Wanda realized the goal required stronger math skills. She advocated for additional learning tools, then spent time each day practicing number recognition and basic calculations. By understanding the whole person and meeting them where they are, Wanda helped guide her toward greater financial independence.
Wanda also has a special gift for encouraging people who doubt themselves. So, when a shy karaoke fan hesitated to step up to the microphone, Wanda didn’t just cheer from the sidelines — she walked onto the stage and sang right alongside them.
Wanda will be honored later this month at the ANCOR Connect ’26 Conference in Boston which will take place April 21-23, 2026.
ANCOR’s 2026 DSP of the Year Awards – Recognizing Excellence
This year we’re honoring 57 outstanding direct support professionals, who are all recipients of ANCOR’s 2026 DSP of the Year Awards. We publish Recognizing Excellence, a digital magazine in which we lift up the stories of success and inclusion, to celebrate these individuals’ tremendous accomplishments and profile their impact.
Recognizing Excellence becomes a key weapon in our arsenal to advocate at the federal level for investments in the direct support workforce and the important work it does to strengthen our communities. Read the full article here.