I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Respect for April, 2023! Congratulations to Forrest Sinnott, Residential Coordinator in Adult Supported Living, Residential Services.

At Service Alternatives, in our work with clients and with our customers, Respect means always remembering that we are in the service of people. We value the contributions and experiences of each person – learning their barriers so that we can provide the support and engagement they need to overcome those barriers and advance their unique potential.

The nomination for Forrest Sinnott describes how Forrest understands some barriers and provides the support to clients treating them with dignity and respect to overcome those barriers.

The nomination states:

Forrest Sinnott demonstrates respect on the job by always taking the time to listen to clients and validating their feelings or concerns about anything.  

One time a client was throwing a Super Bowl party and one of the clients attending became overwhelmed. Forrest sat with him, told him it’s okay to have intense emotions and asked the client if he wanted or needed to leave or go for a drive. The client said no, however Forrest sat with this client the remainder of the party to make sure he felt validated in his emotions.   

Forrest is patient and has never rushed a client or dismissed them if they were expressing themselves or said they need a minute of their time. Forrest also expresses patience with coworkers. Forrest understands that life happens and is always willing to work out a solution that helps support everyone and their needs at that time and shows respect in their humility. In this line of work some personal and sometimes embarrassing things can happen but Forrest always shows grace and kindness.  

These examples of taking the time to validate the feelings of clients and co-workers, offering space and demonstrating patience to help others through challenges, are true displays of respect. Thank you, Forrest, for embodying respect in the day-to-day, and congratulations!