Wayne Branch found that some struggles in life were easier when you had a strong support system behind you.

On Thursday, Branch spoke about the importance of the ReDCo Group in his life and how the staff has become a family to him, who loves and supports him in ways his biological family could not.

Branch has been a consumer with the ReDCo Group for over two decades and has formed a bond with the men and women who help him live a normal life, helping to make everyday tasks easier.

Branch has three staff members who help him go places, shop and just be there to assist.

“They’re my family,” he said.

Jacqueline Walck, who has worked with Branch for 12 years, said that doing this job is fulfilling.

“It gives us satisfaction for the work that we do and the help and support that we can provide for them that they’re lacking from family members,” she said. “We become their family because they rely on us for basically all their daily needs, outings or hospital visits.”

Branch and Walck were part of several members from ReDCo Group to attend Thursday’s Carbon County Commissioners’ meeting as the board named Sept. 10-16 as Direct Support Professionals Week. The week aims to honor the men and women who care for people with intellectual, developmental or other disabilities.

Their care allows these individuals to live meaningful lives and maintain connections with family and friends.

“No matter what position we all hold in ReDCo or any agency, if it’s meant to be, we pitch in because at the end of the day, we could be dog tired but it’s about them, no matter what,” said Lillie London, program specialist. “If it wasn’t for the individuals and us coming together to make their lives meaningful, where would they be?”

Tim Sohosky, COO of The ReDCo Group, thanked the commissioners for recognizing what his staff does for these individuals and for making the county a great place that supports individuals with disabilities.

ReDCo Group provide several services, including intellectual disability services, residential services, group homes, day programs, transportation, and more.

In Pennsylvania, the company serves over 500 clients. Of that, about 100 clients are living in Carbon County.

“Without our services, folks would not have a safety net,” Sohosky said. “We support them in the community. If not for that, the option would be to institutionalize people, which I don’t think anybody would want that.”

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich thanked the group for all they do.

He spoke about his personal experience with direct support professionals with the care of his special needs daughter.

“Thank you for all that you do to help ensure that not only individuals like my daughter, but the parents, the guardians also have a high quality of life.”

James Furiosi, quality manager for Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health/Developmental Services, said that ReDCo’s behavioral health services not only provides quality services for their clients, but also other providers.

“You’ve been a great help to those you serve, and also to other providers in Carbon County,” he said.