NYS Justice Center Honors Person Centered Care Services staff with Code of Conduct Award

NYS Justice Center honors Person Centered Care Services staff with Code of Conduct Award

State agency charged with protecting 1 million vulnerable New Yorkers spotlights local care worker

The New York State Justice Center is pleased to announce that Lenice Wiggins, Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Person Centered Care Services in Staten Island, NY, has been selected as a recipient of the Justice Center's Code of Conduct Award for 2024.

Those honored with a Code of Conduct Award truly embody the Justice Center's founding principles and ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. As stated in the code, signed by all staff under Justice Center jurisdiction, award recipients have upheld their commitment to helping help people "live self-directed meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm."

Awards are compiled by the NYS Justice Center each year. Winners are selected by the Justice Center's Advisory Council - a group that provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The council consists of service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members, and advocates.

"Direct Support Professionals have a profoundly challenging job. These positions require dedication, empathy, and tremendous patience," said Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray. "Our ability to protect individuals with special needs relies on a committed, well-trained workforce. And that means more DSPs like Lenice. Thank you for helping us further our mission and for your continued service."

Having worked as a correctional officer for over 25 years, Lenice Wiggins started what she thought would be a part-time job and turned it into a lifelong career. In her role as a DSP with Person Centered Care Services, Wiggins is described by her colleagues as a compassionate and ethical team member who continuously advocates for the individuals in her care. When faced with a challenging case, Wiggins rises to the occasion, often making herself available after hours to ensure the individual she supports receives quality care.

"We are honored to recognize Lenice Wiggins, a dedicated and compassionate Direct Support Professional at PCCS, for being awarded the prestigious NYS Justice Center's Code of Conduct Award. This significant recognition highlights Lenice's unwavering commitment to upholding the rights, dignity, and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities," said Person Centered Care Services founder and executive director Cris Marchionne. "For many years, Lenice has exemplified the core values of disability justice, fostering environments that are not only safe and inclusive but also affirm the autonomy and unique identities of the people she supports. Lenice carries out the mission of PCCS with both pride and grace, embodying our shared belief that every person has the right to be seen, heard, and valued. Her compassionate approach, coupled with her strong advocacy for those she supports, makes her a powerful agent of change in advancing inclusion, accessibility, and equity. Thank you, Lenice. We are proud to have you as part of the PCCS family, and we look forward to your continued impact in advancing our mission."

The Justice Center received more than 100 nominations for this year's program. Five winners were selected from more than two dozen finalists. Each submission highlighted the dedicated members of our State's human services workforce.

For more information on this year's awards, please click here.

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About the Justice Center

The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs. Through investigation, education, and action, the Justice Center creates a safer environment for more than 1,000,000 individuals receiving services across six State Agencies.

About Person Centered Care Services

Person Centered Care Services (PCCS) is a not for profit organization creating social change within communities by supporting people with disabilities on their search for identity and acceptance. Founded in 2001, PCCS provides person-centered supports and services to people with disabilities and their families in the New York City area. From supports in education, employment, and housing to training, counseling, and advocacy initiatives, PCCS is continuing to expand opportunities for people with disabilities.

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