Origin of The Melissa Barthle Memorial Fund

This fund has been set up to recognize the deep and meaningful bonds between DSPs and the individuals whom they assist and care for—sometimes over the course of years. Jan and Damian Barthle saw this bond firsthand as their daughter Melissa developed a life-long connection with her DSP Theresa Ramsey, one they described as being like sisters. But this relationship was not always an easy one given Melissa’s complex needs. Due to Melissa’s multiple disabilities, she had a rough start in life before being placed through adoption with her new family. After young adulthood, it became a challenge to care for her at home and to find placement with a residential providing agency who had the trained staff to support her. Eventually Melissa was court-ordered to reside at Central State Hospital until appropriate personnel could be identified to help her manage her behavioral issues in a constructive way so that she could return to a residence and be integrated in the community.

Fortunately for Melissa and her family, Theresa answered the call and was confident from the beginning that she would be able to help. Through her dedication, professional and personal support, Melissa was able to live in a home with others and enjoy a full life with family and friends. Melissa's family, just like so many other families whose lives revolve around a person with disabling conditions, became aware of the vital and important need of trusted DSPs.  They realized, after many unsettling changes, that continuity of care is essential to the lives of the clients whom the DSPs assist and wanted to help ensure this continuity in a way that would provide a temporary safety net for these essential care givers. Thus, with the foundational support of the Council, this fund was established.

We know that sometimes unexpected life circumstances can lead to financial hardships—a flat tire, a higher-than-normal heating bill, etc. In order to help make sure that such expenses do not keep DSPs from carrying out their labor of love, this fund will provide for modest grants to help cover such bills and allow DSPs to do the incredible work they do each and every day.

Please note, currently we are only able to consider applications for funding from DSPs who work in Louisville, Kentucky.

Our hope for the future is to expand the program in order to offer support to deserving DSPs across Kentucky.