HARTSVILLE — Verniell Hannibal has spent the last nine years of her life enhancing the lives, developing the abilities and promoting the independence of people with disabilities.
And she has been recognized for her devotion by the state Human Services Providers Association as South Carolina’s Direct Support Professional of the Year.
Hannibal is employed by the Darlington County Disabilities and Special Needs Board as house manager for Regan House, an intermediate care facility home for medically challenging and intellectually disabled adults. She works directly with eight female residents at Regan House.
Hannibal has been recognized during the monthly meeting of the Commission of the S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.
“I’m just as shocked as I can be that I received this honor,” Hannibal said during an interview in Hartsville. “I never thought in a million years that I would be recognized like this.”
But Hannibal said she can’t take all the credit.
“I’ve got a great staff,” she said. “They make my job a whole lot easier.”
And Hannibal loves her consumers.
“They are like family to me,” she said. “They appreciate all I do, even the smallest things. They love me and always have smiles on their faces when I’m around them. I know that Regan House is the place where I’m supposed to be.”
“Verniell is patient, compassionate and kind with all the consumers that we serve,” said Ruth Thomas, Darlington County Disabilities and Special Needs Board executive director. “She is skilled in handling the consumers when dressing, bathing and interacting with them. She is very gentle and always concerned about their comfort and dignity. She has demonstrated a patience and generosity that is so rarely seen in the world today.
“Verniell never fails on a daily basis to bring a smile to at least one person’s face, no matter what adversities the day has brought her. She always puts the individuals first. She comes in to work no matter what time of night or morning. She is willing to work whenever needed.”
But what is the specific reason Hannibal was selected from nominees across the state? What sets her apart?
“Verniell is any direct support professional role model,” Thomas said. “She leads by example. She knows that sometimes it’s just the little things that can make all the difference in the lives of our consumers.
“She is a rare gem and a valued team member who brings special dedication to her work by helping others. She demonstrates perseverance that defies description.”
Hannibal is a Hartsville native. She enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren when she’s not working.
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