Celebrating Vince Zamora: Hawai’i Direct Support Professional of the Year!

In a celebration of dedication and compassionate care, Vince Zamora stands out as a pillar of the Full Life community, having devoted 14 years to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. This prestigious accolade is awarded by ANCOR, a national nonprofit association representing over 1600 community providers of services to people with disabilities.

This year, Vince Zamora, representing Full Life Hawaii, emerged as a beacon of excellence from an incredibly competitive pool of nearly 500 candidates. His selection underscores not only his exceptional contributions but also the profound impact of his compassion and commitment to the field of developmental disabilities.

“Vince is one of the most supportive, kind, intelligent, and humble people I know” shares Jim Kilgore, Executive Director of Full Life. “To truly understand what sharing Aloha means, one only needs to spend some time with Vince and watch him support others to achieve their dreams.” This sentiment echoes through Vince’s numerous accomplishments and the heartfelt stories of those lives he touched.

Unparalleled Leadership During Challenging Times

During the uncertain times of the COVID-19 outbreak, Vince demonstrated extraordinary leadership and empathy. Faced with safety measures that prevented him from accompanying a participant to work for job coaching, Vince displayed unparalleled dedication by securing employment at the same grocery store. This selfless act ensured his participant was able to keep his job and feel supported and safe, showcasing Vince’s genuine empathy and kindness.

A Legacy of Compassion and Dedication

Vince’s tenure at Full Life has been marked by a resolute commitment to every participant, Direct Support Staff, colleague, and community member. His boundless compassion, combined with an infectious energy, has garnered the admiration and respect of all who have had the privilege of working alongside him.

“My favorite part of my job is participating in community activities with my participant,” says Vince. This involvement includes Special Olympics, theatrical productions at The Palace Theater and The East Hawaii Cultural Center, and Ohana Wa’a Laulima, a paddling halau dedicated to serving people with disabilities.

Person-Centeredness at Its Best

Vince’s approach to support is deeply rooted in person-centeredness. His ability to empower participants to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams is nothing short of awe-inspiring Among the many highlights of Vince’s career, his support for a participant’s dream of acting, singing, and dancing at the Hilo Palace Theater stands out as a testament to his belief in the capabilities and potential of every individual.

Building Trust Through Relationships

Vince’s investment in building solid relationships with his participants is at the heart of his success. His meticulous attention to understanding their aspirations and creating actionable goals tailored to their unique circumstances has fostered deep trust and led to significant, life-changing outcomes.

“A valuable lesson I’ve learned working at Full Life is patience and to be a better listener,” Vince reflects. This patience has been crucial in nurturing relationships with participants and their families, establishing rapport that meets their needs and desires.

Unparalleled Leadership During Challenging Times

During the uncertain times of the COVID-19 outbreak, Vince demonstrated extraordinary leadership and empathy. Faced with safety measures that prevented him from accompanying a participant to work, Vince displayed unparalleled dedication by securing employment at the same grocery store. This selfless act ensured his participant felt supported and safe, showcasing Vince’s genuine empathy and kindness.

Innovation in Employment Opportunities

Vince’s persistent commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities is remarkable. His strategic partnerships, particularly with a nationwide retail grocery store, led to the development of valuable training programs tailored to the needs of Full Life’s participants. Vince’s efforts have enabled six participants to thrive in their roles, reflecting his vision, leadership, and commitment to their success.

A Visionary in Community Support and Personal Growth

Vince’s efforts extend beyond individual accomplishments; he has been instrumental in community building, notably contributing to the success of the Ohana Waa Lau Lima canoe club. His work fosters a sense of belonging and community spirit, underscoring the importance of collective support and unity.

Vince emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships with participants’ families, as this rapport is beneficial in meeting participants’ needs and desires. “Often times it falls on the DSW to nurture the relationships with participants’ ohana,” he notes.

When asked about his ANCOR achievement, Vince humbly states, “I am truly humbled by this honor. This achievement is really for the entire Full Life Ohana for I couldn’t do it alone.”

His drive to be the best for his participants comes from a genuine desire to help make their dreams and desires possible. “Witnessing the growth in the participant inspires me,” Vince shares. “The young man I work with never wanted to be alone, and now he has so much independence. Full Life has given me the opportunity to help him with his barriers.”

An interesting fact about Vince is that he has been an uncle since he was 8 years old. He now has 10 nieces and nephews, and 16 great nieces and nephews, reflecting his deep-rooted sense of family and community.

A Legacy That Inspires

Prior to Full Life, Vince worked in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles for 23 years. “Full Life offered me the opportunity to build my life in Hawaii,” he says. Reflecting on his future, Vince envisions himself enjoying retirement in 15 years.

Vince Zamora’s contributions to the field of direct support are a beacon of hope and a testament to the impact of dedicated professionals on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. His recognition as ANCOR’s Hawaii Direct Support Professional of the Year is a fitting tribute to his hard work, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

As we celebrate Vince’s achievements, we are reminded of the profound difference one individual can make in the lives of many. His legacy of compassion, innovation, and leadership continues to inspire and motivate us all to strive for excellence in our efforts to support and empower those with developmental disabilities.

Please join us in applauding Vince Zamora for his outstanding contributions to our community and the field of direct support. Vince, your remarkable dedication and the positive impact of your work will resonate for years to come, and we are profoundly grateful for your commitment to making a difference.