Writing on the Wall: Spring 2022
The quarterly newsletter of Wall Residences: a Virginia agency who provides services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Services include sponsored residential, group homes, community engagement & community coaching, nursing, therapeutic consultation, and behavioral support. This issue highlights recent achievements of residents, providers, staff, and the agency as a whole during the first quarter of 2022.
The quarterly newsletter of Wall Residences: a Virginia agency who provides services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Services include sponsored residential, group homes, community engagement & community coaching, nursing, therapeutic consultation, and behavioral support. This issue highlights recent achievements of residents, providers, staff, and the agency as a whole during the first quarter of 2022.
- TAGS
- employee owned company
- employee ownership
- person centered care
- person first language
- disability awareness
- disability inclusion
- disability advocate
- group home
- medicaid waiver
- professional caregiver
- family caregiver
- sponsored residential provider
- direct support professional
- wwwwallresidencescom
- nursing
- virginia
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<str<strong>on</strong>g>Writing</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Wall</strong><br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Listen with Your Heart:<br />
Life is better with choices. Page 7<br />
4<br />
New! ABA Center Opens<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences expands to offer<br />
ABA Therapy at new Salem Center<br />
5 6<br />
New! My Care Passport & Tip Sheets<br />
The Nursing team and o<strong>the</strong>r advocates work<br />
to improve hospital care & outcomes<br />
New! Trauma-Informed Training<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences debuts new Crisis<br />
Management and Resp<strong>on</strong>se Training (CMRT)
Director’s Corner<br />
John Wea<strong>the</strong>rspo<strong>on</strong><br />
The DD Rescue Plan developed by<br />
<strong>the</strong> ARC of Virginia and vaACCSES,<br />
which we supported, did not make it<br />
through <strong>the</strong> Senate Finance Committee.<br />
I want to thank Senator Hanger<br />
and Delegate Sickles for putting this<br />
forward and <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>on</strong>going support<br />
for our services. In a c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong><br />
with a provider regarding this failure<br />
from our legislature <strong>the</strong>y made <strong>the</strong><br />
statement, “If not now, when?” It is a<br />
valid questi<strong>on</strong>. The State was/is flush<br />
with funding and <strong>the</strong>re appeared to be<br />
support <strong>the</strong> likes of which we had not<br />
seen for something this comprehensive<br />
in support of Waiver Services. It<br />
would have made our services more<br />
competitive in <strong>the</strong> hiring market for<br />
Direct Support Professi<strong>on</strong>als and recognized<br />
<strong>the</strong> importance of those DSPs<br />
in <strong>the</strong> provisi<strong>on</strong> of Waiver Services.<br />
Now we find ourselves in a situati<strong>on</strong><br />
where advocates are attempting to<br />
prevent a large porti<strong>on</strong> of Waiver<br />
Services taking a significant cut, back<br />
to <strong>the</strong> funding rate of June 2021.<br />
At this time Sp<strong>on</strong>sored Residential<br />
Services and Small Group Homes<br />
al<strong>on</strong>g with Community Engagement,<br />
Community Coaching, In-Home,<br />
and a handful of o<strong>the</strong>r services appear<br />
safe and to be in <strong>the</strong> budget with<br />
rates recommended from <strong>the</strong> Rate<br />
Study. Even though <strong>the</strong> rate model<br />
for Sp<strong>on</strong>sored Residential failed<br />
to recognize Direct Support<br />
Professi<strong>on</strong>als correctly within <strong>the</strong><br />
model <strong>the</strong>re was still a small increase<br />
recommended within it. We hope to<br />
be able to share <strong>the</strong> outcome at our<br />
All Provider Meeting scheduled for<br />
April 29 in Roanoke.<br />
We are excited to <strong>on</strong>ce again see<br />
providers in pers<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> April 29! It<br />
has been too l<strong>on</strong>g since we have been<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r in pers<strong>on</strong>. We have an amazing<br />
agenda planned with time worked<br />
in for rec<strong>on</strong>necting and enjoying <strong>the</strong><br />
snacks from Hotel Roanoke. I look<br />
forward to seeing you <strong>the</strong>re!<br />
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!<br />
BJ proudly waves <strong>the</strong> flag of his favorite<br />
country: Australia!<br />
BJ has a passi<strong>on</strong> for all things<br />
Australian and a dream of moving<br />
<strong>the</strong>re someday. Recently, he met<br />
with Senior Program Manager Becky<br />
Weaver. During <strong>the</strong>ir c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
he clearly stated his rights (and gave<br />
permissi<strong>on</strong> to share here):<br />
(I have <strong>the</strong> right) “To be treated like<br />
a human being, not to be harmed or<br />
abused. I have a right to be safe. I<br />
have a right to go to both colleges<br />
after my delayed graduati<strong>on</strong> is d<strong>on</strong>e<br />
at 2023, and I have a right to date a<br />
curvy African American girl ei<strong>the</strong>r at<br />
Virginia or <strong>the</strong> University of Oreg<strong>on</strong><br />
so I can take her with my Aunt Cookie<br />
and Aunt Paulina and <strong>the</strong> rest of<br />
my groupies to Australia, including<br />
Francesca in <strong>the</strong> capital of New South<br />
Wales in Sydney, Australia. I have<br />
2<br />
<strong>the</strong> right to receive mails, to have my<br />
own luxury apt. c<strong>on</strong>do/complex with<br />
a rooftop terrace that I might need <strong>on</strong><br />
my bucket list. I have a right to have<br />
visitors from Australia and North<br />
America like Ms. Karen so <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
teach me how to cook baked ziti Australia<br />
style... it’s like American baked<br />
ziti but with kangaroo meat. I have a<br />
right to believe in LGBTQ and human<br />
rights and gay rights.”<br />
Empowering for self advocacy is a<br />
key value for our agency. Quotes like<br />
<strong>the</strong>se show <strong>the</strong> excellent work our<br />
program management staff does to<br />
be sure every individual understands<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir rights and has <strong>the</strong> opportunity to<br />
express <strong>the</strong>m fully. BJ is clear about<br />
what he wants and we can’t wait to<br />
try that baked ziti!
Making an Impact in Lexingt<strong>on</strong><br />
A small group in Lexingt<strong>on</strong> is making<br />
a big impact. Recently, Luke and<br />
Phillip discovered <strong>the</strong>y had a mutual<br />
goal. “We were wanting to bring<br />
diverse people toge<strong>the</strong>r… this has<br />
always been a dream of mine because<br />
I put a lot of heart into learning how<br />
to reach out,” said Phillip. The first<br />
step was to name <strong>the</strong>ir new WRAP<br />
team. Phillip suggested, “Let’s call<br />
ourselves <strong>the</strong> Community C<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Dream Team (CCDT)!” The<br />
name stuck!<br />
Grace Episcopal Church welcomed<br />
CCDT with open arms when <strong>the</strong>y<br />
needed a place to eat lunch <strong>on</strong>ce it<br />
got cold outside. The team partnered<br />
with <strong>the</strong> church <strong>on</strong> a fundraiser<br />
for Hope House, a residence<br />
for South Sudanese children going<br />
to school in Kenya. They sold<br />
rubberband bracelets in South<br />
Sudanese flag colors. The sale was<br />
a success, raising $73 for Hope<br />
House. The relati<strong>on</strong>ship with Grace<br />
Episcopal grew, and Phillip started<br />
working with <strong>the</strong> chairpers<strong>on</strong> of <strong>the</strong><br />
church’s Sudanese Missi<strong>on</strong> Group, MJ<br />
Mayerchak, to learn new crocheting<br />
techniques. Phillip decided he wanted<br />
to d<strong>on</strong>ate proceeds from sales of his<br />
crocheted koozies to <strong>the</strong> cause. He<br />
was asked to speak about God’s Love<br />
at a church lunche<strong>on</strong> in February. The<br />
WRAP team got permissi<strong>on</strong> from <strong>the</strong><br />
church vestry to sell crafts again to<br />
benefit Hope House. This time, bracelets<br />
and koozies in Valentine’s colors<br />
raised over $134.00!<br />
CCDT wanted to expand relati<strong>on</strong>ships<br />
bey<strong>on</strong>d occasi<strong>on</strong>al special events, so<br />
<strong>the</strong>y created Community C<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong><br />
M<strong>on</strong>days, held weekly in <strong>the</strong> parish<br />
hall. They participate in a Zoom exercise<br />
class with folks from Florida, Virginia,<br />
New Jersey, and Pennsylvania,<br />
have informal discussi<strong>on</strong> and a brown<br />
bag lunch, and share an educati<strong>on</strong>al/<br />
recreati<strong>on</strong>al program time. Activities<br />
have included writing workshops, origami<br />
and puzzles, holiday and history<br />
programs, and individual craft projects.<br />
Luke reflects, “I like it because<br />
I get to hang out with people that<br />
are funny, kind-hearted, and free-<br />
Above: Phillip (back left) and Luke<br />
(fr<strong>on</strong>t right) with friends from Grace.<br />
Right: Luke and Cindy Hughes<br />
spirited.” Phillip adds, “Bringing<br />
people toge<strong>the</strong>r as a community…<br />
for unity… is a very important<br />
thing within our world today.”<br />
Their c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s grew to include<br />
<strong>the</strong> shops <strong>on</strong> Main Street in<br />
downtown Lexingt<strong>on</strong>. Luke, quite<br />
<strong>the</strong> entrepreneur, often sold his handmade<br />
rubberband bracelets to downtown<br />
acquaintances. One afterno<strong>on</strong>,<br />
we noticed a store had local crafts for<br />
sale, so Luke asked <strong>the</strong> shop owner<br />
if she would sell his bracelets. The<br />
shopkeeper thought <strong>the</strong> fun, colorful<br />
wristbands would have a better market<br />
around <strong>the</strong> corner at Sugar Maple<br />
Trading Company. Luke headed off<br />
immediately and found <strong>the</strong> perfect fit!<br />
3<br />
Owner Cindy Hughes said “Yes!” to<br />
three different holiday color schemes.<br />
She bought <strong>the</strong>m outright and packaged<br />
<strong>the</strong>m beautifully, but that wasn’t<br />
<strong>the</strong> last of it! Luke returned in February<br />
with new colors for <strong>the</strong> spring,<br />
and Cindy purchased more! Recently,<br />
Luke reflected <strong>on</strong> what is meaningful<br />
about this endeavor: “It makes me<br />
proud and expanding my horiz<strong>on</strong>s<br />
helps me to meet new people.”<br />
Phillip was so inspired by Luke’s<br />
success he wanted to find a downtown<br />
home for his crafts, too. He<br />
was drawn to House Mountain Yarn<br />
Company and found <strong>the</strong> perfect<br />
partner in its owner, Ellie Boylan.<br />
Ellie was so enthusiastic about his<br />
work she offered to put Phillip’s<br />
crocheted koozies <strong>on</strong> display, fr<strong>on</strong>t<br />
and center for <strong>the</strong> holidays, through<br />
a c<strong>on</strong>signment agreement. Phillip<br />
recently suggested that Ellie put Starburst<br />
candies in <strong>the</strong> glassware she uses<br />
to display his multi-colored yarn creati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Ellie is awaiting Phillip’s new<br />
craft ideas to put <strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>signment this<br />
spring. Phillip expressed his delight,<br />
“I enjoy selling my crocheted items to<br />
raise m<strong>on</strong>ey for charities, meeting o<strong>the</strong>rs’<br />
needs and building relati<strong>on</strong>ships<br />
with people in <strong>the</strong> community.”<br />
~Susan Virginia Mead
ABA Center Opens<br />
This winter, <strong>Wall</strong> Residences<br />
opened it’s doors to a brand<br />
new ABA Center. The center is<br />
part of our Clinical and Therapeutic<br />
Services department,<br />
providing Applied Behavior<br />
Analysis (ABA) to children<br />
and teens with autism and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
developmental disabilities.<br />
Located in Salem, Virginia,<br />
<strong>the</strong> center includes multiple<br />
treatment rooms, a sensory<br />
room, a group <strong>the</strong>rapy space,<br />
and an observati<strong>on</strong> suite with<br />
two-way window/mirror. The<br />
center currently serves 11<br />
clients and c<strong>on</strong>tinues to grow.<br />
Some of <strong>the</strong>se clients come<br />
to <strong>the</strong> center M<strong>on</strong>day through<br />
Friday from 9:00am until<br />
3:00pm, while o<strong>the</strong>rs come 2-3 times<br />
per week for <strong>the</strong>rapy sessi<strong>on</strong>s and receive<br />
<strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong>ir services within<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir home.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> center, Licensed Behavior<br />
Analysts assess both <strong>the</strong> client’s and<br />
<strong>the</strong> family’s needs, develop treatment<br />
plans, and oversee implementati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Behavior Technicians support clients<br />
<strong>on</strong>e-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>e to meet <strong>the</strong>ir treatment<br />
goals. The ABA team works <strong>on</strong> a variety<br />
of skills ranging from reducti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
in interfering behaviors and/or repetitive<br />
patterns of behavior to increasing<br />
functi<strong>on</strong>al communicati<strong>on</strong> and<br />
social skills. Parents and caregivers<br />
receive <strong>on</strong>-site training so that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
can actively participate in <strong>the</strong>ir child’s<br />
treatment and planning.<br />
Parents John and Kate shared, “We<br />
cannot say enough good things about<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences ABA program. Our<br />
s<strong>on</strong> began attending <strong>Wall</strong> Residences<br />
ABA program after a terrible experience<br />
with ano<strong>the</strong>r ABA provider.<br />
The ABA Team at <strong>Wall</strong> Residences is<br />
kind, friendly, professi<strong>on</strong>al, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
genuinely care for <strong>the</strong> children and<br />
families <strong>the</strong>y serve. In <strong>the</strong> short time<br />
that we have been working with <strong>Wall</strong><br />
Residences ABA Therapy Team, we<br />
have seen so much growth in our s<strong>on</strong><br />
and we know it is, in part, because of<br />
<strong>the</strong> amazing team at <strong>Wall</strong> Residences<br />
ABA Therapy.”<br />
~Hea<strong>the</strong>r Cromer<br />
www.wallresidences.com<br />
ABA Therapy can look a lot like play, but Behavior Analysts and Technicians use <strong>the</strong>se<br />
interacti<strong>on</strong>s to work with <strong>the</strong> child and to collect data to help with <strong>the</strong>ir treatment plan.<br />
4
Better Care Through Communicati<strong>on</strong><br />
Since 2020, our nursing team has<br />
been involved with a project to improve<br />
hospital care for people with<br />
developmental disabilities in partnership<br />
with Augusta Health hospital in<br />
Fishersville, VA. A local coaliti<strong>on</strong> of<br />
six agencies who serve this populati<strong>on</strong><br />
was formed to do a comprehensive<br />
assessment of needs and collaborate<br />
with <strong>the</strong> hospital for better care<br />
and communicati<strong>on</strong>. I had <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />
to meet <strong>the</strong> MD leader of <strong>the</strong><br />
Vulnerable Populati<strong>on</strong>s Committee of<br />
Augusta Health at a COVID vaccine<br />
clinic and introduced <strong>the</strong> coaliti<strong>on</strong>’s<br />
c<strong>on</strong>cerns. He immediately resp<strong>on</strong>ded<br />
positively and assured he would pave<br />
<strong>the</strong> way for c<strong>on</strong>tacts in <strong>the</strong> hospital.<br />
The collaborati<strong>on</strong> was born!<br />
The DBHDS/Office of<br />
Integrated Health (OIH)<br />
Registered Nurse Care<br />
C<strong>on</strong>sultants team was asked<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir support with <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital project. We discussed<br />
how <strong>the</strong>ir office<br />
plans to better support providers to<br />
advocate for <strong>the</strong> best care and clinical<br />
outcomes for <strong>the</strong> people we all<br />
serve within <strong>the</strong> current broken health<br />
system. All recognize that regulati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
often do not match <strong>the</strong> reality of <strong>the</strong><br />
difficulties providers face when trying<br />
to get proper care and treatment.<br />
OIH had already begun <strong>the</strong> process of<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sidering supports, so <strong>the</strong> Augusta<br />
Health project fueled <strong>the</strong>ir intenti<strong>on</strong>s!<br />
The OIH team, local coaliti<strong>on</strong>, and<br />
Augusta Health staff began working<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r to develop meaningful dialog<br />
and determine <strong>the</strong> first best steps to<br />
meet <strong>the</strong> most significant needs.Our<br />
meetings brought to light <strong>the</strong> hospital<br />
staff’s desire to provide <strong>the</strong> best care,<br />
but that many had not been trained in<br />
medical or nursing school curricula to<br />
provide care to this populati<strong>on</strong>. They<br />
were eager to improve <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge<br />
and be more aware of an individual’s<br />
true needs.<br />
The outcome of this group explorati<strong>on</strong><br />
work is a set of advocacy documents,<br />
which also serve as teaching<br />
tools to start <strong>the</strong> journey to improved<br />
care. Deanna Renn<strong>on</strong>, <strong>Wall</strong> Residences<br />
QA Director, and I, Lead RN Care<br />
Manager, had <strong>the</strong> privilege to join<br />
with experts from OIH and <strong>the</strong> hospital<br />
MD to develop:<br />
• My Care Passport<br />
• C<strong>on</strong>sent Tip Sheet<br />
• Medicaid Waiver Tip Sheet<br />
• Discharge Tip Sheet<br />
For more informati<strong>on</strong> about My Care Passport<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Tip Sheets, please c<strong>on</strong>tact Kevyn Burn,<br />
Lead RN Care Manager at 540-250-7832<br />
or kburn@wallresidences.com.<br />
My Care Passport is <strong>the</strong> central document.<br />
Designed to be easy for <strong>the</strong><br />
Provider to fill out, it describes <strong>the</strong><br />
needs of <strong>the</strong> individual for medical<br />
staff in an easy to reference format. It<br />
covers who <strong>the</strong>y need at bedside, who<br />
can speak for <strong>the</strong>m, feeding needs,<br />
how <strong>the</strong>y show pain, what comforts<br />
<strong>the</strong>m, and more. At Augusta Health<br />
it is now posted at bedside and part<br />
of <strong>the</strong> record. It is encouraged that it<br />
be shared widely with all health care<br />
providers caring for <strong>the</strong> individual.<br />
The C<strong>on</strong>sent Tip Sheet was specifically<br />
requested by hospital medical staff<br />
so <strong>the</strong>y could know clearly who could<br />
give c<strong>on</strong>sent, with whom <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
discuss care, and who <strong>the</strong>y need to<br />
listen to... <strong>the</strong> Provider, of course!<br />
The Discharge Tip Sheet clearly tells<br />
hospital medical staff what DBHDS<br />
requires at discharge. It is an attempt<br />
to solve <strong>the</strong> problem of Providers<br />
trying to describe what is needed and<br />
being challenged about <strong>the</strong> validity of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir requests by equipping <strong>the</strong>m with<br />
a document that shows, “DBHDS<br />
says so!”<br />
The Medicaid Waiver Tip Sheet gives<br />
a short explanati<strong>on</strong> of what <strong>the</strong> waiver<br />
is and how it impacts <strong>the</strong> individuals.<br />
Likely it will mostly be used with<br />
Social Workers or Discharge Planners<br />
and Case Managers to assist understanding<br />
<strong>the</strong> support needs and how<br />
those needs are funded.<br />
The pilot at Augusta Health<br />
began in January <strong>2022</strong> after<br />
training <strong>the</strong> medical and nursing<br />
staff <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> new documents. The<br />
grand plan includes assessing<br />
<strong>the</strong> effectiveness of <strong>the</strong> pilot at<br />
Augusta Health, <strong>the</strong>n utilizing<br />
<strong>the</strong> assistance of our Augusta<br />
Health MD colleague to encourage<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r hospitals to adopt <strong>the</strong>se tools.<br />
The four documents are now being<br />
distributed, talked up, trained <strong>on</strong>, and<br />
utilized throughout <strong>the</strong> State. The<br />
OIH February Health Alert is about<br />
<strong>the</strong> documents. Trainings are available<br />
through our agency, <strong>the</strong> OIH site,<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r coaliti<strong>on</strong> agencies.<br />
We request you obtain and use <strong>the</strong><br />
documents far and wide to teach our<br />
health care providers about <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
of people with developmental disabilities<br />
and <strong>the</strong> systems that serve <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Toge<strong>the</strong>r, we can advocate for improved<br />
care outcomes for <strong>the</strong> individuals<br />
we serve.<br />
~Kevyn Burn<br />
5
First CMRT Instructor Training Held<br />
In February, <strong>Wall</strong> Residences held our<br />
first instructor training for <strong>the</strong> Crisis<br />
Management and Resp<strong>on</strong>se Training<br />
(CMRT) program in Floyd. Developed<br />
by <strong>Wall</strong> Residences experts, CMRT is<br />
a trauma-informed, culturally competent<br />
program that stresses preventi<strong>on</strong><br />
as well as physical skills. It is replacing<br />
Therapeutic Opti<strong>on</strong>s (TOVA). This<br />
instructor training brought people with<br />
a broad variety of experiences toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
to learn from each o<strong>the</strong>r, including<br />
Providers, staff with experience in<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r training programs, program<br />
managers past and present, group<br />
home leaders, representatives from <strong>the</strong><br />
Therapeutic C<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong> and WRAP<br />
teams, and administrators!<br />
We spent <strong>the</strong> first day reviewing<br />
Trauma-Informed Care, Mindfulness,<br />
Self-Care, and a variety of o<strong>the</strong>r topics<br />
to provide a comprehensive<br />
picture of<br />
how self-awareness<br />
and quality of life<br />
(for <strong>the</strong> individuals in<br />
our services and <strong>the</strong><br />
people who support<br />
<strong>the</strong>m) can result in<br />
best practices and outcomes.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> sec<strong>on</strong>d<br />
day, we delved into<br />
“hot topics” such as<br />
human rights, cultural<br />
competency, advocacy,<br />
and navigating<br />
systems in crisis. We<br />
shared real-life experiences<br />
as we practiced preventative<br />
measures and physical interventi<strong>on</strong><br />
skills. The Training Team is excited<br />
to have so many new members and to<br />
have a new curriculum more applica-<br />
Rebecca Ledingham, Danielle Hiatt, Amanda Cox, Laura<br />
Beth Parnell, Kevin Hieatt, Staci Formica, Erin Justis and<br />
Robin Hurst ga<strong>the</strong>red for <strong>the</strong> first CMRT Instructor training.<br />
ble to <strong>the</strong> societal momentum toward<br />
trauma-informed care. We hope it<br />
will be interesting and refreshing for<br />
every<strong>on</strong>e who takes <strong>the</strong> course!<br />
~Rebecca Ledingham<br />
Training Team<br />
Update<br />
I’m excited to introduce myself as <strong>the</strong> new first point of c<strong>on</strong>tact for <strong>the</strong> training<br />
department! I’ve met many of you in my role as recepti<strong>on</strong>ist at <strong>the</strong> Floyd main<br />
office. After helping <strong>the</strong> training team for <strong>the</strong> past two years, I am now moving<br />
to that team full time as part of <strong>the</strong> agency’s work to ensure training systems<br />
and documents flow smoothly. I’m happy to assist you with any training questi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
You can reach me at training@wallresidences.com or (540) 745-4216.<br />
~Ashlyn McDaniel<br />
Know Some<strong>on</strong>e Who Could Benefit from Our Services?<br />
The <strong>Wall</strong> Residences Admissi<strong>on</strong>s team has staff in all parts of <strong>the</strong> state to resp<strong>on</strong>d to your referral needs and<br />
answer questi<strong>on</strong>s about <strong>the</strong> services we offer. We work quickly to find <strong>the</strong> right match for l<strong>on</strong>gterm success<br />
while striving for <strong>the</strong> quickest placement in services possible. The Admissi<strong>on</strong>s Team is here to serve you.<br />
Alex Jacks<strong>on</strong><br />
Admissi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Director<br />
(434) 610-7578<br />
Emily Eagle<br />
Central Virginia, Danville,<br />
Charlottesville, Staunt<strong>on</strong>/<br />
Waynesboro/Lexingt<strong>on</strong><br />
(434) 907-5067<br />
Ashea Green<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Regi<strong>on</strong><br />
(202) 760-6411<br />
Brooke Keen<br />
Roanoke, NRV,<br />
SWVA<br />
(540) 541-8563<br />
Lisa Schalasny<br />
Eastern<br />
Regi<strong>on</strong><br />
(804) 380-4309<br />
6
Listen With Your Heart<br />
Communicati<strong>on</strong> is important in any<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ship. For Mackenzie and Provider<br />
Jeanette Perry, it is <strong>the</strong> center of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir life toge<strong>the</strong>r and takes multiple<br />
forms. When c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong> fails <strong>the</strong>m,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have found writing down what<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are trying to express for <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
to read helps clarify meaning. Working<br />
to understand each o<strong>the</strong>r goes bey<strong>on</strong>d<br />
words. Jeanette describes when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y met. “I b<strong>on</strong>ded with her immediately.<br />
I told her mom I would not just<br />
listen to her with my ears, but with<br />
my heart.” The two were a match and<br />
have lived toge<strong>the</strong>r for nearly two<br />
years. “Mackenzie is a funny young<br />
lady. Kind. C<strong>on</strong>siderate. Helpful.<br />
Energetic. She keeps me going! She’s<br />
just really fun to be with.”<br />
That heart b<strong>on</strong>d goes both ways. Of<br />
“Ms. J,” Mackenzie says, “She’s<br />
a nice pers<strong>on</strong>. I like her. She’s my<br />
friend.” Mackenzie also notes what<br />
a good cook Jeanette is, with chicken<br />
pot pie and “mac ‘n cheese in <strong>the</strong><br />
oven” particular favorites. Jeanette<br />
believes in providing Mackenzie with<br />
as many opportunities to make her<br />
own choices as possible. This extends<br />
from meals to activities and bey<strong>on</strong>d.<br />
Those choices have created a life that<br />
is full and busy! Mackenzie loves<br />
spending several days a week at<br />
Momentum 180 where she has many<br />
friends. “I love my job!” she enthusiastically<br />
shares, listing people she interacts<br />
with <strong>the</strong>re. They claim Fridays<br />
and weekends as <strong>the</strong>ir days toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
for chores and to just relax. They purposely<br />
set no schedule <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>se days,<br />
leaving <strong>the</strong>m free to choose. Striving<br />
for balance is key with eating out and<br />
going to <strong>the</strong> gym to swim both named<br />
as potential choices. Often <strong>the</strong>y love<br />
just getting in Jeanette’s red truck and<br />
driving. Sometimes <strong>the</strong>y have a destinati<strong>on</strong><br />
in mind, o<strong>the</strong>r times <strong>the</strong>y decide<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y drive what local spot <strong>the</strong>y’d<br />
like to see that day. Nearby beaches,<br />
local restaurants, and parks offer many<br />
opti<strong>on</strong>s, as does <strong>on</strong>e of Mackenzie’s<br />
favorite outings: shopping! She’s an<br />
avid collector of all types of bags,<br />
backpacks, and purses. Not <strong>on</strong>ly does<br />
she purchase <strong>on</strong>es that catch her eye,<br />
she also makes <strong>the</strong>m! She creatively<br />
combines plastic bags, paper, and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
materials to fashi<strong>on</strong> each, sometimes<br />
even including a handwritten note as<br />
part of <strong>the</strong> design when making<br />
<strong>on</strong>e as a gift.<br />
The tight twosome becomes a<br />
trio to <strong>the</strong>ir shared delight when<br />
Jeanette’s granddaughter Nyah<br />
visits in <strong>the</strong> summer. Family<br />
is important to both women.<br />
Mackenzie is a proud aunt to<br />
an adorable niece and shows<br />
off pictures. She’s looking forward<br />
to a return trip to Alaska<br />
this summer to visit with her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r and his family again. Closer to<br />
home, Mackenzie and Jeanette enjoy<br />
friendships with neighbors, church<br />
7<br />
members, and o<strong>the</strong>rs. “People are<br />
drawn to her,” says Jeanette. She also<br />
lifts up <strong>the</strong> unexpected joy of gaining<br />
a relati<strong>on</strong>ship with Mackenzie’s<br />
family and her own family gaining a<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ship with Mackenzie as <strong>on</strong>e<br />
of <strong>the</strong> benefits of being a Sp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
Residential Provider.<br />
Jeanette has spent her career working<br />
with people with intellectual disabilities<br />
and mental health diagnoses, with<br />
over 40 years experience including<br />
working at Eastern State Hospital and<br />
for local community service boards.<br />
About two years ago, she decided to<br />
become a provider because she was<br />
“at a point where I didn’t want to<br />
show up 9-5!” With her <strong>on</strong>ly child<br />
grown, <strong>the</strong> house felt too big for <strong>on</strong>e.<br />
She knew she had room in her home<br />
and heart for some<strong>on</strong>e looking for<br />
support she could provide. “It was<br />
time to just enjoy life with some<strong>on</strong>e<br />
else. Enhance <strong>the</strong>ir life, as well as my<br />
own.” As <strong>the</strong> stories c<strong>on</strong>tinue to flow,<br />
it is clear heart listening has indeed<br />
led to an enhanced life for both Mackenzie<br />
and Jeanette.<br />
~Angie Covingt<strong>on</strong><br />
Center: Mackenzie with just a few of <strong>the</strong><br />
bags in her collecti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Above: Jeanette Perry & Mackenzie
<strong>Spring</strong> Provider Meeting<br />
Hotel Roanoke | Friday, April 29, <strong>2022</strong><br />
Join us for an exciting day as we revel in <strong>the</strong> chance to be toge<strong>the</strong>r again! This time of networking and<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>ning relati<strong>on</strong>ships within <strong>the</strong> agency will include opportunities for knowledge building, updates<br />
from <strong>the</strong> agency, and a celebrati<strong>on</strong> of provider milest<strong>on</strong>e anniversaries at <strong>the</strong> beautiful Hotel Roanoke.<br />
We’ve missed you... you w<strong>on</strong>’t want to miss this!<br />
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Karyn Harvey, expert and author of Trauma-Informed Behavioral Interventi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
State Updates: Karen Tefelski, Executive Director, vaACCSES<br />
Registrati<strong>on</strong> 8:30 - 9:30am | Program 9am - 4pm | Lunch & Paid Parking Provided<br />
Safety Precauti<strong>on</strong>s: Vaccinated Guests Only<br />
If you have a COVID exposure or symptoms as you prepare to travel, please test and/or send your regrets.<br />
We’ve Missed You!<br />
Digital B<strong>on</strong>us: Look Bey<strong>on</strong>d <strong>the</strong> Label<br />
March was Developmental<br />
Disabilities Awareness M<strong>on</strong>th<br />
and we celebrated with a series<br />
of social media features of some<br />
of <strong>the</strong> many talented, unique<br />
individuals receiving support<br />
from <strong>Wall</strong> Residences. Al<strong>on</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> way, we introduced you to<br />
master crochet artists, a soda<br />
fountain expert, a horse lover,<br />
an animator, a cook, an avid<br />
outdoorsman, and many, many<br />
more. The series finale featured<br />
a compilati<strong>on</strong> video celebrating<br />
all <strong>the</strong> featured individuals. In<br />
this special digital b<strong>on</strong>us secti<strong>on</strong><br />
of our spring newsletter,<br />
we invite you to enjoy <strong>the</strong> video<br />
if you missed it <strong>on</strong> our social<br />
media channels. Follow us <strong>on</strong><br />
Facebook and Instagram to see<br />
<strong>the</strong> full series and new c<strong>on</strong>tent<br />
weekly.