Writing on the Wall: Spring 2022

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First CMRT Instructor Training Held In February, Wall Residences held our first instructor training for the Crisis Management and Response Training (CMRT) program in Floyd. Developed by Wall Residences experts, CMRT is a trauma-informed, culturally competent program that stresses prevention as well as physical skills. It is replacing Therapeutic Options (TOVA). This instructor training brought people with a broad variety of experiences together to learn from each other, including Providers, staff with experience in other training programs, program managers past and present, group home leaders, representatives from the Therapeutic Consultation and WRAP teams, and administrators! We spent the first day reviewing Trauma-Informed Care, Mindfulness, Self-Care, and a variety of other topics to provide a comprehensive picture of how self-awareness and quality of life (for the individuals in our services and the people who support them) can result in best practices and outcomes. On the second day, we delved into “hot topics” such as human rights, cultural competency, advocacy, and navigating systems in crisis. We shared real-life experiences as we practiced preventative measures and physical intervention skills. The Training Team is excited to have so many new members and to have a new curriculum more applica- Rebecca Ledingham, Danielle Hiatt, Amanda Cox, Laura Beth Parnell, Kevin Hieatt, Staci Formica, Erin Justis and Robin Hurst gathered for the first CMRT Instructor training. ble to the societal momentum toward trauma-informed care. We hope it will be interesting and refreshing for everyone who takes the course! ~Rebecca Ledingham Training Team Update I’m excited to introduce myself as the new first point of contact for the training department! I’ve met many of you in my role as receptionist at the Floyd main office. After helping the training team for the past two years, I am now moving to that team full time as part of the agency’s work to ensure training systems and documents flow smoothly. I’m happy to assist you with any training questions. You can reach me at training@wallresidences.com or (540) 745-4216. ~Ashlyn McDaniel Know Someone Who Could Benefit from Our Services? The Wall Residences Admissions team has staff in all parts of the state to respond to your referral needs and answer questions about the services we offer. We work quickly to find the right match for longterm success while striving for the quickest placement in services possible. The Admissions Team is here to serve you. Alex Jackson Admissions Director (434) 610-7578 Emily Eagle Central Virginia, Danville, Charlottesville, Staunton/ Waynesboro/Lexington (434) 907-5067 Ashea Green Northern Region (202) 760-6411 Brooke Keen Roanoke, NRV, SWVA (540) 541-8563 Lisa Schalasny Eastern Region (804) 380-4309 6
Listen With Your Heart Communication is important in any relationship. For Mackenzie and Provider Jeanette Perry, it is the center of their life together and takes multiple forms. When conversation fails them, they have found writing down what they are trying to express for the other to read helps clarify meaning. Working to understand each other goes beyond words. Jeanette describes when they met. “I bonded with her immediately. I told her mom I would not just listen to her with my ears, but with my heart.” The two were a match and have lived together for nearly two years. “Mackenzie is a funny young lady. Kind. Considerate. Helpful. Energetic. She keeps me going! She’s just really fun to be with.” That heart bond goes both ways. Of “Ms. J,” Mackenzie says, “She’s a nice person. I like her. She’s my friend.” Mackenzie also notes what a good cook Jeanette is, with chicken pot pie and “mac ‘n cheese in the oven” particular favorites. Jeanette believes in providing Mackenzie with as many opportunities to make her own choices as possible. This extends from meals to activities and beyond. Those choices have created a life that is full and busy! Mackenzie loves spending several days a week at Momentum 180 where she has many friends. “I love my job!” she enthusiastically shares, listing people she interacts with there. They claim Fridays and weekends as their days together for chores and to just relax. They purposely set no schedule on these days, leaving them free to choose. Striving for balance is key with eating out and going to the gym to swim both named as potential choices. Often they love just getting in Jeanette’s red truck and driving. Sometimes they have a destination in mind, other times they decide as they drive what local spot they’d like to see that day. Nearby beaches, local restaurants, and parks offer many options, as does one of Mackenzie’s favorite outings: shopping! She’s an avid collector of all types of bags, backpacks, and purses. Not only does she purchase ones that catch her eye, she also makes them! She creatively combines plastic bags, paper, and other materials to fashion each, sometimes even including a handwritten note as part of the design when making one as a gift. The tight twosome becomes a trio to their shared delight when Jeanette’s granddaughter Nyah visits in the summer. Family is important to both women. Mackenzie is a proud aunt to an adorable niece and shows off pictures. She’s looking forward to a return trip to Alaska this summer to visit with her brother and his family again. Closer to home, Mackenzie and Jeanette enjoy friendships with neighbors, church 7 members, and others. “People are drawn to her,” says Jeanette. She also lifts up the unexpected joy of gaining a relationship with Mackenzie’s family and her own family gaining a relationship with Mackenzie as one of the benefits of being a Sponsored Residential Provider. Jeanette has spent her career working with people with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnoses, with over 40 years experience including working at Eastern State Hospital and for local community service boards. About two years ago, she decided to become a provider because she was “at a point where I didn’t want to show up 9-5!” With her only child grown, the house felt too big for one. She knew she had room in her home and heart for someone looking for support she could provide. “It was time to just enjoy life with someone else. Enhance their life, as well as my own.” As the stories continue to flow, it is clear heart listening has indeed led to an enhanced life for both Mackenzie and Jeanette. ~Angie Covington Center: Mackenzie with just a few of the bags in her collection. Above: Jeanette Perry & Mackenzie
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Writing on the Wall: Spring 2022

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