Writing on the Wall: Summer/Fall 2023

Summer/Fall 2023
Wall
<strong>Writing</strong>
Wall
on the
Well Matched
A Common Passion for Serving Others
3
5 6
Decade of Support
Longtime Providers Everett & Rebecca
create a life of comfort for Debbie
Honor Roll
Our annual recognition of milestone service
anniversaries for Providers and staff
A Day for Giving Back
Staff volunteer in the community for
The Day of Caring in Lynchburg

President’s Corner
John Weatherspoon
We are thrilled to bring you the latest
edition of our newsletter, filled with
stories of dedication and the power of
lifelong relationships. As an organization
committed to serving others, our
mission is at the heart of everything
we do. It is with great joy that we
share these incredible stories with you.
At Wall, we believe in the profound
impact of building lifelong relationships.
Our dedicated Providers and
staff members go above and beyond
to create connections that transcend
time, making a lasting difference in
the lives of those we serve. We have
witnessed the transformative power
of these relationships firsthand. Our
extraordinary Providers open their
hearts and homes to supported individuals,
offering them a safe and
nurturing environment where they
can thrive. The genuine relationships
formed within these homes form a
foundation that grows into real connections
within the wider community.
The strength of the services we
provide lie in the talented, dedicated
people who form our team of Providers.
It is our great privilege to recognize
their dedication and loyalty in
this issue with our annual Milestone
Anniversary Honor Roll. This year
we have 26 homes celebrating a five
year anniversary, 23 celebrating a ten
year anniversary, 14 celebrating a 15
year anniversary and five celebrating
20 year anniversaries as Sponsored
Residential Providers!
Our Providers embody the spirit of
service and compassion that defines
our organization. They have dedicated
their talents, time, and energy to
making a meaningful difference in
the lives of others. We are incredibly
grateful for their profound contributions
over many years. Thank you for
choosing this important career and for
choosing Wall Residences!
Our Honor Roll also recognizes 26
staff members celebrating five years
with Wall Residences, five staff celebrating
ten year anniversaries, and
three staff who have been part of our
team for 15 years. The stability that
staff longevity provides is invaluable
to our agency’s mission of service,
relationships, and person-centered
support. We are grateful to the many
talented people who make a longterm
career with Wall Residences. Thank
you!
As we celebrate these milestones and
the lifelong relationships that have
been nurtured within our community,
we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation
to each and every person who
makes our mission possible. Thank
you for being a part of our journey
and for championing the values of
compassion, empathy, and lifelong
connections. Together, we will continue
to transform lives and foster a
more inclusive and caring society.
Valued Lives, Meaningful Living!
David Kiser and his daughter Aubrey Mantoni from Loudon
County took time to stop by the Floyd Office while visiting
Southwest Virginia! It was great to get to spend some time with
them and discuss ways we can begin to advocate for DD Services
across the state with new members of the General Assembly
this fall. David and Carrie Kiser have been providers with
Wall Residences since 2016. David is active with The Arc and
the family are strong advocates for their family and DD Services
across the Commonwealth. If you are in the area we would love
to see you at the Wall office in Floyd!
2

A Decade of Support
Regional Coordinator Julie Neal
describes Providers Everett Warner
and Rebecca Quesenberry as a perfect
match for Debbie, the individual they
supported for over a decade. “They
created a life for Debbie that has met
her needs... emotional and physical...
in a way she’s never had before.
They created opportunties for pride
and peace. It is unsurprising to learn
that for Rebecca, caregiving has been
a lifelong career. She worked at the
Training Center for 25 years. When
she found retirement wasn’t all it
was cracked up to be, she started the
second part of her caregiving career,
becoming a Provider. She was drawn
to Wall Residences by the agency’s
“They created opportunities for pride and comfort...
they have truly given her the best life possible.”
comes down the golden rule. “In life,
you treat people as you want to be
treated yourself. Respect what they
want. Work together as a team. Don’t
dictate things... work with them.” He
keeps it real, sharing that Providers
need to be the right fit for the lifestyle
and career. Rebecca notes, “You have
to want the job. It’s your life plus the
individual’s.” Life isn’t alway easy, of
course. On those days, Everett says,
“We make games up. We act silly to
get through the hard stuff.”
and comfort as Debbie cares for the
animals around her and walks daily
to retrieve the mail from the box at
the end of the drive. They have truly
given her the best life possible.”
The three share a beautiful home
overlooking a lake, where Debbie has
a large room of her own filled with
her most valuable possessions. Life is
quiet and they are content. They enjoy
spending time together going out on
the boat, taking the truck to the dump,
riding the gator, and taking rides into
the community. Debbie is especially
a fan of Everett’s sports car. “Red
drives fast fast!” she says with a grin.
Rebecca and Everett describe Debbie
as caring and someone who likes to
have fun. “She’s friendly to everyone
and likes being outside. She loves to
help feed the animals.” Debbie is a
self-proclaimed “cat person.” The resident
cat emphasizes that the household
animals return this affection by
coming to Debbie repeatly throughout
the visit for attention, rubbing around
her legs.
focus on the person and the chance to
offer lots of choices for the supported
individual. For Everett, work as
a Provider was a career change from
a previous career as a mechanical
engineer, but one he is very glad he
made. He notes, “I’ve learned a lot
from Debbie. It’s gratifying doing
something for someone else.” His
advice on being a Provider and interacting
with the individual you support
As for Debbie, when asked about
a job or activities, she proudly proclaims
herself to be “retired!” The impact
on all three from their many years
together cannot be overstated. Everett
and Rebecca changed Debbie’s life
through their loyal, caring support
through the years, and in return she
changed theirs. As Everett says with a
big laugh, “We grew old together!”
~Angie Covington
When meeting Everett and Rebecca,
the immediate and lasting impression
of the couple is a sense of kindness
Rebecca Quensenberry, Debbie, and Everett Warner.
3

Around
Our Wall
Opportunties for growth, fun, and
living best lives abounded for
supported individuals, providers,
and staff over the last quarter.
Enjoy this sampling of all we’ve
had going on over the summer
months. To see more, we
encourage you to follow us on
Facebook and Instagram.
Providers and staff are invited to
share pictures by sending to
marketing@wallresidences.com.
www.wallresidences.com
4

HONOR ROLL
2023 Wall Residences Milestone Anniversaries
We could not do the work we do without the stellar efforts of individual people. It gives us great pleasure
to recognize providers and staff members celebrating milestone anniversaries with Wall Residences in 2023.
Thank you for your dedication and for the difference you have made and continue to make!
Linda Cochran
Stephanie & Basil Conner
Calita Dillard
Margaret Gale
Polly Gordon
Teresa Herran & Billy Escorihuela
Jason & Nicole Klingensmith
Jackie Matovu
PROVIDERS
Five Years
Candace Mueller
Jennifer & Greg Norman
Christine Ogden
Cathy & William Oyler
Yolanda Ragsdale
Deborah & Michael Roots
Delmy Sexton
Rose Singleton
Clinton Smith
Linda Stowers-Stoots
Masambe Tate
Phyllis Thompson
Angel Towler
Karen Turnage
Diane Wade
Stuart & Distarti Whitehead
Lisa & Randy Williamson
Lillian Arevalo
Tangie & Michael Berry
Samantha Bowers
Connie Brown
Clark & Brandy Carr
Valerie Cooper
Clint Cook & Shakia Creamer
Bridgette & Billy Crigler
Jean Ann Bartley
Bonnie Clendenin
Deborah & James Dowdy
Cheryl & Jeffrey Farris
Tihisha Howard
Dwayne Banton
Rita Childress
Hannah Boyer
Jalissa Broggin
Kathilla Clark
Rennie Covington
Amanda Cox
Britany Cox
Nicole Dow
Amanda Farmsworth
Gabrielle Foster
Sonya Carr
Emily Eagle
Ten Years
Wanda Cunningham
Mark & Jordan Fitzgerald
Kim & Thomas Goodloe
Sandra Journigan
Karen Largen
Wayne Lawson
Teresa & Randy Mawyer
Fifteen Years
Tanner & Sarah Jackson
Patricia Jones
Amanda Mattoon
Daisy Napper
Twenty Years
Bob & Colleen Droney
Linda & Mark Russell
STAFF
Five Years
Laura Jennings
Kara Kimbrough
Abagail Lapcevich
Florence Londeree
Mary Moats
Lauren Moles
Kayla Myers
Lisa Persinger
Ten Years
Elizabeth Hayes
5
Terrick Moyer
Tiffany Norman
Everett Warner & Rebecca Quesenberry
Nora Jean Reardon
Wendy Saunders
Pat Jarrell & Connie Vaughn
Angela & Leroy White
Sarah Perry
Kimberly Story
Lisa & Chris Sumner
Pam & Mark Turner
Janet Young
Jane & Nathan Wilkins
Mary Woody
Mary Proctor
Matthew Rosenbaum
Lisa Schalasny
Kiana Smith
Lizamalia Smith
Heather Sowers
Kirsten Vest
Sheila Walker-Matthews
Joey Warren
John Weatherspoon
Sara Viers
Fifteen Years
Dawn Anderson Alex Jackson Curtis Pleasant

Day of Caring
Carolyn Everett and I joined over 800
others to participate in the United Way
of Central VA’s 30th annual Day of
Caring. This volunteer effort supported
dozens of local non-profit organizations
and we were glad to represent
Wall Residences at this day of giving
back to our community! Our project
was cleaning out the attic at the Miller
Home for Girls in Lynchburg.
We had fun with the costumes and
holiday decorations as we worked to
make the space more functional for
the Home. A huge amount of trash
was removed and costumes no longer
needed were bagged for donation.
We also made some new friends from
FlowServe in Lynchburg who worked
with us on the Miller House project.
After the projects, volunteers met
for lunch at Lynchburg City Stadium
and were welcomed by United Way
CEO Kim Sorenson. There were door
prizes, a photo booth, and a bouncy
house. Our final stop was the Acade-
my Center of the Arts to drop off bags
of donated costumes from the Miller
House attic.
The Day of Caring was a great way
to give back to our local community,
and we look forward to doing it again
next year! Thanks to Wall Residences
for making this weekday volunteer
opportunity possible.
~Rebecca Ledingham
Left: Rebecca Ledingham, Miller Home Director Stacy Garrett, and
Carolyn Everett. Above: Carolyn and Rebecca with the other Miller Home
project volunteers.
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

A Heart to Serve
As foster parents, Ivan and Selena
Banks raised 44 children. Adults now,
many of those foster children remain
close and still call them “mom and
dad.” When they noticed physically
keeping up with kids and teens becoming
harder, they felt it was time
for a change. They were familiar with
the concept of Sponsored Residential
through church friends and
as they learned more, decided
becoming Providers was the right
next chapter for their lives.
Two and a half years ago, the
couple met Charles, a young man
who is the newest to bestow the
names “mom” and “dad” on the
Banks. Ivan describes Charles as
a “loving and kind guy. He has
a giving spirit about him.... he
loves to help. He is always looking
for opportunities and helping someone
else.” Quickly realizing Charles’
passion for all things military, police,
fire, rescue, and EMS, coupled with
his stated desire to learn new things,
Selena found a golden opportunity:
Chesterfield County’s Citizens
Fire and EMS Program and Citizens
Police Academy. Ivan and Charles
completed the programs together,
learning ways to keep their community
safe. Charles shares highlights
were meeting the chiefs and a police
car ride along.
When not learning how to serve
his community, Charles stays busy
with his weekend job at IHOP. He’s
worked there for two years. He’s
done such a good job that he just got
promoted! He also stays busy with
day support during the week, where
his friendly nature earned him the
nickname, “The Man!”
While Charles is naturally drawn to
helping others, life isn’t all service
and work. When asked about living
with Ivan and Selena, he immediately
begins reminiscing about a special
vacation. “When I started living here
was my first cruise. It was my first
flight to Florida!” On another memorable
occasion, Charles served as a
groomsman at Ivan and Selena’s 25th
Anniversary vow renewal. Life with
the Banks has been full of firsts for
Charles. His favorite thing of all? Going
to his first concert, featuring his
favorite country star, Walker Haynes.
Left to Right: Ivan and Charles at
home. Ivan, Selena, and Charles on a
cruise. The Banks’ 25th Anniversary
celebration.
Ivan retired last year from a 22
year career with Truist. He also
started and grew several small
businesses over the years. The
Banks have four biological children
and nine grandchildren. When
their children were grown, they
opened their home to foster youth.
Describing the transition from foster
care, Ivan shares, “Our heart went out
for the children and their situation.
In the adult realm.... they are an adult
dealing with their particular circumstances
and they need help too. The
biggest thing is to make sure they
have the best quality of life. They deserve
that just like myself or just like
you. They deserve that. So that’s what
we do with Charles. I said, ‘Man, you
living your best life! Let’s continue to
do that!’” Ivan lives his belief that his
role is to ensure Charles has choices
and decision making power over his
own life, while providing a safety net
of protection.
Serve. Protect. Care. A common
theme for both men, underscoring
why they are such a good match!
~Angie Covington
7

A Time to Share
The leadership team met with staff
and providers in each region in “Listening
Sessions” across the state earlier
this year. The intention of these
sessions was to provide opportunities
for staff and providers to share ideas,
network, and review areas of focus
for our agency as we tackle another
year of navigating the challenges of
the work that we do.
Discussion focused on a variety
of topics. We were grateful for the
honesty and willingness to share joys
and pains by all who participated.
We talked about initatives aimed at
improving internal systems and documentation,
the challenges of hiring
DSPs, crisis management resources,
generating networking opportunities
for providers and individuals, and
much more.
Even as we have experienced growth
with the company, our desire is to
continue to remain focused and available
to connect with people as a top
priority. As a leadership team, we are
commited to working on solutions for
the issues shared. Company growth
will provide more advancement
opportunities for staff. The upcoming
shift to Credible for documentation
will help streamline documentation
for Providers.
A peek inside one of the
listening sessions held
around the state during
spring 2023.
As regulations and oversight increase
and audits continue, we want to
remain grounded in our mission of
quality services for individuals which
requires quality time face-to-face
and the transparency open dialogue
provides. Thank you to all who participated
in the 2023 Spring Listening
Sessions. Please know you were
heard.
~Candice Bowman
Digital Bonus
We are honored to share a video from the VCU Center on Transition Innovations that features Matt living out
his dream of independence, with just the right amount of support from Wall DSP Adam Lawson. We love how this
video so beautifully shows Matt’s accomplishments, highlights the important work In-Home DSPs do every day,
and lifts up the incredible relationships formed between DSPs and those they serve!