Writing on the Wall: Summer/Fall 2023
The 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 summer and early fall of 2023.
The 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 summer and early fall of 2023.
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<strong>Summer</strong>/<strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
<strong>Wall</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Writing</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>Wall</strong><br />
<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Well Matched<br />
A Comm<strong>on</strong> Passi<strong>on</strong> for Serving O<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
3<br />
5 6<br />
Decade of Support<br />
L<strong>on</strong>gtime Providers Everett & Rebecca<br />
create a life of comfort for Debbie<br />
H<strong>on</strong>or Roll<br />
Our annual recogniti<strong>on</strong> of milest<strong>on</strong>e service<br />
anniversaries for Providers and staff<br />
A Day for Giving Back<br />
Staff volunteer in <strong>the</strong> community for<br />
The Day of Caring in Lynchburg
President’s Corner<br />
John Wea<strong>the</strong>rspo<strong>on</strong><br />
We are thrilled to bring you <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
editi<strong>on</strong> of our newsletter, filled with<br />
stories of dedicati<strong>on</strong> and <strong>the</strong> power of<br />
lifel<strong>on</strong>g relati<strong>on</strong>ships. As an organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
committed to serving o<strong>the</strong>rs, our<br />
missi<strong>on</strong> is at <strong>the</strong> heart of everything<br />
we do. It is with great joy that we<br />
share <strong>the</strong>se incredible stories with you.<br />
At <strong>Wall</strong>, we believe in <strong>the</strong> profound<br />
impact of building lifel<strong>on</strong>g relati<strong>on</strong>ships.<br />
Our dedicated Providers and<br />
staff members go above and bey<strong>on</strong>d<br />
to create c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s that transcend<br />
time, making a lasting difference in<br />
<strong>the</strong> lives of those we serve. We have<br />
witnessed <strong>the</strong> transformative power<br />
of <strong>the</strong>se relati<strong>on</strong>ships firsthand. Our<br />
extraordinary Providers open <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
hearts and homes to supported individuals,<br />
offering <strong>the</strong>m a safe and<br />
nurturing envir<strong>on</strong>ment where <strong>the</strong>y<br />
can thrive. The genuine relati<strong>on</strong>ships<br />
formed within <strong>the</strong>se homes form a<br />
foundati<strong>on</strong> that grows into real c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
within <strong>the</strong> wider community.<br />
The strength of <strong>the</strong> services we<br />
provide lie in <strong>the</strong> talented, dedicated<br />
people who form our team of Providers.<br />
It is our great privilege to recognize<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir dedicati<strong>on</strong> and loyalty in<br />
this issue with our annual Milest<strong>on</strong>e<br />
Anniversary H<strong>on</strong>or Roll. This year<br />
we have 26 homes celebrating a five<br />
year anniversary, 23 celebrating a ten<br />
year anniversary, 14 celebrating a 15<br />
year anniversary and five celebrating<br />
20 year anniversaries as Sp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
Residential Providers!<br />
Our Providers embody <strong>the</strong> spirit of<br />
service and compassi<strong>on</strong> that defines<br />
our organizati<strong>on</strong>. They have dedicated<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir talents, time, and energy to<br />
making a meaningful difference in<br />
<strong>the</strong> lives of o<strong>the</strong>rs. We are incredibly<br />
grateful for <strong>the</strong>ir profound c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
over many years. Thank you for<br />
choosing this important career and for<br />
choosing <strong>Wall</strong> Residences!<br />
Our H<strong>on</strong>or Roll also recognizes 26<br />
staff members celebrating five years<br />
with <strong>Wall</strong> Residences, five staff celebrating<br />
ten year anniversaries, and<br />
three staff who have been part of our<br />
team for 15 years. The stability that<br />
staff l<strong>on</strong>gevity provides is invaluable<br />
to our agency’s missi<strong>on</strong> of service,<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ships, and pers<strong>on</strong>-centered<br />
support. We are grateful to <strong>the</strong> many<br />
talented people who make a l<strong>on</strong>gterm<br />
career with <strong>Wall</strong> Residences. Thank<br />
you!<br />
As we celebrate <strong>the</strong>se milest<strong>on</strong>es and<br />
<strong>the</strong> lifel<strong>on</strong>g relati<strong>on</strong>ships that have<br />
been nurtured within our community,<br />
we want to extend our heartfelt appreciati<strong>on</strong><br />
to each and every pers<strong>on</strong> who<br />
makes our missi<strong>on</strong> possible. Thank<br />
you for being a part of our journey<br />
and for champi<strong>on</strong>ing <strong>the</strong> values of<br />
compassi<strong>on</strong>, empathy, and lifel<strong>on</strong>g<br />
c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s. Toge<strong>the</strong>r, we will c<strong>on</strong>tinue<br />
to transform lives and foster a<br />
more inclusive and caring society.<br />
Valued Lives, Meaningful Living!<br />
David Kiser and his daughter Aubrey Mant<strong>on</strong>i from Loud<strong>on</strong><br />
County took time to stop by <strong>the</strong> Floyd Office while visiting<br />
Southwest Virginia! It was great to get to spend some time with<br />
<strong>the</strong>m and discuss ways we can begin to advocate for DD Services<br />
across <strong>the</strong> state with new members of <strong>the</strong> General Assembly<br />
this fall. David and Carrie Kiser have been providers with<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences since 2016. David is active with The Arc and<br />
<strong>the</strong> family are str<strong>on</strong>g advocates for <strong>the</strong>ir family and DD Services<br />
across <strong>the</strong> Comm<strong>on</strong>wealth. If you are in <strong>the</strong> area we would love<br />
to see you at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wall</strong> office in Floyd!<br />
2
A Decade of Support<br />
Regi<strong>on</strong>al Coordinator Julie Neal<br />
describes Providers Everett Warner<br />
and Rebecca Quesenberry as a perfect<br />
match for Debbie, <strong>the</strong> individual <strong>the</strong>y<br />
supported for over a decade. “They<br />
created a life for Debbie that has met<br />
her needs... emoti<strong>on</strong>al and physical...<br />
in a way she’s never had before.<br />
They created opportunties for pride<br />
and peace. It is unsurprising to learn<br />
that for Rebecca, caregiving has been<br />
a lifel<strong>on</strong>g career. She worked at <strong>the</strong><br />
Training Center for 25 years. When<br />
she found retirement wasn’t all it<br />
was cracked up to be, she started <strong>the</strong><br />
sec<strong>on</strong>d part of her caregiving career,<br />
becoming a Provider. She was drawn<br />
to <strong>Wall</strong> Residences by <strong>the</strong> agency’s<br />
“They created opportunities for pride and comfort...<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have truly given her <strong>the</strong> best life possible.”<br />
comes down <strong>the</strong> golden rule. “In life,<br />
you treat people as you want to be<br />
treated yourself. Respect what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
want. Work toge<strong>the</strong>r as a team. D<strong>on</strong>’t<br />
dictate things... work with <strong>the</strong>m.” He<br />
keeps it real, sharing that Providers<br />
need to be <strong>the</strong> right fit for <strong>the</strong> lifestyle<br />
and career. Rebecca notes, “You have<br />
to want <strong>the</strong> job. It’s your life plus <strong>the</strong><br />
individual’s.” Life isn’t alway easy, of<br />
course. On those days, Everett says,<br />
“We make games up. We act silly to<br />
get through <strong>the</strong> hard stuff.”<br />
and comfort as Debbie cares for <strong>the</strong><br />
animals around her and walks daily<br />
to retrieve <strong>the</strong> mail from <strong>the</strong> box at<br />
<strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> drive. They have truly<br />
given her <strong>the</strong> best life possible.”<br />
The three share a beautiful home<br />
overlooking a lake, where Debbie has<br />
a large room of her own filled with<br />
her most valuable possessi<strong>on</strong>s. Life is<br />
quiet and <strong>the</strong>y are c<strong>on</strong>tent. They enjoy<br />
spending time toge<strong>the</strong>r going out <strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> boat, taking <strong>the</strong> truck to <strong>the</strong> dump,<br />
riding <strong>the</strong> gator, and taking rides into<br />
<strong>the</strong> community. Debbie is especially<br />
a fan of Everett’s sports car. “Red<br />
drives fast fast!” she says with a grin.<br />
Rebecca and Everett describe Debbie<br />
as caring and some<strong>on</strong>e who likes to<br />
have fun. “She’s friendly to every<strong>on</strong>e<br />
and likes being outside. She loves to<br />
help feed <strong>the</strong> animals.” Debbie is a<br />
self-proclaimed “cat pers<strong>on</strong>.” The resident<br />
cat emphasizes that <strong>the</strong> household<br />
animals return this affecti<strong>on</strong> by<br />
coming to Debbie repeatly throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> visit for attenti<strong>on</strong>, rubbing around<br />
her legs.<br />
focus <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> pers<strong>on</strong> and <strong>the</strong> chance to<br />
offer lots of choices for <strong>the</strong> supported<br />
individual. For Everett, work as<br />
a Provider was a career change from<br />
a previous career as a mechanical<br />
engineer, but <strong>on</strong>e he is very glad he<br />
made. He notes, “I’ve learned a lot<br />
from Debbie. It’s gratifying doing<br />
something for some<strong>on</strong>e else.” His<br />
advice <strong>on</strong> being a Provider and interacting<br />
with <strong>the</strong> individual you support<br />
As for Debbie, when asked about<br />
a job or activities, she proudly proclaims<br />
herself to be “retired!” The impact<br />
<strong>on</strong> all three from <strong>the</strong>ir many years<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r cannot be overstated. Everett<br />
and Rebecca changed Debbie’s life<br />
through <strong>the</strong>ir loyal, caring support<br />
through <strong>the</strong> years, and in return she<br />
changed <strong>the</strong>irs. As Everett says with a<br />
big laugh, “We grew old toge<strong>the</strong>r!”<br />
~Angie Covingt<strong>on</strong><br />
When meeting Everett and Rebecca,<br />
<strong>the</strong> immediate and lasting impressi<strong>on</strong><br />
of <strong>the</strong> couple is a sense of kindness<br />
Rebecca Quensenberry, Debbie, and Everett Warner.<br />
3
Around<br />
Our <strong>Wall</strong><br />
Opportunties for growth, fun, and<br />
living best lives abounded for<br />
supported individuals, providers,<br />
and staff over <strong>the</strong> last quarter.<br />
Enjoy this sampling of all we’ve<br />
had going <strong>on</strong> over <strong>the</strong> summer<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ths. To see more, we<br />
encourage you to follow us <strong>on</strong><br />
Facebook and Instagram.<br />
Providers and staff are invited to<br />
share pictures by sending to<br />
marketing@wallresidences.com.<br />
www.wallresidences.com<br />
4
HONOR ROLL<br />
<strong>2023</strong> <strong>Wall</strong> Residences Milest<strong>on</strong>e Anniversaries<br />
We could not do <strong>the</strong> work we do without <strong>the</strong> stellar efforts of individual people. It gives us great pleasure<br />
to recognize providers and staff members celebrating milest<strong>on</strong>e anniversaries with <strong>Wall</strong> Residences in <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
Thank you for your dedicati<strong>on</strong> and for <strong>the</strong> difference you have made and c<strong>on</strong>tinue to make!<br />
Linda Cochran<br />
Stephanie & Basil C<strong>on</strong>ner<br />
Calita Dillard<br />
Margaret Gale<br />
Polly Gord<strong>on</strong><br />
Teresa Herran & Billy Escorihuela<br />
Jas<strong>on</strong> & Nicole Klingensmith<br />
Jackie Matovu<br />
PROVIDERS<br />
Five Years<br />
Candace Mueller<br />
Jennifer & Greg Norman<br />
Christine Ogden<br />
Cathy & William Oyler<br />
Yolanda Ragsdale<br />
Deborah & Michael Roots<br />
Delmy Sext<strong>on</strong><br />
Rose Singlet<strong>on</strong><br />
Clint<strong>on</strong> Smith<br />
Linda Stowers-Stoots<br />
Masambe Tate<br />
Phyllis Thomps<strong>on</strong><br />
Angel Towler<br />
Karen Turnage<br />
Diane Wade<br />
Stuart & Distarti Whitehead<br />
Lisa & Randy Williams<strong>on</strong><br />
Lillian Arevalo<br />
Tangie & Michael Berry<br />
Samantha Bowers<br />
C<strong>on</strong>nie Brown<br />
Clark & Brandy Carr<br />
Valerie Cooper<br />
Clint Cook & Shakia Creamer<br />
Bridgette & Billy Crigler<br />
Jean Ann Bartley<br />
B<strong>on</strong>nie Clendenin<br />
Deborah & James Dowdy<br />
Cheryl & Jeffrey Farris<br />
Tihisha Howard<br />
Dwayne Bant<strong>on</strong><br />
Rita Childress<br />
Hannah Boyer<br />
Jalissa Broggin<br />
Kathilla Clark<br />
Rennie Covingt<strong>on</strong><br />
Amanda Cox<br />
Britany Cox<br />
Nicole Dow<br />
Amanda Farmsworth<br />
Gabrielle Foster<br />
S<strong>on</strong>ya Carr<br />
Emily Eagle<br />
Ten Years<br />
Wanda Cunningham<br />
Mark & Jordan Fitzgerald<br />
Kim & Thomas Goodloe<br />
Sandra Journigan<br />
Karen Largen<br />
Wayne Laws<strong>on</strong><br />
Teresa & Randy Mawyer<br />
Fifteen Years<br />
Tanner & Sarah Jacks<strong>on</strong><br />
Patricia J<strong>on</strong>es<br />
Amanda Matto<strong>on</strong><br />
Daisy Napper<br />
Twenty Years<br />
Bob & Colleen Dr<strong>on</strong>ey<br />
Linda & Mark Russell<br />
STAFF<br />
Five Years<br />
Laura Jennings<br />
Kara Kimbrough<br />
Abagail Lapcevich<br />
Florence L<strong>on</strong>deree<br />
Mary Moats<br />
Lauren Moles<br />
Kayla Myers<br />
Lisa Persinger<br />
Ten Years<br />
Elizabeth Hayes<br />
5<br />
Terrick Moyer<br />
Tiffany Norman<br />
Everett Warner & Rebecca Quesenberry<br />
Nora Jean Reard<strong>on</strong><br />
Wendy Saunders<br />
Pat Jarrell & C<strong>on</strong>nie Vaughn<br />
Angela & Leroy White<br />
Sarah Perry<br />
Kimberly Story<br />
Lisa & Chris Sumner<br />
Pam & Mark Turner<br />
Janet Young<br />
Jane & Nathan Wilkins<br />
Mary Woody<br />
Mary Proctor<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Rosenbaum<br />
Lisa Schalasny<br />
Kiana Smith<br />
Lizamalia Smith<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r Sowers<br />
Kirsten Vest<br />
Sheila Walker-Mat<strong>the</strong>ws<br />
Joey Warren<br />
John Wea<strong>the</strong>rspo<strong>on</strong><br />
Sara Viers<br />
Fifteen Years<br />
Dawn Anders<strong>on</strong> Alex Jacks<strong>on</strong> Curtis Pleasant
Day of Caring<br />
Carolyn Everett and I joined over 800<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs to participate in <strong>the</strong> United Way<br />
of Central VA’s 30th annual Day of<br />
Caring. This volunteer effort supported<br />
dozens of local n<strong>on</strong>-profit organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and we were glad to represent<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences at this day of giving<br />
back to our community! Our project<br />
was cleaning out <strong>the</strong> attic at <strong>the</strong> Miller<br />
Home for Girls in Lynchburg.<br />
We had fun with <strong>the</strong> costumes and<br />
holiday decorati<strong>on</strong>s as we worked to<br />
make <strong>the</strong> space more functi<strong>on</strong>al for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Home. A huge amount of trash<br />
was removed and costumes no l<strong>on</strong>ger<br />
needed were bagged for d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
We also made some new friends from<br />
FlowServe in Lynchburg who worked<br />
with us <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Miller House project.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> projects, volunteers met<br />
for lunch at Lynchburg City Stadium<br />
and were welcomed by United Way<br />
CEO Kim Sorens<strong>on</strong>. There were door<br />
prizes, a photo booth, and a bouncy<br />
house. Our final stop was <strong>the</strong> Acade-<br />
my Center of <strong>the</strong> Arts to drop off bags<br />
of d<strong>on</strong>ated costumes from <strong>the</strong> Miller<br />
House attic.<br />
The Day of Caring was a great way<br />
to give back to our local community,<br />
and we look forward to doing it again<br />
next year! Thanks to <strong>Wall</strong> Residences<br />
for making this weekday volunteer<br />
opportunity possible.<br />
~Rebecca Ledingham<br />
Left: Rebecca Ledingham, Miller Home Director Stacy Garrett, and<br />
Carolyn Everett. Above: Carolyn and Rebecca with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Miller Home<br />
project volunteers.<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
A Heart to Serve<br />
As foster parents, Ivan and Selena<br />
Banks raised 44 children. Adults now,<br />
many of those foster children remain<br />
close and still call <strong>the</strong>m “mom and<br />
dad.” When <strong>the</strong>y noticed physically<br />
keeping up with kids and teens becoming<br />
harder, <strong>the</strong>y felt it was time<br />
for a change. They were familiar with<br />
<strong>the</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cept of Sp<strong>on</strong>sored Residential<br />
through church friends and<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y learned more, decided<br />
becoming Providers was <strong>the</strong> right<br />
next chapter for <strong>the</strong>ir lives.<br />
Two and a half years ago, <strong>the</strong><br />
couple met Charles, a young man<br />
who is <strong>the</strong> newest to bestow <strong>the</strong><br />
names “mom” and “dad” <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Banks. Ivan describes Charles as<br />
a “loving and kind guy. He has<br />
a giving spirit about him.... he<br />
loves to help. He is always looking<br />
for opportunities and helping some<strong>on</strong>e<br />
else.” Quickly realizing Charles’<br />
passi<strong>on</strong> for all things military, police,<br />
fire, rescue, and EMS, coupled with<br />
his stated desire to learn new things,<br />
Selena found a golden opportunity:<br />
Chesterfield County’s Citizens<br />
Fire and EMS Program and Citizens<br />
Police Academy. Ivan and Charles<br />
completed <strong>the</strong> programs toge<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
learning ways to keep <strong>the</strong>ir community<br />
safe. Charles shares highlights<br />
were meeting <strong>the</strong> chiefs and a police<br />
car ride al<strong>on</strong>g.<br />
When not learning how to serve<br />
his community, Charles stays busy<br />
with his weekend job at IHOP. He’s<br />
worked <strong>the</strong>re for two years. He’s<br />
d<strong>on</strong>e such a good job that he just got<br />
promoted! He also stays busy with<br />
day support during <strong>the</strong> week, where<br />
his friendly nature earned him <strong>the</strong><br />
nickname, “The Man!”<br />
While Charles is naturally drawn to<br />
helping o<strong>the</strong>rs, life isn’t all service<br />
and work. When asked about living<br />
with Ivan and Selena, he immediately<br />
begins reminiscing about a special<br />
vacati<strong>on</strong>. “When I started living here<br />
was my first cruise. It was my first<br />
flight to Florida!” On ano<strong>the</strong>r memorable<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong>, Charles served as a<br />
groomsman at Ivan and Selena’s 25th<br />
Anniversary vow renewal. Life with<br />
<strong>the</strong> Banks has been full of firsts for<br />
Charles. His favorite thing of all? Going<br />
to his first c<strong>on</strong>cert, featuring his<br />
favorite country star, Walker Haynes.<br />
Left to Right: Ivan and Charles at<br />
home. Ivan, Selena, and Charles <strong>on</strong> a<br />
cruise. The Banks’ 25th Anniversary<br />
celebrati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Ivan retired last year from a 22<br />
year career with Truist. He also<br />
started and grew several small<br />
businesses over <strong>the</strong> years. The<br />
Banks have four biological children<br />
and nine grandchildren. When<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir children were grown, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
opened <strong>the</strong>ir home to foster youth.<br />
Describing <strong>the</strong> transiti<strong>on</strong> from foster<br />
care, Ivan shares, “Our heart went out<br />
for <strong>the</strong> children and <strong>the</strong>ir situati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> adult realm.... <strong>the</strong>y are an adult<br />
dealing with <strong>the</strong>ir particular circumstances<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y need help too. The<br />
biggest thing is to make sure <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have <strong>the</strong> best quality of life. They deserve<br />
that just like myself or just like<br />
you. They deserve that. So that’s what<br />
we do with Charles. I said, ‘Man, you<br />
living your best life! Let’s c<strong>on</strong>tinue to<br />
do that!’” Ivan lives his belief that his<br />
role is to ensure Charles has choices<br />
and decisi<strong>on</strong> making power over his<br />
own life, while providing a safety net<br />
of protecti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Serve. Protect. Care. A comm<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>me for both men, underscoring<br />
why <strong>the</strong>y are such a good match!<br />
~Angie Covingt<strong>on</strong><br />
7
A Time to Share<br />
The leadership team met with staff<br />
and providers in each regi<strong>on</strong> in “Listening<br />
Sessi<strong>on</strong>s” across <strong>the</strong> state earlier<br />
this year. The intenti<strong>on</strong> of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
sessi<strong>on</strong>s was to provide opportunities<br />
for staff and providers to share ideas,<br />
network, and review areas of focus<br />
for our agency as we tackle ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
year of navigating <strong>the</strong> challenges of<br />
<strong>the</strong> work that we do.<br />
Discussi<strong>on</strong> focused <strong>on</strong> a variety<br />
of topics. We were grateful for <strong>the</strong><br />
h<strong>on</strong>esty and willingness to share joys<br />
and pains by all who participated.<br />
We talked about initatives aimed at<br />
improving internal systems and documentati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
<strong>the</strong> challenges of hiring<br />
DSPs, crisis management resources,<br />
generating networking opportunities<br />
for providers and individuals, and<br />
much more.<br />
Even as we have experienced growth<br />
with <strong>the</strong> company, our desire is to<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinue to remain focused and available<br />
to c<strong>on</strong>nect with people as a top<br />
priority. As a leadership team, we are<br />
commited to working <strong>on</strong> soluti<strong>on</strong>s for<br />
<strong>the</strong> issues shared. Company growth<br />
will provide more advancement<br />
opportunities for staff. The upcoming<br />
shift to Credible for documentati<strong>on</strong><br />
will help streamline documentati<strong>on</strong><br />
for Providers.<br />
A peek inside <strong>on</strong>e of <strong>the</strong><br />
listening sessi<strong>on</strong>s held<br />
around <strong>the</strong> state during<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
As regulati<strong>on</strong>s and oversight increase<br />
and audits c<strong>on</strong>tinue, we want to<br />
remain grounded in our missi<strong>on</strong> of<br />
quality services for individuals which<br />
requires quality time face-to-face<br />
and <strong>the</strong> transparency open dialogue<br />
provides. Thank you to all who participated<br />
in <strong>the</strong> <strong>2023</strong> Spring Listening<br />
Sessi<strong>on</strong>s. Please know you were<br />
heard.<br />
~Candice Bowman<br />
Digital B<strong>on</strong>us<br />
We are h<strong>on</strong>ored to share a video from <strong>the</strong> VCU Center <strong>on</strong> Transiti<strong>on</strong> Innovati<strong>on</strong>s that features Matt living out<br />
his dream of independence, with just <strong>the</strong> right amount of support from <strong>Wall</strong> DSP Adam Laws<strong>on</strong>. We love how this<br />
video so beautifully shows Matt’s accomplishments, highlights <strong>the</strong> important work In-Home DSPs do every day,<br />
and lifts up <strong>the</strong> incredible relati<strong>on</strong>ships formed between DSPs and those <strong>the</strong>y serve!