Writing on the Wall: Spring/summer 2024
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, day support programs, supported living, in-home services, nursing, therapeutic consultation, and behavioral support. This issue highlights recent achievements of residents, providers, staff, and the agency as a whole during spring 2024.
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, day support programs, supported living, in-home services, nursing, therapeutic consultation, and behavioral support. This issue highlights recent achievements of residents, providers, staff, and the agency as a whole during spring 2024.
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<strong>Spring</strong>/Summer <strong>2024</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 />
For a Smile from J<strong>on</strong>athan<br />
One Family’s Journey of Love & Support<br />
3<br />
4 6<br />
Renaissance Man<br />
From poetry writing to fly fishing<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan’s interests are vast<br />
Time to Thrive<br />
<strong>2024</strong> Provider C<strong>on</strong>ference enhances<br />
our Provider’s business toolboxes<br />
A Decade Toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Michael and Wendy celebrate ten years<br />
of wishes h<strong>on</strong>ored and positive relati<strong>on</strong>ships
President’s Corner<br />
John Wea<strong>the</strong>rspo<strong>on</strong><br />
As we embrace <strong>the</strong> spirit of this transiti<strong>on</strong>al<br />
time of year from spring into<br />
<strong>summer</strong>, we have much to celebrate<br />
and reflect up<strong>on</strong>. The past m<strong>on</strong>th has<br />
been eventful, marked by significant<br />
milest<strong>on</strong>es and accomplishments. We<br />
hosted c<strong>on</strong>tracted provider c<strong>on</strong>ferences,<br />
celebrated Nurses Week, and<br />
witnessed <strong>the</strong> General Assembly’s<br />
special sessi<strong>on</strong> to finalize <strong>the</strong> budget.<br />
Notably, we secured increases for DD<br />
Waiver services and enough waiver<br />
slots to serve every<strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Priority<br />
One waiting list.<br />
In this newsletter, you will discover<br />
inspiring stories of lifel<strong>on</strong>g relati<strong>on</strong>ships<br />
and partnerships. You’ll<br />
also read about our two c<strong>on</strong>tracted<br />
provider c<strong>on</strong>ferences, both of which<br />
achieved record attendance for our<br />
agency. We took this opportunity to<br />
h<strong>on</strong>or our c<strong>on</strong>tracted residential partners<br />
who have been with us for 5, 10,<br />
15, 20, and 25 years!<br />
Nurses Week was ano<strong>the</strong>r highlight,<br />
with many expressi<strong>on</strong>s of gratitude<br />
and appreciati<strong>on</strong> for our dedicated<br />
nursing staff showcased <strong>on</strong> social media.<br />
This newsletter features an article<br />
dedicated to invaluable c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
of our <strong>Wall</strong> nurses. Their daily dedicati<strong>on</strong><br />
and <strong>the</strong> quality of care elevate<br />
our agency’s standards and services.<br />
We cannot thank <strong>the</strong>m enough for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir unwavering commitment.<br />
The legislative sessi<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cluded<br />
successfully, despite a brief interrupti<strong>on</strong><br />
necessitating a special sessi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The General Assembly and Governor<br />
reached a budget agreement, approving<br />
3,440 Priority One slots, including<br />
344 Community Living Slots, with<br />
<strong>the</strong> remainder allocated to Family and<br />
Individual Supports. These slots will<br />
be distributed quarterly over <strong>the</strong> next<br />
two years.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> budget did not fully<br />
meet our initial requests, we achieved<br />
a 3% increase effective July 1, <strong>2024</strong>,<br />
with an additi<strong>on</strong>al 3% increase scheduled<br />
for July 1, 2025. This is a significant<br />
improvement from last year<br />
when DD Services did not receive<br />
any increase. However, <strong>the</strong> pressing<br />
questi<strong>on</strong> remains: Can we build <strong>the</strong><br />
services necessary to accommodate<br />
<strong>the</strong> influx of individuals entering <strong>the</strong><br />
system within such a short timeframe?<br />
From Support Coordinati<strong>on</strong> to Private<br />
Agencies, it is evident that we currently<br />
lack <strong>the</strong> people power required.<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> is uniquely positi<strong>on</strong>ed to address<br />
this need as a statewide agency with<br />
hundreds of c<strong>on</strong>tracted partners and<br />
employee-owners who are deeply<br />
committed to <strong>the</strong> individuals we serve<br />
and to <strong>on</strong>e ano<strong>the</strong>r. Ensuring <strong>the</strong><br />
well-being of our co-workers leads to<br />
higher quality services. We recognize<br />
this and are prepared to welcome new<br />
co-workers and partners who will<br />
help us meet <strong>the</strong> growing demands<br />
placed up<strong>on</strong> <strong>Wall</strong>.<br />
Valued Lives, Meaningful Living!<br />
Guardianship Funds Available<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Opportunities and Wishes, or<br />
WOW as it is more comm<strong>on</strong>ly known,<br />
is a n<strong>on</strong>profit that exists to provide<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r level of support outside <strong>the</strong><br />
agency services. WOW aims to meet<br />
<strong>the</strong> needs of Virginians with developmental<br />
disabilities and/or mental<br />
health c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s that cannot be met<br />
in any o<strong>the</strong>r way. In <strong>the</strong> past, we have<br />
assisted with purchase of needed medical<br />
equipment, beds, ph<strong>on</strong>es, travel<br />
expenses, and more that <strong>the</strong> individual<br />
could not afford <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own.<br />
WOW was awarded a grant from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Greater Lynchburg Community<br />
Foundati<strong>on</strong> to offer financial assistance<br />
to adults for guardianship<br />
proceedings. Though WOW cannot<br />
fully fund any <strong>on</strong>e pers<strong>on</strong>’s attorney<br />
and court costs, <strong>the</strong> hope is to provide<br />
some funds to multiple people<br />
in need. These funds are not limited<br />
to <strong>Wall</strong> Residences clientele. If you<br />
or some<strong>on</strong>e you know need financial<br />
support with guardianship proceedings,<br />
please let us know.<br />
2<br />
You can reach us by emailing<br />
wown<strong>on</strong>profit@gmail.com or calling<br />
(434) 660-0958.<br />
WOW is also seeking board members.<br />
Self-advocates and folks not<br />
affiliated with <strong>Wall</strong> Residences are<br />
preferred. Meetings and communicati<strong>on</strong><br />
are occasi<strong>on</strong>al and virtual. C<strong>on</strong>tact<br />
us if you or some<strong>on</strong>e you know<br />
are interested in this networking and<br />
service opportunity.<br />
~Rebecca Ledingham
Renaissance Man<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan is a man of many talents and<br />
interests. He writes poetry. He fishes.<br />
He enjoys watching baseball and<br />
playing softball. As <strong>the</strong> many trophies<br />
in his room attest, he’s a fantastic<br />
bowler. A guitar laying <strong>on</strong> his bed<br />
provides ano<strong>the</strong>r clue to his talents, as<br />
do <strong>the</strong> fly tying supplies atop his desk.<br />
Supporting this busy renaissance man<br />
are Parent Providers Laura and Paul.<br />
Paul says,“We found out about <strong>Wall</strong><br />
and it has transformed everything.<br />
There were things we wanted to do<br />
for him... couldn’t do for him... a lot<br />
of <strong>the</strong> time it was ‘no no no.’ Now<br />
most of <strong>the</strong> time it’s ‘yes.’ It’s really<br />
helped.” The support <strong>the</strong> family has<br />
received from partnering with <strong>Wall</strong><br />
has expanded J<strong>on</strong>athan’s life and<br />
impacted <strong>the</strong> family in unexpected<br />
ways. “The o<strong>the</strong>r thing we didn’t<br />
know would have such an impact is<br />
learning more. Moving from being a<br />
parent to understanding more bey<strong>on</strong>d<br />
that with taking care of some<strong>on</strong>e...<br />
we’ve learned a t<strong>on</strong>. It was an unexpected<br />
blessing.” Paul is quick to give<br />
credit where its due. “Of course, my<br />
wife Laura - J<strong>on</strong>athan’s mom - she is<br />
<strong>the</strong> key to all our success. She really<br />
holds us all toge<strong>the</strong>r and makes everything<br />
happen.”<br />
That “everything” includes a sea<strong>on</strong>al<br />
bowling league where J<strong>on</strong>athan has<br />
proved to be a superstar. He w<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Male Highest Handicap Award this<br />
past seas<strong>on</strong> and is a multi-seas<strong>on</strong> Turkeys<br />
winner. A turkey is achieved by<br />
bowling three strikes in a row. J<strong>on</strong>athan’s<br />
record is seven at <strong>on</strong>ce and his<br />
seas<strong>on</strong> included an eye-popping 40<br />
turkeys total! The biggest win though<br />
was learning less<strong>on</strong>s about teamwork<br />
and making a good friend, who he<br />
still spends time with post-seas<strong>on</strong>.<br />
While he enjoys multiple<br />
sports, J<strong>on</strong>athan’s greatest<br />
love is fishing. The family<br />
lives just down <strong>the</strong> road<br />
from a lake, making for<br />
a c<strong>on</strong>venient nearly daily<br />
destinati<strong>on</strong>. It’s not just<br />
reeling <strong>the</strong>m in, for J<strong>on</strong>athan’s<br />
fishing passi<strong>on</strong><br />
begins at home where he<br />
meticiously ties beautiful<br />
flies to use with his favorite<br />
rods.<br />
Like all renaissance men,<br />
his interests are diverse.<br />
Outiside of sports, he<br />
enjoys strumming chords<br />
<strong>on</strong> his guitar, playing video<br />
games, and he writes poetry<br />
and prose in a lea<strong>the</strong>r<br />
bound notebook. He’s also<br />
a music fan, with heavy<br />
metal as a favorite. He<br />
shares that music often<br />
inspires his writing.<br />
J<strong>on</strong>than loves being an uncle to his<br />
two nieces and <strong>on</strong>e nephew. He says<br />
his sisters watched out for him. “They<br />
always defended me in high school.”<br />
Now it is J<strong>on</strong>athan’s turn to be <strong>the</strong><br />
protective <strong>on</strong>e for <strong>the</strong> littles in his<br />
family. He shares that <strong>on</strong>e young niece<br />
doesn’t understand she could hurt<br />
herself sticking fingers into <strong>the</strong> floor<br />
vent, so “I watch her, I keep her safe.”<br />
His relati<strong>on</strong>ship with his parents is a<br />
positive <strong>on</strong>e too. J<strong>on</strong>athan loves living<br />
at home with Laura and Paul, sharing,<br />
“When I come down from my room,<br />
I’m excited to talk to <strong>the</strong>m.”<br />
The family <strong>on</strong>ly found out about<br />
Sp<strong>on</strong>sored Residential and <strong>the</strong> possibility<br />
of being parent providers a few<br />
years ago. Paul says <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>on</strong><br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan with his bowling trophy.<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir family has been “huge.” Now he<br />
shares <strong>the</strong> difference being a parent<br />
provider makes. He’s met many at<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan’s bowling league, which<br />
includes ten lanes of bowlers every<br />
week during <strong>the</strong> school year. Based<br />
<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>s with o<strong>the</strong>r parents<br />
while J<strong>on</strong>athan bowled and a clear<br />
sense many had never heard about<br />
Sp<strong>on</strong>sored Residential and could<br />
use a network of fellow parents, he<br />
created a parent support group that<br />
will begin meeting this m<strong>on</strong>th while<br />
<strong>the</strong> league is <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>summer</strong> break.<br />
Community and c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> matter.<br />
Sharing resources and sources of<br />
support makes a difference. “Even<br />
if nothing big happens with it (<strong>the</strong><br />
group), we can talk and feel like it’s<br />
not just me. I’m not al<strong>on</strong>e.”<br />
~Angie Covingt<strong>on</strong><br />
3
For a Thriving Future<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences Providers and staff<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red at <strong>the</strong> Westin Richm<strong>on</strong>d <strong>on</strong><br />
April 23rd and at <strong>the</strong> Hotel Roanoke<br />
<strong>on</strong> May 1st for learning and networking<br />
at <strong>the</strong> <strong>2024</strong> Provider C<strong>on</strong>ference.<br />
The event, called Thrive: Enhancing<br />
Your Business Toolbox, focused <strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> business of being a Sp<strong>on</strong>sored<br />
Residential Provider. For <strong>the</strong> first<br />
time, it was presented as two days of<br />
identical c<strong>on</strong>tent, allowing Providers<br />
to choose <strong>the</strong> locati<strong>on</strong> and date most<br />
c<strong>on</strong>venient for <strong>the</strong>m. The turnout was<br />
our biggest ever: 168 people attended<br />
<strong>the</strong> Richm<strong>on</strong>d event and 271 attended<br />
<strong>the</strong> Roanoke event!<br />
CPA David Didawick shared critical<br />
insights to help Providers navigate<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir unique type of income, with<br />
advice <strong>on</strong> tax implicati<strong>on</strong>s, retirement<br />
planning, and more. Sessi<strong>on</strong>s were<br />
designed to encourage interacti<strong>on</strong>,<br />
tapping into <strong>the</strong> vast knowledge <strong>the</strong><br />
room held at each event. Providers<br />
rose to <strong>the</strong> occasi<strong>on</strong>, with thoughtful<br />
questi<strong>on</strong>s and <strong>the</strong> willingness to share<br />
experience and advice when <strong>the</strong>y had<br />
<strong>the</strong> answer needed. Founder Jack <strong>Wall</strong><br />
joined David Didawick in answering<br />
questi<strong>on</strong>s and sharing from his wealth<br />
of knowledge about our industry and<br />
smart business practices.<br />
CEO John Wea<strong>the</strong>rspo<strong>on</strong> shared news<br />
about an exciting new benefit: <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences Assistance Program<br />
for C<strong>on</strong>tracted Providers. <strong>Wall</strong> Providers<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir household will have<br />
access to four free, completely c<strong>on</strong>fidential<br />
<strong>the</strong>rapy sessi<strong>on</strong>s per pers<strong>on</strong><br />
per year through Carili<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The agenda also included an update<br />
<strong>on</strong> Credible from IT Director C<strong>on</strong>nie<br />
Littles, state updates from Operati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Officers Deanna Renn<strong>on</strong> and Amanda<br />
Craig, and agency insights by CEO<br />
John Wea<strong>the</strong>rspo<strong>on</strong> and Founder/<br />
Board Chair Jack <strong>Wall</strong>.<br />
Good food and time for c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong><br />
and networking was key to <strong>the</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>ference as well, giving space for<br />
making valuable c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs who do <strong>the</strong> same work and<br />
understand this lifestyle’s rewards<br />
and challenges. The day closed with<br />
recogniti<strong>on</strong> of <strong>the</strong> many incredible<br />
Providers celebrating milest<strong>on</strong>e anniversaries<br />
with <strong>Wall</strong> Residences. It was<br />
truly inspiring to see <strong>the</strong> number of<br />
people celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, and<br />
even 25 years of making a difference!<br />
4
Provider<br />
C<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
<strong>2024</strong><br />
www.wallresidences.com<br />
5
A Decade<br />
Toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
For Michael and Provider Wendy<br />
Saunders, <strong>the</strong> bedrock of <strong>the</strong>ir decade<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r comes down to a very simple<br />
c<strong>on</strong>cept. Wendy remembers, “When<br />
Michael first visited, I asked her what<br />
was important to her. She was clear:<br />
she wanted to be treated as an adult.”<br />
From <strong>the</strong> start, Wendy h<strong>on</strong>ored that<br />
wish and <strong>the</strong> two have happily shared<br />
a home since.<br />
Michael moved in when Wendy’s<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly child was a high school senior,<br />
but for most of <strong>the</strong>ir time toge<strong>the</strong>r, it<br />
has been just <strong>the</strong> two of <strong>the</strong>m. Michael<br />
is adamant; she is not interested<br />
in ano<strong>the</strong>r housemate! While it is just<br />
<strong>the</strong> pair of <strong>the</strong>m at home, family is<br />
important to both and <strong>the</strong>ir life includes<br />
lots of time with <strong>the</strong>ir families.<br />
Michael is close with her parents,<br />
who she speaks with daily, and with<br />
her sister, Evan, whose visits always<br />
lead to fun activities and joy. They<br />
also spend a lot of time with Wendy’s<br />
family who live nearby. Michael is<br />
close to Wendy’s daughter and s<strong>on</strong>-inlaw,<br />
as well as Wendy’s siblings and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir families.<br />
Michael is thoughtful<br />
and kind, with an incredible<br />
memory for birthdays.<br />
Wendy notes, “For<br />
every<strong>on</strong>e she knows, she<br />
will ask <strong>the</strong>ir birthday,<br />
record it <strong>on</strong> her calendar,<br />
and make sure <strong>the</strong>y<br />
get a gift.” Her sharp<br />
mind also reveals itself<br />
in doing a daily word<br />
search and “entertaining myself with<br />
homework.” Homework can be reading<br />
a magazine, coloring, deciphering<br />
hidden pictures, or doing worksheets<br />
provided by Wendy’s daughter, who<br />
is a teacher.<br />
Michael loves to stay busy and<br />
attends a day program where she<br />
spends time with friends, volunteers<br />
with meals <strong>on</strong> wheels, helps run recycling<br />
efforts, and particularly likes<br />
Fridays. “Fridays... it’s called individual’s<br />
choice... I can take m<strong>on</strong>ey<br />
and buy stuff if I want.” Shopping, it<br />
turns out, is not just something fun<br />
at day support <strong>on</strong> Fridays but also a<br />
mutual hobby. “What do you and me<br />
Michael and Provider Wendy Saunders<br />
have that’s so much... we d<strong>on</strong>’t need<br />
any more?” Wendy asks Michael with<br />
a rueful smile. “Shoes!” resp<strong>on</strong>ds<br />
Michael and <strong>the</strong> two discuss <strong>the</strong> fun<br />
of shopping for shoes and clo<strong>the</strong>s at<br />
Target, Rack Room, and bey<strong>on</strong>d.<br />
Wendy is grateful for Michael’s<br />
presence in her life, saying Michael<br />
keeps her accountable and reminds<br />
her to stop and enjoy <strong>the</strong> simple joys<br />
that make up a fulfilled life. “It’s easy<br />
to take things for granted. The small<br />
things make her <strong>the</strong> happiest. We forget<br />
that sometimes. Seeing her enjoying<br />
things... it makes me appreciate<br />
everything so much more.”<br />
~Angie Covingt<strong>on</strong><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 />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r Sowers<br />
Roanoke, NRV,<br />
SWVA<br />
(276) 229-8673<br />
Lisa Schalasny<br />
Eastern<br />
Regi<strong>on</strong><br />
(804) 380-4309
The Love of Family<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan is <strong>on</strong>e of six bro<strong>the</strong>rs in a<br />
close-knit family that rallies around<br />
him to provide support and inclusi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
His bro<strong>the</strong>rs play an important role<br />
in J<strong>on</strong>athan’s life. Parent Providers<br />
D<strong>on</strong>na and Nick share <strong>the</strong>y are blessed<br />
not <strong>on</strong>ly by all <strong>the</strong>ir children’s<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ships with each o<strong>the</strong>r, but also<br />
by <strong>the</strong> warm, loving women <strong>the</strong>ir five<br />
oldest s<strong>on</strong>s chose to marry.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> youngest in a highly affecti<strong>on</strong>ate,<br />
active, faith-centered household<br />
that has fun being toge<strong>the</strong>r, J<strong>on</strong>athan<br />
thrives <strong>on</strong> activity. “He grew up with<br />
a lot of noise and hubub of six bro<strong>the</strong>rs!”<br />
laughs D<strong>on</strong>na. The family has<br />
always been very musical and several<br />
work as professi<strong>on</strong>al musicians.<br />
Largely n<strong>on</strong>-verbal, J<strong>on</strong>athan resp<strong>on</strong>ds<br />
particularly to music. Nick notes that<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan will listen intently, especially<br />
to “pieces with a purposefully bombastic<br />
sound!” He also will join Nick<br />
<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> piano, playing an echo to <strong>the</strong><br />
notes sounded. “When music plays,”<br />
Nick says, “He lights up.”<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan is drawn to bright colors<br />
and patterns. When <strong>the</strong>y moved to<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir current home, D<strong>on</strong>na and Nick<br />
wanted J<strong>on</strong>athan’s room d<strong>on</strong>e first to<br />
give him a place to feel comfortable<br />
quickly amid <strong>the</strong> changes. They wanted<br />
colorful art but had safety c<strong>on</strong>cerns<br />
it could be pulled off <strong>the</strong> wall by accident.<br />
Artistic daughter-in-law Lexi<br />
helped create safe, compelling art by<br />
taping off and painting bright squares<br />
of color and pattern <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> walls.<br />
“J<strong>on</strong>athan will lie in bed and look at<br />
<strong>the</strong> colors and smile,” shares D<strong>on</strong>na.<br />
Things with a sensory comp<strong>on</strong>ent also<br />
bring him pleasure including water,<br />
texture, and touch.<br />
he visits. They also all coordinated<br />
a visit home toge<strong>the</strong>r for a week to<br />
allow D<strong>on</strong>na and Nick a European<br />
vacati<strong>on</strong>. “It meant a lot to us,” says<br />
D<strong>on</strong>na. While most of <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
live a few states away, Mat<strong>the</strong>w and<br />
his wife Mya have moved to <strong>the</strong> area<br />
so <strong>the</strong>y can become back up workers,<br />
supporting him <strong>on</strong> an almost daily basis.<br />
“<strong>Wall</strong> made that possible,” states<br />
Nick. Indeed, a desire to have more<br />
help and <strong>the</strong> ability to compensate<br />
back up workers with a good wage is<br />
what led D<strong>on</strong>na and Nick to become<br />
Parent Providers.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> family expands to <strong>the</strong> next<br />
generati<strong>on</strong>, new parents Stephen and<br />
Amanda wrote a children’s book for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir young s<strong>on</strong>. “They didn’t want<br />
him to be afraid because sometimes<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan makes noises,” D<strong>on</strong>na explains.<br />
Through tears, she adds, “It’s<br />
just a picture of how much <strong>the</strong>y love<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir bro<strong>the</strong>r - all of <strong>the</strong>m.” The book<br />
came in handy as <strong>the</strong> secti<strong>on</strong> about<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan “clearing <strong>the</strong> area when he<br />
needs his space” was read to <strong>the</strong> three<br />
year old <strong>on</strong> a recent visit when J<strong>on</strong>athan<br />
made clear he did not want to<br />
be touched at <strong>the</strong> moment and helped<br />
remind <strong>the</strong> little <strong>on</strong>e to respect that.<br />
While <strong>the</strong>y are seas<strong>on</strong>ed parents, D<strong>on</strong>na<br />
and Nick are <strong>on</strong>ly a few m<strong>on</strong>ths<br />
into <strong>the</strong> journey of being Parent<br />
Providers. They have already seen a<br />
difference. “One of <strong>the</strong> biggest things<br />
with <strong>the</strong> agency being pers<strong>on</strong>-centered<br />
is offering choices,” notes D<strong>on</strong>na.<br />
“When it is your own child, you feel<br />
like you know what <strong>the</strong>y want and yet<br />
providing <strong>the</strong>se choices has caused<br />
him to communicate more. It’s been a<br />
very enriching experience for him to<br />
have <strong>the</strong>se new choices... so I appreciate<br />
that <strong>Wall</strong> nudged me in that directi<strong>on</strong>.”<br />
Nick adds, “The people we met<br />
- it’s a community we’ve gained.”<br />
The couple feel str<strong>on</strong>gly that J<strong>on</strong>athan’s<br />
presence in <strong>the</strong>ir lives is a<br />
blessing. While admitting <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
hard moments and hard days, D<strong>on</strong>na<br />
says of her youngest s<strong>on</strong>, “Beautiful<br />
joy, beautiful love - when you have<br />
those moments, it makes it all worth<br />
it. What more could I want than a<br />
smile from J<strong>on</strong>athan.”<br />
~Angie Covingt<strong>on</strong><br />
All <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>rs make sure J<strong>on</strong>athan is<br />
safe, comfortable, and welcome when<br />
Nicholas, Daniel, Mat<strong>the</strong>w, Stephen, J<strong>on</strong>athan, and Michael at a family wedding.<br />
7
Nurses Make Us All Better<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences has shown a unique<br />
commitment to <strong>the</strong> health and safety<br />
of <strong>the</strong> individuals in our care by<br />
employing Registered Nurse Care<br />
Managers (RNCMs) in each regi<strong>on</strong><br />
and in <strong>the</strong> group homes operated by<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> Residences, as well as RN Trainers<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> State. Registered<br />
Nurses have been part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wall</strong><br />
team since 2018. An early focus <strong>on</strong><br />
select skilled nursing cases quickly<br />
expanded to a fuller presence providing<br />
medical insight and expertise.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> RNCM team supports<br />
program management, Providers,<br />
and DSPs to enhance <strong>the</strong> care level<br />
individuals receive and be sure<br />
clincal needs are fully met. They are<br />
active across <strong>the</strong> agency and state,<br />
interacting with Admissi<strong>on</strong>s, Quality<br />
Assurance, Compliance, <strong>the</strong> many<br />
community-based day programs, and<br />
more. The work of our nurses ensures<br />
medical orders are clear per regulati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and licensing requirements,<br />
medical documentati<strong>on</strong> is pertinent to<br />
<strong>the</strong> pers<strong>on</strong>, and paperwork is properly<br />
completed. They ensure we can<br />
serve a pers<strong>on</strong> at admissi<strong>on</strong>, training<br />
staff members in required skill competencies<br />
such as g-tube or transfer<br />
training. Templates <strong>the</strong>y developed<br />
ensure all standards of care are met<br />
and provide a framework to address<br />
individual needs.<br />
Perhaps <strong>the</strong> most visible area of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir positive influence is Training.<br />
<strong>Wall</strong> nurses participate in regi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
DBHDS/OIH nursing meetings and<br />
receive training <strong>on</strong> OIH health and<br />
safety alerts as well as o<strong>the</strong>r advanced<br />
learning subjects. They bring this back<br />
to <strong>the</strong> agency and develop systems,<br />
training, and support, c<strong>on</strong>tinually<br />
innovating with new protocols to meet<br />
identified needs and promote good<br />
health. Nurses lead training for staff<br />
and Providers, fur<strong>the</strong>ring knowledge<br />
and preventing harm. The influence<br />
of our nurses is felt both within and<br />
bey<strong>on</strong>d <strong>Wall</strong>, as <strong>the</strong> Lead RNCM also<br />
serves as <strong>the</strong> Regi<strong>on</strong> 1 Community<br />
Nurse Leader.<br />
The RNCM team works hard every<br />
day to provide compassi<strong>on</strong>ate support,<br />
clear guidance, accuracy and<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sistency, and medical management<br />
leadership. The RNCM team missi<strong>on</strong><br />
of always serving every supported<br />
individual, Provider, DSP, and staff<br />
member at <strong>Wall</strong> is kept at <strong>the</strong> center<br />
of every decisi<strong>on</strong> and acti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
~Kevyn Burn, RN<br />
Digital B<strong>on</strong>us<br />
A peek around our <strong>Wall</strong>: a look at what has filled <strong>the</strong> lives of <strong>the</strong> individuals, Providers, and staff of <strong>Wall</strong> Residences in<br />
<strong>the</strong> last few m<strong>on</strong>ths. Fun, growth, and relati<strong>on</strong>ships are what makes for valued lives, meaningful living!