40 Years of Service 1970 - 2010 - Rappahannock Area Community ...

Celebrating 40 Years of Service
Quarterly Newsletter Double Issue Summer 2010
1970 - 2010: 40 Years of Service
Booksigning with Doris Buffett
& Mike Zitz

The Rappahannock Area Community
Services Board (RACSB) is a local
government agency which was established
in 1970 under Chapter 10 of the
Code of Virginia.
RACSB provides public mental health,
intellectual disability, substance abuse,
prevention, and early intervention
services to the residents of the City of
Fredericksburg and the Counties of
Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania
and Stafford.
The Board is composed of fifteen volunteer
members who are appointed by
the local governing bodies. The Board
members are people from the community
with various occupations and interests,
who serve three-year terms of
office.
CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG:
James E. Bailey, David A. Vaughn &
Barbara L. Williams
CAROLINE COUNTY:
Al Collins, Fonville B. Day &
G. Warren Samuel
KING GEORGE COUNTY:
Beth F. Elkins, John D. Kunlo &
James R. Johnson
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY:
Nancy L. Beebe, Sherry L. Givens &
Ellen V. Sears
STAFFORD COUNTY:
Annette Johnson, Jack Rowley &
Matthew W. Zurasky
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Ronald W. Branscome
To Contact Newsletter:
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 540-373-3223, ext. 3074
Or at any time:
Fax: 540-371-3753
Email: publicinformation@racsb.state.va.us
Website: www.racsb.state.va.us
The RACSB Quarterly Newsletter is published
four times a year.
Board Welcomes New Member
The Rappahannock Area
Community Services
Board (RACSB) is
pleased to welcome
Fonville B. Day to the
Board of Directors as a
Caroline County Representative.
Ms. Day works as a secretary
at Storke Funeral
Home in Bowling Green
and assists with transportation
at Remuda
Ranch in Sparta on occasion.
Ms. Day lives in Milford
and has a daughter and
two grandchildren.
Fonville B. Day
Board Member Recognized
At the June 15, 2010,
Board of Directors meeting,
out-going Board
member Linda T. Garrison
was recognized and
thanked for her years of
service by Board Chairman
David A. Vaughn
and Executive Director
Ron Branscome.
Mrs. Garrison was presented
with a plaque in
appreciation of her 12
years of service as a representative
of Caroline
County.
Mrs. Garrison served a unique
role on the Board as an individual
who has personally received
services as well as a parent of a
child with an intellectual disability.
Update Your Address
Chairman David A. Vaughn recognizes
Linda T. Garrison for her years of service
on the RACSB Board of Directors.
Reflecting on her time on the
Board, Mrs. Garrison shared
that it has been an honor to
work with such an outstanding
and dedicated group of people.
Mrs. Garrison intends to continue
her volunteer efforts by
working with veterans.
Send your address changes to publicinformation@racsb.state.va.us
or call Michelle Wagaman, Public Information Specialist, at 540-
373-3223, ext. 3074.
2
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

Board of Directors Elects Officers
At the June 15, 2010 Board of Directors
meeting of the Rappahannock
Area Community Services
Board (RACSB), officers were
elected for terms beginning July 1,
2010. RACSB is governed by a 15-
member Board of Directors with
equal representation from the City of
Fredericksburg and the Counties of
Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania,
and Stafford.
David A. Vaughn Reelected Chair
David Vaughn of Fredericksburg
was re-elected Chair for Fiscal Year
(FY) 2011. Vaughn joined the Board
of Directors in November 2005. He
previously served as Vice-Chair and
Chair of the Finance Committee for
two years before becoming Chair in
FY 2010. Vaughn retired from the
United States Civil Service in 1999
after 34-years, having worked for
both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine
Corps. At the time of his retirement,
he was Director of Technology for
the Marine Corps. Vaughn is President
of the National Alliance on
Mental Illness – Rappahannock
(NAMI-R) and formerly served on
the NAMI - Virginia Board of Directors.
He’s an active member of St.
Paul United Methodist Church in
Woodbridge, VA. He and his wife,
Frances, have a daughter.
Barbara Williams Reelected Vice-
Chair
Barbara Williams of Fredericksburg
was re-elected Vice-Chair for FY
2011. Williams joined the Board of
Directors in October 2005. She has
served as Chair of the Program
Planning and Evaluation Committee
for the past three years. Williams retired
in 2005 as a counselor at
David A. Vaughn, Chair
City of Fredericksburg
Barbara L. Williams, Vice-chair
City of Fredericksburg
Warren Samuel, Secretary
Caroline County
Northern Virginia Community College
in Manassas, a position she
held for 28 years. She has two children
and is married to Floyd C.
Williams.
Warren Samuel Elected Secretary
G. Warren Samuel of Caroline
County was elected Secretary for
FY 2011. Samuel joined the Board
of Directors in July 2008. He taught
agriculture at Caroline Middle
School for nearly 30 years and retired
from teaching in 2008. He and
his wife Martha have two children.
Outgoing Secretary Beth Elkins has
served on the Board of Directors
since July 2005 and represents King
George County. Elkins will continue
to serve on the Board in FY 2011
and chairs the Prevention/Public Information
Committee.
Office of Consumer Affairs
The Rappahannock Area Community
Services Board (RACSB) has
an Office of Consumer Affairs which
serves as a central point for individuals
receiving services and their
family members to bring forward
ideas, issues, and concerns regarding
the programs and services offered
by RACSB.
The Office of Consumer Affairs provides
the following services:
Consumer Relations
● Information and referral
● Human rights advocacy
● Conflict resolution
● Consumer Feedback
Education, Training, and Support
Services
● Conducts regular Consumer
Rights trainings for RACSB staff
members
● Educates individuals regarding
their rights and the grievance
process
● Supports the Local Human Rights
Committee
● Monitors individual programs
The Office of Consumer Affairs is located
at the Ronald W. Branscome
Building, 600 Jackson Street, Fredericksburg.
The Utilization Review/Consumer
Affairs Specialist,
Jennifer Acors, can be reached at
540-899-4616.
Summer 2010
www.racsb.state.va.us
3

RACSB Staff Become ASIST Trainers
As the Coordinator for RACSB
Emergency Services, Jacque
Nuzum wanted to add a suicide prevention
piece to the services provided
by her office. Ms. Nuzum and
Melanie Sheppard, Emergency
Services Therapist, became certified
ASIST trainers (Applied Suicide
Intervention Skills Training) through
the Virginia Department of Health,
Division of Injury and Violence Prevention.
The local community expressed interest
in these trainings. Two trainings
offered in March and May
quickly reached capacity. A separate
training for probation and parole officers
was held in April.
RACSB Substance Abuse Case
Manager Krystal Parker stated that
it was the best training she has ever
attended. She shared that the training
provided her with practical information
she can use.
Two Crisis Intervention Trainings for
area law enforcement have been
conducted this year with a third
training scheduled for September. A
total of 63 officers have participated
in the trainings coordinated by the
Rappahannock Area Crisis Intervention
Team and led by certified local
trainers.
This 40-hour training provides officers
the opportunity to enhance
their skills for when they come into
contact with individuals experiencing
a mental health crisis. Officers
learned to better recognize individuals
suffering from mental illness,
techniques to verbally de-escalate
the situation, basic crisis intervention
skills, and suicide intervention
skills.
ASIST, the most widely used
intervention skills training in
the United States, is a two-day
intensive, interactive and practice-dominated
course. It is
designed to help caregivers
recognize risk for suicide, intervene
to prevent immediate
harm, and link persons at risk
to the next level of care.
ASIST is often used by people
in a variety of “front line” positions.
It is for all caregivers
(any person in a position of
trust). It is suitable for school
counselors, psychologists, social
workers, administrators,
nurses, case workers, youth
workers, police/correctional/juvenile
justice staff, foster care staff, clergy
and all 'natural helpers' who work in
the field of human service (regardless
of the age group served).
Trainer Frank Shannon with the
Stafford County Sherriff’s Office is
quick to point out that these tools
can even be used by officers in routine
traffic stops. The skills add
value to any interaction with the
public.
Officers spend several hours of the
training conducting role-plays
where they encounter scenarios
taken from real life experiences of
the trainers. Scenarios include a
veteran experiencing combat flashbacks
and an individual threatening
a public suicide.
One of the scenarios features a
man who has barricaded himself
because he can no longer afford
the medication that treats his mental
illness. He man recognizes the benefits
of the medication and is distraught
over his declining mental
state. After initially seeking to harm
himself, the man begins to worry
about the expense he is causing the
county because the officers have
spent so much time with him. The
response from training participant
Trainer Melanie Sheppard (right) provides feedback
to role-play participant Glenda Knight from
Project LINK.
To learn more about suicide prevention
initiatives in Virginia, please
visit: www.preventsuicideva.org.
RACSB Emergency Services Therapists
are available 24-hours a day,
365-days a year by calling 540-373-
6876.
Additional Crisis Intervention Trainings Held for Officers
Training participants respond to a call of
a man negotiating with the devil for his
soul over the telephone while in a retail
store.
Officer Paul Dooley with the Fredericksburg
Police Department sums
up the training perfectly. “You’re not
in trouble. You’re in crisis and we’re
here to help.”
To learn more about the Rappahannock
Area Crisis Intervention Team,
please visit www.rappahannockareacit.org.
4
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

Establishing a Secure Drop-Off
The Rappahannock Area Community
Services Board (RACSB) is
partnering with the Fredericksburg
Police Department to provide security
at the Crisis Stabilization Program
at The Sunshine Lady House
for Mental Health Wellness & Recovery.
The presence of off-duty officers
allows the program to serve
as a secure drop-off site for the Crisis
Intervention Team (CIT) and accept
individuals on temporary
detention orders (TDOs) in the future.
The secure drop-off site will
allow responding officers to return to
the street faster and help individuals
experiencing a mental health crisis
receive appropriate treatment
sooner than if incarcerated.
Law enforcement personnel typically
have to accompany individuals
requiring a mental health assessment
to the emergency department
at a local hospital. The officers are
required to stay with the individual
At the sixth annual Law Enforcement
Appreciation Luncheon hosted
by Kenmore Club on May 3, 2010,
Crisis Stabilization Coordinator John
Butler provided an update on the
establishment of a secure drop-off
site at The Sunshine Lady House
for Mental Health Wellness & Recovery.
He discussed comparing the
job descriptions of a Residential
Counselor and Police Officer. The
only similarity he could see was
“other duties as assigned.”
However, Butler pointed out that individuals
in those positions do not
do it for the money. They select
these jobs because they want to
help people. Both spend a lot of
time listening to others, assessing
the situation at hand, and looking
for solutions.
Summer 2010
while the prescreening takes
place to determine the proper
level of care. The process
can take several hours. By
utilizing the secure drop-off
site, officers turn custody of
the individual to the Fredericksburg
Police Officer on
duty and returns to his/her
patrol.
Officers working at The Sunshine
Lady House for Mental
Health Wellness & Recovery
take part in getting to know the residents.
They may join the residents
and staff for dinner as well as participate
in evening activities. The building
of these relationships helps to
reduce the stigma that can exist between
law enforcement and individuals
with mental health disorders.
The off-duty officers began providing
security on February 1, 2010
and are onsite from 3:00 p.m. to
Kenmore Club Hosts Annual Law Enforcement
Appreciation Luncheon
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainers,
Captain Mike Harvey with the
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
and Deputy Frank Shannon
with the Stafford County Sheriff’s
Office also attended the luncheon.
Captain Harvey discussed reducing
stigma not only for those with
mental illness but also for those in
uniform. He reminded the group
that everyone is unique with their
own hobbies and dreams.
Brian Jackson, long-time Kenmore
Club member and RACSB
Peer Specialist, organizes the annual
event. Jackson personally
had a positive experience with a
member of law enforcement many
years ago while he was in crisis.
That experience has led him to look
for ways to share his story and help
improve the relationship between officers
and individuals experiencing a
mental health crisis.
11:00 p.m. daily. The 26 officers rotate
shifts and are considered parttime
RACSB employees. The
off-duty officers working in the program
are in uniform and have a
squad car onsite.
To learn more about the Crisis Stabilization
Program at The Sunshine
Lady House for Mental Health Wellness
& Recovery, please visit
www.racsb.state.va.us and click on
“Mental Health Services.”
Captain Mike Harvey, Spotsylvania County
Sheriff’s Office (foreground) and Deputy
Frank Shannon, Stafford County Sheriff’s
Officer, are the first local trainers for the
Crisis Intervention Training.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services
are provided at Kenmore Club
for adults with severe and persistent
mental illness. Club members are
provided the opportunity to work
and become self-supporting members
of the community.
www.racsb.state.va.us
5

Annual Plant Sale and Mayfest Celebration
The 24th annual Mayfest Celebration
was held Saturday, May 1,
2010 at Rappahannock Adults Activities
750 Kings Highway location.
A great line up of live entertainment,
food, abundance of plants
for sale, and wide array of activities
helped draw the community to this
fun event.
Held the first Saturday in May,
Mayfest is the annual fundraiser for
RAAI. Approximately $25,000 was
raised through plant sales and
Mayfest. Proceeds benefit program
participants who may lack the
needed funding sources to attend
the day support program. More
than 140 individuals with an intellectual
disability receive services
from RAAI.
The event started with a breakfast
hosted by Intellectual Disability
Support Coordinators. Activities included
performances by Rappahannock
Area Kids on the Block,
plant sales, moon bounce, bake
sale, face painting, antique World
War II Jeep, Fredericksburg Rescue
Squad’s barrel train, White
Oak Fire Department, silent auction,
and raffle prizes.
Live musical entertainment was
provided by Dixie Bells and Company,
Kelly and Cates Bellringers,
Becky Bennett’s “Sounds of Silence,”
singer Bob Williams, country
singer J.D. Dulin, and First
Class Country with Donnie
Stevens.
Mayfest is a day of celebration for
participants, their families, and
staff members. This annual event
would not be possible without the
hard work and dedication of the
RAAI Board of Directors, staff, and
countless volunteers.
RAAI is a partner agency of the
Rappahannock United Way. (Combined
Federal Campaign #75505;
Local Government Campaign
#6414)
Save the date! Plan to attend the
25th annual Mayfest Celebration
on Saturday, May 7, 2011.
The Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc. (RAAI) volunteer Board of
Directors consists of:
Virginia Clement
Charles A. Cooper
Basil “Bill” Doumas, Vice
President
John Elkins
Debe Fults
Susan Hartsook, President
Tom Higgins
Rebecca Leggitt
Lyle McWhirt
Jean Rossbacher
Jim Schaefer
Susan Sili
Terria L. Spencer
Diana Tansill
Kathy Valentine
Martha Weston, Secretary/
Treasurer
Thank you to the following
organizations and individuals for
their support of Mayfest:
B1010.5 and NewsTalk 1230;
Allman’s Barbecue; Union First
Market Bank; Johnnie Johnson;
Roxbury Farm & Garden Center;
Rappahannock Area YMCA;
Panera Bread; Luray Caverns;
Gemstone Creations; Nakia
Valentine of NV Creations; and
Mrs. Tony Kent.
Many RACSB staff members lent
their talents and donated
handmade items: Tawnia Brown,
Residential Counselor II; Amy
Clark, Devon Drive Group Home
Manager; Elaine Clark, Supported
Living Program; Beverly Collins,
Supported Living Program; Kristin
Dietz, Prevention Specialist; Lacey
Fisher, New Hope Estates Group
Home Manager; Danielle
Hemperly, Supported Living
Program; Tracy Mahone,
Supported Living and Sponsored
Placement Program Supervisor;
Sophia Masvaure, Residential
Counselor II; Cathleen Pessolano,
Prevention Programs Manager;
Barbara Poudrier, Wolfe Street
Group Home Manager; Jennifer
Quigley, Supported Living
Program; and Lindsey Troyer,
Leeland Road Group Home
Manager.
To view the donated items or to
learn more about Mayfest,
please visit:
www.celebratemayfest.com
6
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

Sixth Annual “The Art of Recovery” Exhibit Held
The sixth annual Art of Recovery exhibit
opened in conjunction with First
Fridays on May 7, 2010. Held at the
Gallery at 915, the exhibit featured
35 original pieces of art created by
individuals with mental illness. The
artwork included original drawings,
three-dimensional artwork, textiles,
photography, and mixed media.
The show is organized by Bill Hartland,
Bridgewater Street Supervised
Apartment Supervisor, and members
of Kenmore Club. Following
the exhibit opening, Kenmore Club
hosted a reception.
According to Hartland, “The exhibit
continues to grow in the number of
art submissions as well as
the number of individuals in
the community providing
their support.” The Art of Recovery
provides a forum for
artists living with mental illness
to gain confidence in
their abilities, challenge
mental health stigma, and
experience community support.
A small traveling exhibit was
on display at the Walkerton
Tavern in Glen Allen from
May 26-29, 2010. The traveling
exhibit was coordinated with the
Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental
Services.
Annual Candlelight Vigil of Hope
The community once again showed
their support for area residents living
with the effects of mental illness by
attending the sixth annual Candlelight
Vigil of Hope on May 7, 2010.
The event took place at Hurkamp
Park in downtown Fredericksburg.
Organized by members of the Recovery
in Motion (RIM) peer support
and advocacy group, the vigil is a
show of support for ending discrimination
against individuals living with
mental illness.
RIM and Kenmore Club members
Brian Jackson and Mike McGuire
served as emcees. Music was provided
by local artist Phil Makely.
Personal stories of recovery were
provided by Gloria Cooke and
Theresa Seymour. RIM founder and
Kenmore Club member Velma
Walker accepted a Mental Health
Month Proclamation from Fredericksburg
City Council Member
George Solley.
The keynote address was provided
by Todd and Michelle Brown, whose
daughter Carol Anne committed suicide
in April 2009. The Browns have
dedicated much of the past
year to educating the community
about bipolar disorder,
the mental illness they
believe Carol Anne had.
They recently launched a
website offering information
and resources related to
bipolar disorder:
www.bipolaraware.org.
The vigil followed a reception
at Kenmore Club celebrating
the opening of “The Art of
Recovery” Exhibit.
The Recovery in Motion
Peer Support and Advocacy Group,
is supported by: Mary Washington
Hospital Community Service Fund,
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg,
National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) - Rappahannock,
Rappahannock Area Community
Services Board, Snowden at Fredericksburg,
and Virginia Interfaith
Committee on Mental Illness Ministries.
The May 7, 2010 exhibit opening enjoyed a
steady stream of visitors.
The exhibit coincided with National
Mental Health Month in an effort to
bring awareness to mental health issues.
Carrol Morgan provided a tribute to longtime Kenmore
Club member Bill King who passed away
recently. Carrol is a member of RIM and NAMI-
Rappahannock.
The Rappahannock Area
Community Services Board
offers crisis intervention
services 24-hours a day.
540-373-6876
Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania
and Stafford Counties
804-633-4148
Caroline County
540-775-5064
King George County
Summer 2010
www.racsb.state.va.us
7

8
Special Olympics Annual Torch Run
The residents of Wolfe Street Group
Home laced up their tennis shoes
and joined area law enforcement in
Colonial Beach for the Virginia Law
Enforcement Torch Run for Special
Olympics on June 9, 2010.
The residents ran the last leg of the
race along side officers. They were
met with cheers at the finish line.
This is the first time the Special
Olympic Torch Run was held in
Colonial Beach. The family of a resident
asked the group home to participate.
Group Home Manager Barbara
Poudrier shared that the residents
all enjoyed the experience and are
looking forward to participating next
year. A local restaurant treated the
group to lunch with the
officers following the run.
Each summer, law enforcement
officials from
across Virginia carry the
Flame of Hope on a
1,900 mile journey to the
Special Olympics Virginia
Summer Games
Grand Opening Ceremony
in Richmond. This
eight day Torch Run involves
more than 2,000
law enforcement officers
and personnel representing
more than
200 law enforcement agencies
across Virginia.
Separate legs of the Torch Run
RACSB Driver Competes in National Roadeo
The first place finisher in the van division
of the 2010 Virginia Paratransit
Driving Roadeo competition was
RACSB staff member Eric Fonda.
The event, held in Chesterfield on
April 10, 2010, was conducted by
the Community Transportation Association
of Virginia.
The competition included approximately
15 participants in the 15-passenger
van division. Drivers were
judged on three components: a written
test, wheelchair securement,
and a 10-part obstacle course which
tested their decision-making skills
and precision.
Reflecting on his win, Fonda expressed
his appreciation for his
teammates from RACSB who
helped him prepare for the competition.
Fonda represented the Commonwealth
as the Virginia State Paratransit
Roadeo Champion at the
2010 National Roadeo, held in Long
Beach, California on May 23, 2010.
The course proved challenging with
Fonda finishing 13th.
He shared that it was a tight course
and the competition included a difficult
preinspection where competitors
were required to identify pre-set
flaws. Fonda competed against
some of the best transit drivers in
the country including
former national champions.
Wolfe Street Group Home Residents are all smiles
following their participation in the annual Virginia Law
Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on June
9, 2010.
passed through Stafford, Spotsylvania,
King George, and Caroline
Counties on its way to the Richmond.
Fonda has been employed
with RACSB for
three years serving as a
Residential Counselor II
with the Belmont Supervised
Apartment Program
at the time of the
state competition. He
has since been promoted
to manager of the new
Scottsdale Estates Group Home.
RACSB staff members joining
Fonda at the state competition were
(pictured from left): Larinda Robinson,
Manager, Belmont Supervised
Apartment Program; Tim Alsfeld,
Van Driver, Specialized Transportation
Program; and Jordan DeForte,
Residential Counselor II, New Hope
Estates Group Home.
Fonda is pictured below with the
course at the 2010 National Roadeo
in the background.
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

Community Impact Award Presented to RAAI
On May 15, 2010, at the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of All Saints Parish Hall, Christ Episcopal Church presented
their Community Impact Award to the Rappahannock Adult Activities (RAAI). RAAI was selected to receive
the recognition for outstanding programs and services to the community. Senator Edd Houck, a member
of the church, presented the award to RAAI. He reminded attendees of the importance of being kind to your
neighbors, no matter who they are and no matter their abilities.
RAAI first began partnering with Christ Church in 1999. Participants assist in light cleaning as well as occasionally
setting up the church for events. Participants access the library, shops, parks, and post office located
nearby. RAAI is onsite nearly five days a week. Most recently, participants have begun arriving directly at the
Church and using that facility as their daily base. The church, located in the area of Spotsylvania Courthouse, is
in close proximity to the Edith O. Fleming Building, RACSBs Spotsylvania County Clinic and future day support
site.
Members of the RAAI Board of Directors, staff, and residents of Piedmont Drive Group Home and Stonewall Estates
Group Home participated in the celebration.
RAAI has been providing community-based developmental day services since 1976. A non-profit organization,
RAAI is dedicated to providing valuable opportunities for adults
with intellectual disability to participate successfully in the
community. Participants enjoy valuable social, vocational, and
recreational activities that build upon their relationships with
their families, friends, and communities.
Pictured from left: Jim Gillespie, Community Support Services
Director; Senator Edd Houck; Kathy Valentine, past RAAI
Board President; Susan Hartsook, RAAI Board President;
Martha Weston, RAAI Board Member; Bill Doumas, RAAI
Board Member; RAAI participant Joseph Parker; and Day
Support Specialist Angela Brown.
Planting a Pinwheels for Prevention Garden
On April 11, 2010, the community
came together in front of the Rappahannock
United Way Building in
Fredericksburg, VA to plant a “Pinwheels
for Prevention Garden” in
honor of the children of the Greater
Fredericksburg Area. The event was
held in conjuction with Child Abuse
Prevention Month.
Senator Edd Houck attended the
dedication ceremony and challenged
the youth and representatives
of the local social service
agencies who were present to continue
to work together to be the
safety net that our community needs
during these difficult times when
economic stressors make the job of
parenting
event
more challenging.
The garden
is
sponsored
by the
Rappahannock
Area April
Blue Ribbon
Coalition. The pinwheel is the
symbol of child abuse prevention
recognizing that it takes an outside
force to make a pinwheel move. Together,
the people of our community
can be that outside force that positively
impacts us to act collectively
to promote alternatives to child
abuse and neglect.
To learn more, visit www.preventchildabuseva.org.
Summer 2010
www.racsb.state.va.us
9

Celebrating 40 Years of Community-based Services
Rappahannock Area Community
Services Board (RACSB) marked 40
years of service to the community
with a celebration event on June 12,
2010 at the Ronald W. Branscome
Building (600 Jackson Street, Fredericksburg).
In 1968, the Virginia General Assembly
passed legislation authorizing
local governments to establish
Community Mental Health and Mental
Retardation Services Boards.
This would allow community services
to be established at the local
level to best meet the special needs
of each locality.
The anniversary event featured: free
food; live entertainment provided by
singer Amy Clark, Devon Drive
Group Home Manager and Rappahannock
Area Kids on the Block;
Blue-Gray Therapy Dogs; face
painting by Connie Melvin, Intellectual
Disability Residential Specialist;
children activities; moon bounce;
Fredericksburg Fire Department;
Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and
McGruff the Crime Dog and
RACSBs Specialized Transportation
Program.
RACSB program areas had information
booths where attendees could
learn more about specific services
provided by the agency.
In 1970, the Frank C. Pratt Chapter
of the Mental Health Association of
Fredericksburg voted to provide the
required funds to match state appropriations
for the establishment of a
local Community Services Board
and encouraged the local governments
to form a regional board as a
link in the growing state network.
That year, with a staff of less than
ten, the Rappahannock Area Mental
Health and Mental Retardation
Services Board was established.
Forty years later, RACSB has grown
to 30 facilities with more than 400
staff members. Mental health services
are provided to nearly 7,000 individuals
annually. Another 3,000
individuals with substance use disorder
receive services from RACSB.
Almost 1,500 individuals with intellectual
disability are supported in
their home community. Early Intervention
Services are provided to
500 infants and toddlers with developmental
delays. More than 10,000
individuals benefit from RACSB
Prevention programs.
As RACSB celebrates its 40th anniversary,
appreciation is extended
to the various individuals and community
organizations that have supported
RACSB and the individuals
we serve over the years.
Thank you to everyone who attended
and helped make the 40th
anniversary event a success!
Booksigning with Doris Buffett and Mike Zitz
Local philanthropist and friend of RACSB, Doris Buffett was a big draw to the 40th anniversary celebration. Ms.
Buffett was joined by biographer Mike Zitz to sign copies of her new biography “Giving It All Away: The Doris
Buffett Story.” More than 100 copies were sold at the event. A portion of the book sales benefited RACSB.
RACSB and Executive Director Ron Branscome are mentioned in the biography
in the chapter titled “Mental Illness and the Buffetts” (page 189).
Through The Sunshine Lady Foundation, Ms. Buffett pledged $2 million to
RACSB in 2008 to construct an expanded 12-bed Crisis Stabilization Program
at The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness & Recovery.
The donation also paid for the renovation of 818 Lafayette Boulevard
into an eight-bed long-term boarding house for adults with serious mental
illness. These two state-of-the-art facilities greatly enhance residential options
for individuals living with mental illness in our community. Both became
operational in 2009.
The Fredericksburg community is fortunate to have Doris Buffett, sister to
Warren Buffett, as a resident. Through her Sunshine Lady Foundation,
Ms. Buffett has donated more than $100 million of her own money to charities
and individuals. To learn more, visit www.sunshinelady.org.
10
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

Celebrating 40 Years of Community-based Services
The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
(RACSB) extends sincere appreciation to the 40th anniversary
program sponsors and organizations donating
services for the event.
The anniversary program was printed
compliments of Stafford Printing.
The Fredericksburg Hospitality House and Conference
Center donated accommodations.
Party Headquarters, located in the Doc Stone Plaza, donated
the moon bounce.
Culligan Water Company of Virginia donated several
cases of bottled water.
Full-page advertisers:
Half-page advertisers:
Quarter-page advertisers:
● Abbott Reshape and Revive
● John and Marie Kunlo
● Little Tire Co.
● National Alliance on Mental Illness - Rappahannock
● Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging
● Jack and Patricia Rowley
Thank you to Roxbury Farm & Garden Center for assistance
decorating the informational tents with beautiful
hanging baskets.
Summer 2010
www.racsb.state.va.us
11

New Group Home Welcomes Residents in Stafford County
The Rappahannock Area Community
Services Board (RACSB) began
welcomeing residents to its ninth
group home for adults with intellectual
disability in June 2010. The new
six-bed home is located in the beautiful
Scottsdale Estates community
in South Stafford County.
RACSB has been providing residential
services for adults with intellectual
disabilities in our community
since 1977. Group homes allow individuals
to remain in the community
near their families and natural
supports. This is important as aging
parents are no longer able to provide
long-term care to their child
with an intellectual disability. Without
local residential options, many
families are forced to send their
loved ones to a state institution several
hours a way. There are currently
147 individuals with
intellectual disability waiting for residential
services in our area.
RACSB staff members provide 24-
hour structured support to residents.
All RACSB group homes are licensed
by the Virginia Department
of Behavioral Health and Developmental
Services
(DBHDS).
They are inspected
annually
by the
local fire
marshall as
well as
health department.
Under Section 15.2291 of the Code
of Virginia, licensed group homes of
eight or fewer individuals qualify
under local zoning ordinances as a
single family residence, which is
consistent with the requirements of
the Federal Fair Housing Act.
RACSB has broken ground for a
tenth group home also located in
Stafford County in the Clearview
Heights neighborhood. This will also
be a six-bed home.
RACSB recently was notified of receipt
of another HUD Section 811
grant to fund construction costs of
an 11th group home to be located in
Waverly Village in Spotsylvania
County.
In addition to community group
homes, RACSB also offers Supported
Living arrangements that
allow an individual to live in housing
of their own with staff providing support
in the home. The Sponsored
Placement Program matches individuals
with foster families who provide
room, board, and supervision
while teaching independent living
skills. RACSB currently operates
two Supervised Apartment Programs
that offer a greater level of independence
for adults with
intellectual disability.
Car Seats Distributed to Low Income Families
Healthy Families Rappahannock
Area once again joined forces with
GEICO and the Virginia Department
of Health Low-Income Safety Seat
Distribution and Education Program
to host the third annual “Safety First
Regional Car Seat Campaign” on
June 12, 2010 at GEICO’s office in
Stafford.
A total of 202 car seats were distributed
to area children receiving Medicaid.
All families receiving the free
car seats participated in a training
on proper car seat use and received
installation assistance from trained
volunteers. Children received either
a free convertible or booster seat.
Founded in 1997, Healthy Families
Rappahannock Area is an
interagency program which provides
support to at-risk firsttime
parents with free home
visitations, and referrals to
other community resources.
Their goal is to reduce child
maltreatment and increase
school readiness. The program
assisted 763 families in Fiscal
Year 2010 (July 1, 2009 through
June 30, 2010). The Rappahannock
Area Community Services Board
serves as the fiscal agent. Healthy
Families Rappahannock Area is a
partner agency of the Rappahannock
United Way. To learn more,
please contact Healthy Families at
540-288-1937.
For information about child passenger
safety, please visit Safe Kids
Virginia at www.vcuhealth.org/virginiasafekids/.
12
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

Support for Veterans and their Families
The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program
for Northwestern Health Planning
Region I has support groups
for area veterans and their family
members. The groups, facilitated by
Peer Specialists, provide support
and friendship.
The Combat Support Group (CSG)
is open to all combat veterans, reservists,
members of the guard, as
well as civilian contractors who have
served in combat zones. Veterans
of any conflict are encouraged to attend.
Meetings are held weekly on Tuesdays
from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at
the Fredericksburg Baptist Church
in Room PA-113 (1019 Princess
Anne Street, Fredericksburg; use
the Princess Anne Street entrance).
A separate support group for veterans
is forming in Culpeper.
The Family Support Group is open
to any family members, dependents,
and caregivers of those who have
served in combat.
The Family Support Group meets
twice a month on Mondays from
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Calvary
Chapel located at 1103 Potomac
Avenue (off Route 218 – White Oak
Road), Fredericksburg, VA 22405.
The group meets in the Youth center
located directly across the street
from the Chapel. Please call in advance
to arrange childcare assistance.
Meetings are scheduled for
August 30, September 13, and September
27.
For more information on the groups,
please call Veteran Peer Specialists
Claude Boushey (540-842-2481 or
cboushey@racsb.state.va.us) or
Kevin Williams (540-273-4733 or
kwilliams@racsb.state.va.us).
In 2009, RACSB received notice of
a grant award from the Virginia Department
of Veterans Services to
provide services to veterans and
their families. The Virginia Wounded
Warrior Program (VWWP) was created
by the 2008 General Assembly
to ensure that services to veterans
and their families are readily available
in all areas of the state.
For more information about the Virginia
Wounded Warrior Program,
please contact Camilla Schwoebel,
Regional Coordinator, at 540-373-
3223, ext. 3085.
To learn more about the Virginia
Wounded Warrior Program in our
area, please visit www.nwvawoundedwarrior.org.
Meet the Team
Camilla Schwoebel,
Regional Coordinator -
A veteran of the U.S.
Coast Guard, having
served on both active
duty and in the Reserves. She is
also a military spouse of 26 years.
Schwoebel used her GI Bill to
attend graduate school at California
State University at Sacramento,
where she received her Masters in
Counseling. She is a licensed
professional counselor with
experience in the substance abuse
field, with adolescents, and with
military families.
Claude Boushey,
Veteran Peer Support
Specialist - An U.S.
Army veteran, having
served two combat tours
in Iraq and two Peacekeeping
missions in Haiti and Bosnia. While
on his first tour in Iraq, Boushey
was severely injured in a helicopter
crash. In addition to his work with
VWWP, he also works as a
command pilot in the Maryland
State Police and does volunteer
work with the Disabled American
Veterans and the Wounded Warrior
Project. Boushey holds a Masters
Degree in Aeronautical Science
from Emory-Riddle University.
Summer 2010
Military Appreciation Day
to benefit the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program
and Operation First Response
Saturday, November 13, 2010
National Guard Armory
1700 Jefferson Davis Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Informational fair for area veterans and
their families. Free food, children
activities, live entertainment, and more!
For vendor opportunities and other inquiries,
please contact Camilla Schwoebel
(540-373-3223, ext. 3085 or
cschwoebel@racsb.state.va.us)
Kevin Williams,
Veteran Peer Support
Specialist - A 24-year
veteran of the U.S. Navy
who served in the
Medical Corps as a Navy Medic
and medical administrator. He
served in both the Gulf War and
Operation Enduring Freedom.
Williams holds a Bachelors of
Science Degree in Healthcare
Management from Park University
and a Masters of Arts Degree in
Management from Regent
University. In addition to his work
with VWWP, he teaches Healthcare
Administration and Management at
the University of Phoenix.
www.racsb.state.va.us
13

Operation Frontline
Pre-Doctoral Clinical
Psychology Internship
The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
(RACSB) is in its 10th year of the pre-doctoral psychology
internship program. The program is designed to
prepare doctoral candidates for the practice of psychology.
A graduation luncheon was held on June 26, 2010, at
the Edith O. Fleming Building in Spotsylvania County
for departing Fiscal Year 2010 interns.
Project LINK recently partnered with the Family Nutrition
Program of the Virginia Cooperative Extension to offer
Operation Frontline cooking classes to women participants
and their families. The program helps low income families
learn to prepare healthier meals within their limited
budgets. Thirteen individuals served by Project LINK
participated.
The class, a series of six sessions, allowed participants
the opportunity to prepare nutritious meals with a volunteer
professional chef. Each session included a free meal
and a complimentary take home bag of groceries to encourage
participants to put their new culinary skills to use.
A portion of each session was devoted to nutrition education.
Extension Agents Kim Elkins and Mary Belman
helped participants read and understand labels as well appropriate
portion sizes. One lesson had participants measure
the amount of sugar in leading fruit juices and soft
drinks. It was eye-opening for mothers to learn just how
much sugar their children were ingesting. Participants are
shown healthier, fresh snack options to replace sugary or
salty prepackaged snacks. Educational lessons also covered
food safety and menu planning.
The final class was held at the local Wegmans grocery
store. Participants compared labels as they shopped
throughout the store.They were treated to a celebratory
lunch and graduation ceremony.
Project LINK Manager Glenda Knight was pleased with
the program. She shared that the cooking class was a
positive social activity. “It was an avenue for participants to
realize that they can have fun without alcohol or illicit substances.”
Project LINK is an interagency project aimed at helping
pregnant and parenting women with risk factors for substance
abuse or personal histories of chemical dependency.
Its mission is to link women to resources that foster
their physical, emotional, spiritual, and family well-being.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia
Tech and Virginia State University. To learn more
about their programs, please visit www.ext.vt.edu.
Amrita Joshi of
the University
of Hartford,
Susan Reeves
and Caron
Casciato, both
of Argosy University,
Washington
D.C.
Campus, all
speak highly of
their experience
at
RACSB.
Joshi worked at the Fredericksburg Clinic and gained
experience working at the Counseling and Psychological
Services (CAPS) at the University of Mary Washington.
Joshi shared that her “confidence in working
with a variety of individuals has vastly improved over
the year. And the supervision doubled my knowledge
base and clinical skills.”
Reeves will soon begin residency at a local private
practice. According to Reeves, “the forensic experience
has been wonderful and something I may not
have pursued without the opportunities offered by
RACSB.”
Casciato is working to complete her dissertation and is
seeking postdoctoral employment. As far as advice to
the new interns that began June 28, 2010, Casciato
says to “take advantage of the clinical experience and
all that can be learned from the staff at RACSB.”
During their time with RACSB, interns provide treatment
and assessment services under the supervision
of RACSB psychologists and psychology residents. Interns
provide 2,000 hours of service during their tenure
with RACSB.
An intern the previous year, Lindsey Luedtke, recently
returned to RACSB as a full-time psychologist at the
Spotsylvania County Clinic.
14
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

Recovery Month Celebration
“The Dawn of a New Day”
Monday, September 27, 2010 6:00 p.m.
Pratt Memorial Park
Candlelight Vigil
Mayor’s Proclamation
Speakers sharing their personal stories of recovery
Community Support
Sponsored by the Bragg Hill Community Coalition: Bragg Hill Family
Life Center; Drug Treatment Court; Rappahannock Area Community
Services Board and Project LINK; and Fredericksburg Area Food Bank
Save the Date!
Clinic Open House Events
for Legislators and Community
Members
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
October 12 - Stafford County
Charles A. Cooper Building
October 13 - King George County
Marie O. Kunlo Building
October 20 - City of Fredericksburg
Ronald W. Branscome Building
October 21 - Caroline County
Patricia K. Spaulding Building
Join the Rappahannock Area Community Services
Board at their fall open house events to learn more
about their community-based programs and services.
RACSB will take this opportunity to recognize three
volunteers for their service to the community in the
areas of mental health, intellectual disability, and
substance abuse.
Respond one week in advance of the open house to
Michelle Wagaman, Public Information Specialist (540-
373-3223, ext. 3074 or mwagaman@racsb.state.va.us).
Upcoming Events
A Smile Like Yours
Second Annual Golf Tournament
Benefiting The Arc of Rappahannock’s
Dental Program
Friday, September 10, 2010
Register by September 2nd
540-318-6061, ext. 111
arc.communitypoint.org
Rappahannock United Way
Days of Caring
Fredericksburg - September 16, 2010
Caroline County - October 14, 2010
King George County - October 21, 2010
www.rappahannockunitedway.org
Mental Illness Awareness Week
October 3- 9, 2010
Spotsylvania’s Third Annual Out of the
Darkness Community Walk
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Patriot Park Amphitheatre
8:00 a.m. Check-in; 10:00 a.m. Walk
www.spotsyootd.org
CARF Accreditation
Surveyors will be onsite from Wednesday,
October 27 through Friday, October 29, 2010
RACSB has previously been awarded five
three-year accreditations
Craft Fair to Benefit the
Program for Teen Parents
Saturday, November 13, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Riverbend High School, 12301 Spotswood
Furnace Road, Fredericksburg
Pathways to the Future
Free informational conference addressing
issues of transition from school to adulthood
Keynote Speaker: J. Erin Rihle,
Director of Project Search, recognized leader
in employment for people with disabilities and
employer education
Saturday, November 13, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
James Monroe High School
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Visit www.racsb.state.va.us for additional
information and registration.
Summer 2010
www.racsb.state.va.us
15

Employee Service Recognitions
20 Years
John Butler, Crisis Stabilization
Coordinator
Robert Turner, Therapist, Spotsylvania
County Clinic
15 Years
Sherrie Johnson, Child & Adolescent
Therapist, Fredericksburg
Clinic
DeAnna Neal, Infant and Child Support
Coordinator
Patricia Smith, Day Support Counselor,
Rappahannock Adult Activities
10 Years
Clarice Barker, Day Support
Specialist
Emily Barker, Information Technology
Data Specialist
Joan Gillis, Parent Educator,
Program for Teen Parents
Scott Henry, Therapist, Caroline
County Clinic
Rosbie Herbert, Residential Counselor
I, Floater
Tracy Mahone, Supported Living
and Sponsored Placement Supervisor
Susan McDonald, Residential
Counselor, Devon Drive Group
Home
Kathy Murphy, Mental Health
Nurse, Fredericksburg Clinic
Dr. Robert Niccolini, Psychiatrist
Sheila Thompson, Residential
Counselor, Igo Road Group Home
Tiffany Williams, Residential Counselor
II, Cowan Boulevard Supervised
Apartment Program
Sheila Winslow, Residential Specialist,
Intellectual Disability Supported
Living Program
Five Years
Marcia Carlisle, Residential Counselor
II, Igo Road Group Home
India Daniels, Residential Counselor,
Piedmont Drive Group
Home
Alicia Deavers, Office Manager, A
Woman’s Place
Kathy Henderson, Day Support
Counselor, Rappahannock Adult
Activities
Paulette Johnson, Mental Health
Residential Specialist
John Lantis, Property Maintenance
Technician
Christine Oxman, Residential
Counselor, Scottsdale Estates
Group Home
Cordelia Ray, Day Support Counselor
Robert Rezendes, Residential
Counselor II, Piedmont Drive
Group Home
Pamela Robins, Substance Abuse
Therapist, Probation & Parole
Office
Judy Saddler-Nieder, Substance
Abuse Therapist, Probation &
Parole Office
Megan Sparks, Infant and Child
Support Coordinator
Debra Sturgis, Data Entry Clerk
Bryon Yon, Mental Health Residential
Specialist
Three Years
Bob Bowie, Emergency Services
Therapist
Shawn Brown, Mental Health Residential
Specialist
Lynn Carey, Residential Counselor,
Wolfe Street Group Home
Florence Chew, Residential Counselor,
Ruffins Pond Group Home
Jordan DeForte, Residential Counselor
II, New Hope Estates Group
Home
Eric Fonda, Scottsdale Estates
Group Home Manager
Kristi Irby, Residential Counselor II,
Bridgewater Street Supervised
Apartment Program
Brian Jackson, Peer Coach/Residential
Aide, Home Road Supervised
Apartment Program
Brenda Knott, Residential Counselor
II, Crisis Stabilization Program
Jermaine Lane, Residential Counselor
II, Bridgewater Street Supervised
Apartment Program
Jennifer Marshall, School-based
Mental Health Therapist, Therapeutic
Day Treatment Program
Lorraine Miller, Mental Health
Nurse, Crisis Stabilization Program
Lincoln Saludez, Residential Counselor,
Leeland Road Group Home
Brandon Schwandt, Residential
Counselor, New Hope Estates
Group Home
Shontae Threatt, Mental Health
Residential Specialist, Bridgewater
Street Supervised Apartment
Program
Judy Williams-Gregory, Intellectual
Disability Residential Counselor,
Supported Living Program
Jim Willis, Therapist, Fredericksburg
Clinic
Lynda Woode, Residential Counselor,
Stonewall Estates Group
Home
Dr. Scott Young, Psychiatrist
One Year
Monte Abbott, Residential Counselor,
Home Road Supervised
Apartment Program
Carolyn Brackett, Residential
Counselor, Devon Drive Group
Home
Elaine Clark, Intellectual Disability
Residential Counselor, Supported
Living Program
Nicole Coryell, Day Support Specialist,
Rappahannock Adult Activities
Pablo Cuadrado, Residential Counselor,
Piedmont Drive Group
Home
Dionne DeTouche, Intellectual Disability
Support Coordinator
Ryan Eagles, Speech Pathologist,
Parent Education – Infant Development
Program
Christine Graham, Substance
Abuse Therapist, A Woman’s
Place
Erin Harrell, Residential Counselor,
Wolfe Street Group Home
Jason McIntosh, Mental Health
Case Manager
Kristian Moore, Residential Counselor,
Crisis Stabilization Program
16
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

Employee Changes January - June 2010
Temi Ajayi is now a full-time Residential Counselor at
Lafayette Boulevard Boarding House, effective May 16,
2010.
Kallista Cadden, Mental Health Residential Specialist,
Lafayette Boulevard Boarding House, transferred to Mental
Health Supportive Residential Services, effective May 17,
2010.
Joan Gillis, previously Project LINK Specialist and Parent
Educator with the Program for Teen Parents, returned to
working solely as a Parent Educator, effective March 19,
2010.
Cosandra McBride, Residential Counselor, transferred
from Piedmont Drive Group Home to the Home Road Supervised
Apartment Program, effective January 25, 2010.
William Cooper is now a full-time Residential Counselor II
at the Crisis Stabilization Program, effective June 13, 2010.
Nicole Coryell is now a full-time Day Support Specialist, effective
June 28, 2010.
Pablo Cuadrado, Property Maintenance Accounting Specialist,
transferred to be a Residential Counselor at Piedmont
Drive Group Home, effective February 22, 2010.
Dan Dandridge is now a full-time Residential Counselor at
Cowan Boulevard Supervised Apartment Program, effective
June 13, 2010.
Eric Fonda, Residential Counselor II, Belmont Supervised
Apartment Program, was promoted to Scottsdale Estates
Group Home Manager, effective June 7, 2010.
Angela Henderson, Residential Counselor, New Hope Estates
Group Home, transferred to be a Day Support Counselor,
Rappahannock Adult Activities, effective May 17,
2010.
Paul Hinsley, part-time Residential Counselor at Piedmont
Drive, is now a full-time Residential Counselor at Scottsdale
Estates Group Home, effective June 28, 2010.
Christoper Gambell, Residential Counselor, transferred
from New Hope Estates Group Home to Wolfe Street Group
Home, effective February 8, 2010.
Rosbie Herbert, Residential Counselor, Leeland Road
Group Home, is a Residential Floater, effective June 7,
2010.
Lynne Higgins, Residential Counselor at Igo Road Group
Home, is now a Day Support Aide, effective June 28, 2010.
Mary Newman, Residential Counselor II, Stonewall Estates
Group Home, transferred to the Belmont Supervised Apartment
Program, effective July 12, 2010.
Robin Owens, Infant & Child Support Coordinator, is transferring
to be a Residential Counselor at Devon Drive Group
Home, effective April 19, 2010.
Christine Oxman, part-time Residential Counselor at Belmont
Supervised Apartment Program, is now a full-time
Residential Counselor at Scottsdale Estates Group Home,
effective June 13, 2010.
Christy Pursell is now a Day Support Specialist at the Rappahannock
Adult Activities Stafford County site, effective
March 15, 2010.
Brandon Schwandt, Residential Counselor, transferred
from Wolfe Street Group Home to New Hope Estates Group
Home, effective February 8, 2010.
Shirley Shields, Residential Counselor, transferred from
Leeland Road Group Home to Cowan Boulevard Supervised
Apartment Program, effective February 8, 2010.
Lynne Taylor, Mental Health Residential Counselor II,
transferred from Home Road Supervised Apartment Program
to Lafayette Boulevard Boarding House, effective May
17, 2010.
Lindsey Troyer, Lead Day Support Specialist, Rappahannock
Adult Activities, has been promoted to Leeland Road
Group Home Manager, effective April 19, 2010.
DeAndra Vaughan, Residential Counselor - Floater, has
been promoted to Residential Counselor II at Leeland Road
Group Home, effective April 5, 2010.
Employee Service Recognition
Continued from page 12.
One Year
Patricia Newman, Mental Health
Case Manager
Peter Ogden, Van Driver, Specialized
Transportation Program
Krystal Parker, Substance Abuse
Case Manager
Melonie Peters, Day Support Specialist,
Rappahannock Adult Activities
Melissa Roth, Residential Counselor
II, Home Road Supervised
Apartment Program
Emmanuel Sarfo, Residential
Counselor II, Home Road Supervised
Apartment Program
Cecelia Sawyer, Residential Counselor,
Belmont Supervised Apartment
Program
Abdul Sesay, Mental Health Nurse,
Spotsylvania County Clinic
Brandie Williams, Special Educator,
Parent Education – Infant Development
Program
Frank Wyckoff, Substance Abuse
Therapist, Rappahannock Regional
Jail
Congratulations and thank
you!
Summer 2010
www.racsb.state.va.us
17

Welcome New Employees January - June 2010
Jennifer Blanchette, Psychology Intern, Fredericksburg
Clinic
Dr. Brandie Bartlett, Clinical Psychologist,
Fredericksburg Clinic
Samantha Brehm, Residential Counselor, Crisis Stabilization
Program
Samantha Bunker, Classroom-based Behavioral Specialist
Kelly Camp, Infant and Child Support Coordinator,
Fredericksburg
Jessica Carnegie, Residential Counselor, Lafayette
Boulevard Boarding House
Elizabeth Carter, Day Support Aide, Rappahannock
Adult Activities
Joanna Carter, Residential Counselor I, Devon Drive
Group Home
Sharika Chappell, Residential Counselor, Scottsdale
Estates Group Home
Telina Chavez, Day Support Counselor, Rappahannock
Adult Activities
William Cooper, Residential Counselor II, Crisis Stabilization
Program
Kathryn Deters, Office Associate, Parent Education -
Infant Development Program
Chris Dines, Information Technology Specialist
Rebecca Dowling, Day Support Specialist, Rappahannock
Adult Activities
Brenda Duiguid, Stonewall Estates Group Home Manager
Debbie Fuller, Project LINK Specialist, A Woman’s
Place
Sheila Hice, Mental Health Nurse, Crisis Stabilization
Program
Paul Hinsley, Residential Counselor, Scottsdale Estates
Group Home
Sara Hinsley, Property Management Accounting Specialist
Theresa Howard, Residential Counselor, Scottsdale
Estates Group Home
Nathan Jones, Psychology Intern, Spotsylvania
County Clinic
Arezoo Khanzadeh, Psychology Intern, Caroline and
Stafford County Clinics
Chrissy Lawrence, Residential Counselor II, Scottsdale
Estates Group Home
Lindsey Luedtke, Psychologist
Kate Mason, Classroom-based Behavioral Specialist
Janae McKie, Infant and Child Support Coordinator,
Fredericksburg Clinic
Barbara Meyer, Mental Health Nurse, Crisis Stabilization
Program
Stephanie Minor, Residential Counselor, New Hope
Estates Group Home
Joy Myers, Residential Counselor, Lafayette Boulevard
Boarding House
Thanh Nguyen, Mental Health Nurse, Crisis Stabilization
Program
Kari Norris, Mental Health Case Manager, Rappahannock
Regional Jail
Melanie Peterson, Classroom-based Behavioral Specialist
Daniel Poe, Day Support Aide, Rappahannock Adult
Activities
Diana Pool, Intern, Fredericksburg Clinic
Tara Pope-Waddy, Day Support Specialist, Rappahannock
Adult Activities
Elesia Quinerly, Mental Health Therapist, Rappahannock
Regional Jail
Michael Rakes, Residential Counselor I, Piedmont
Drive Group Home
Rhonda Rhodes, Classroom-based Behavioral Specialist
Angela Samuels, Van Driver, Specialized Transportation
Program
Caitrin Smith, Intern, Prevention Programs
Tina Stringer, Office Manager, Caroline County Clinic
Mary Sudduth, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Therapist,
Crisis Stabilization Program
Dianna Tanner, Intern, Caroline County Clinic
Takeya Thomas, Residential Counselor, Igo Road
Group Home
Joseph Tweeddale, Substance Abuse Case Manager,
Adult Drug Treatment Court
Amy Undercoffer, Intern, Prevention Programs
Margith Vaz, Residential Counselor, Lafayette Boulevard
Boarding House
Renee Wells, Office Associate, Parent Education - Infant
Development Program
Eric Williams, Residential Counselor I, New Hope Estates
Group Home
Kevin Williams, Veteran Peer Specialist
Emily Wilson, Occupational Therapist, Parent Education
- Infant Development Program
Carrie Zollman, Residential Counselor, Leeland Road
Group Home
Employment opportunities are updated
weekly at www.racsb.state.va.us.
Click on “Careers” to learn more.
18
www.racsb.state.va.us Summer 2010

H. Rex Holland Employee of the Month Award Winners
January 2010 - Melodie Eggleston, Family Support Worker, Healthy Families
Rappahannock Area
“Mel has been active in Healthy Families’ advocacy efforts. She has worked with families
to share their stories with local and state legislators, emphasizing the importance
of early childhood and parenting education. During a year when many families are
dealing with unemployment and financial stress, Mel worked with local agencies to
make sure that families that needed holiday assistance were able to receive support.
All of this was done while still completing home visits and providing the support and
encouragement that her families know they can count on.”
February 2010 - Brian Anderson, Mental Health Residential Specialist
“Brian keeps a calm and positive attitude which spreads to others around him. Brian
has come to work on days off and worked extra hours to make sure those he serves
have their needs met. Brian also works well with the families of those he serves. He
helps them develop with constructive solutions in times of crisis. Most recently, Brian
drove to Western State Hospital to pick up an individual when more than12 inches of
snow was on the ground and the agency was closed.”
March 2010 - Karen Robertson, Intellectual Disability Residential Counselor,
Supported Living Program
“Karen displays the sweetest, most gentle mannerism and extreme patience. These
personality traits have been the reason for her success with several individuals served
in the Supported Living Program. Her multi tasking skills are impeccable, which she
does with a smile on her face and with a positive attitude. Karen is valued for her expertise
and her positive spirit which she conveys to all that know her on a daily basis.”
April 2010 – Julia Orrock, Reimbursement Technician
“Julia strives daily to maximize the agency’s revenue by remaining on top of client financial
eligibility and the Medicaid billing. She has provided invaluable assistance with
the implementation of the new billing system by sharing Medicaid billing knowledge
and assisting where needed. She has also worked extra hours to review cash entry in
the new system for accuracy so the accounting period could be closed in a timely
manner. Julia created and maintained a spreadsheet that will assist programs in tracking
approximately 350 Medicaid authorizations.”
May 2010 – Heather Hernandez, Day Support Counselor, Rappahannock Adult
Activities
“Heather coordinates two groups of individuals who need customized services to
maintain their day support placement. She consistently uses person-centered tools
with her team of staff to find creative ways to support these individuals. Heathers implemented
detailed weekly routines, which often include five or more outings, per day,
to provide a release for the high intensity of the individuals she serves. The incident
reports for this group were greatly reduced as a result of these practices.”
June 2010 – Eric Fonda, Residential Counselor II, Belmont Supervised Apartments
(recently promoted to Scottsdale Estates Group Home Manager)
“Eric is a role model for the individuals we support and other residential support staff.
Beyond his excellent attendance, dedication and strong work ethic, Eric goes above
and beyond the call of duty. He excels at his position and is easy to talk to, always
willing to lend an ear and helping hand to any concerns or suggestions. Eric is a fantastic
team player and goes to trainings and other educational opportunities to increase
his knowledge in order to better assist the individuals we serve. And he enjoys
teaching other support staff.”
Summer 2010 www.racsb.state.va.us 19

Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
600 Jackson Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-373-3223 www.racsb.state.va.us
US Postage Paid
Non-Profit Org.
Fredericksburg, VA
Permit No. 210
RACSB Newsletter published quarterly by the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
Executive Director - Ronald W. Branscome / Editor - Michelle T. Wagaman
ADMINISTRATION/
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ronald W. Branscome Building
600 Jackson Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-373-3223 V/TTY
OUTPATIENT
& CASE MANAGEMENT
Fredericksburg Clinic
Ronald W. Branscome Building
600 Jackson Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-373-3223 V/TTY
Spotsylvania County Clinic
Edith O. Fleming Building
7424 Brock Road
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
540-582-3980 V/TTY
Stafford County Clinic
Charles A. Cooper Building
15 Hope Road
Stafford, VA 22554
540-659-2725 V/TTY
Caroline County Clinic
Patricia K. Spaulding Building
19254 Rogers Clark Boulevard
Ruther Glen, VA 22546
804-633-9997 V/TTY
King George County Clinic
Marie O. Kunlo Building
8479 St. Anthony’s Road
King George, VA 22485
540-775-9879 V/TTY
A Woman’s Place
2016 Lafayette Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-891-3136
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Fredericksburg: 540-373-6876
Stafford: 540-373-6876
Spotsylvania: 540-373-6876
Caroline: 804-633-4148
King George: 540-775-5064
DAY SUPPORT SERVICES
Rappahannock Adult
Activities(RAAI)
Harper A. Gordon Building
750 Kings Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
540-373-7643
The Gathering Place (RAAI)
Patricia K. Spaulding Building
19254 Rogers Clark Boulevard
Ruther Glen, VA 22546
804-633-5721
Twin Lakes (RAAI)
Twin Lakes Plaza
1646 Lafayette Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-372-6827 or 372-6981
Stafford County Clinic (RAAI)
Charles A. Cooper Building
15 Hope Road
Stafford, VA 22554
540-659-8527 V/TTY
King George County Clinic
(RAAI)
Marie O. Kunlo Building
8479 St. Anthony’s Road
King George, VA 22485
540-775-6590 V/TTY
Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Program - Kenmore Club
Barbara C. Terry Building
632 Kenmore Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-373-7737
EARLY INTERVENTION
Parent Education-Infant
Development Program
Ronald W. Branscome Building
600 Jackson Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-371-2712
Infant & Toddler Connection
of the Rappahannock Area
540-372-3561
877-268-4169 (toll-free)
PREVENTION SERVICES
DARE To Be You, Second Step
& Too Good For Drugs
Bowman Center
3306 Bourbon Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-374-3337
Healthy Families -
Rappahannock Area
Charles A. Cooper Building
15 Hope Road
Stafford, VA 22554
540-288-1937
Project LINK
A Woman’s Place
2016 Lafayette Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-891-3132
Program for Teen Parents
Edith O. Fleming Building
7424 Brock Road
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
540-582-3980
(Spotsylvania County Only)
Rappahannock Area Kids on
the Block
Ronald W. Branscome Building
600 Jackson Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-373-3223
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Crisis Stabilization Program
at the Sunshine Lady House
for Mental Health Wellness &
Recovery
615 Wolfe Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-374-3386
Mental Health Supportive
Residential Services
401 Bridgewater Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-899-4516
Bridgewater Supervised
Apartment Program
405-409 Bridgewater Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-899-4673
Riverplace Supervised
Apartments
708 Sophia Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-899-4516
Liberty Street Supervised
Apartments
915 Liberty Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-899-4516
Home Road Supervised
Apartments
200 Home Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
540-899-4086
Lafayette Boulevard Boarding
House
818 Lafayette Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-372-3590
Intellectual Disability
Residential Services
Bowman Center
3306 Bourbon Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-899-4358
Intellectual Disability
Sponsored Placement
Program & Supported Living
Bowman Center
3306 Bourbon Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-899-4436 or 373-9891
Belmont Supervised
Apartments
2524 Carriage Lane
Apt. 3D
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-899-4437
Cowan Boulevard
Supervised Apartments
2340 Cowan Boulevard
Apt. 302/303
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-899-4483
Devon Drive Group Home
729 Welsh Drive
Ruther Glen, VA 22546
804-448-1510
Igo Road Group Home
6159 Igo Road
King George, VA 22485
540-775-3860
Leeland Road Group Home
82 Leeland Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
540-899-4430
New Hope Estates Group
Home
163 New Hope Church Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
540-372-3585
Piedmont Drive Group Home
11430 Piedmont Drive
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
540-786-3676
Ruffins Pond Group Home
10100 Heriot Row
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-654-1700
Scottsdale Estates Group Home
2 Scottsdale Drive
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
540-899-4935
Stonewall Estates Group Home
601 Halleck Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
540-785-9626
Wolfe Street Group Home
815 Wolfe Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-899-4428
SPECIALIZED
TRANSPORTATION
Bowman Center
11903 Main Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-899-4331