Writing on the Wall: Fall 2021

<strong>Writing</strong>
on the
Wall
Fall 2021
Love & Laughter:
The joy of doing life together. Page 6
4
New Growth
Wall Residences Therapeutic Consultation
team and services expand
5 6
A Life of Care
Wisdom from Kay Samuels and David
Sanders on choosing the Provider lifestyle
Pride & Strength
A devasting fire cannot deter the Wades and
the individuals they support from joy

Director’s Corner
John Weatherspoon
Proposed rate model fails to properly
address rising costs: Sponsored
providers hire and maintain trained,
qualified DSPs as employees in their
homes as relief/back-up staff and this
was not addressed as needed within
the proposed rate model recently
developed following the Burns &
Associates rate study. It also does not
appear the increased costs of running
a home in the current market were
accounted for, with the understanding
that Sponsored Homes have less income
due to limitations on the number
of individuals each home can serve.
While portions of the proposed rate
model take into account the increased
burden on sponsored agencies, it
failed to fully recognize the burden
being placed on Sponsors (Hosts) to
hire and maintain staff and run their
homes. Sponsored Providers are competing
with other programs, agencies,
and other business models to hire and
retain Direct Support Professionals as
relief staff. They are experiencing the
same need to increase hourly rates as
minimum wage is increased across
the Commonwealth and all sectors
struggle to find workers. Sponsored
Residential Providers in Virginia
serve individuals who have significant
medical and behavioral needs and
according to recent data 81% of the
individuals in Sponsored Residential
Services fall into the categories of
Tiers 3 & 4.
The proposed rate model for sponsored
residential does not include the
staff needed for the service within
the Home Payment line-item in the
rate model. During the 2020 refresh,
DBHDS and DMAS recognized this
and took an approach that needs to
be continued. During the refresh,
DBHDS and DMAS took the percentage
increase allotted to DSPs within
the Group Home rate model and
applied it to the Home Payment line
item within the Sponsored rate model.
Doing this during the refresh accounted
for the increased burden on Sponsors
(Hosts) to hire staff and maintain
their home. In the current proposed
rate model for 4 bed group homes the
DSP line item increased 32.41%. The
Home Payment line item for Sponsored
Residential Services was increased
10% Rest of State (ROS) and
7% Northern Virginia (NOVA), which
resulted in proposed overall increases
for July 1, 2022 averaging 13% ROS
and 10% NOVA.
The General Assembly recently supported
all HCBS rates being increased
by at least 12.5% from July 1, 2021 to
July 1, 2022. While this has not been
implemented by DMAS at the time
of this writing we are hopeful it will
be by this fall. Once implemented,
Sponsored Providers in Northern
Virginia will now experience a decrease
in funding on July 1, 2022 of
2-3% due to the problems with the
Home Payment Line Item while the
providers in ROS will receive minimal
increases of 0.3-1%. This is not
enough to support this key service
and will result in even fewer options
within the NOVA area.
The Commonwealth of Virginia
created this uniquely defined service
which is in its third decade of positively
impacting the lives of individuals
with developmental disabilities
across the state. Sponsored Residential
Services, while often compared to
other host home models, is unique to
2
Virginia. The Commonwealth elected
to impose requirements like those of
group homes upon licensed sponsored
homes and simultaneously embraced
the value of a family setting, integrated
into the local community.
Semi-annual reviews by the Independent
Reviewer for the US DOJ
Settlement found that individuals
served in Sponsored Residential
Homes are more closely connected
to the community, attain positive
health and quality of life outcomes,
and a remarkably high proportion of
those served have high support needs.
Licensing requirements of Sponsored
Residential Homes limit home capacity
to two individuals with DD and cap
the total number of persons who can
live in the home. This model results
in the provision of stable, long term
inclusive services and produces positive
outcomes for individuals electing
to receive Sponsored Residential.
The Commonwealth needs to support
and encourage the expansion of
Sponsored Residential Services and
promote this as a model the rest of
the country can look to use instead of
appearing to try to fit Sponsored Residential
into other models that DOJ
finds lacking in other states while our
model in Virginia consistently meets
DOJ expectations. Apply the same
assumptions used during the refresh
to the Home Payment Line Item in
the Proposed Rate Model.

Diversity Matters!
Wall Residences is excited to announce
the kick-off of the Diversity
Committee! This group of employees
volunteered or were nominated
due to their investment
in promoting and celebrating
diversity within our agency.
We just had our first meeting
and identified many focus
areas already.
Building trust. Speaking up
can be difficult. It takes courage
to share one’s own experiences,
as well as to speak up for others.
Proportionate Representation.
Many people wish to stay out of the
spotlight, but it is important our website,
newsletters, social media, and
other company materials reflect the
beautiful diversity within our agency.
Encouraging more people from
different backgrounds and life paths
to share their stories is an area of
opportunity for the committee.
Acknowledgement of each person’s
strengths and values. We want everyone
to feel that they have a voice,
and that their voice is heard!
Hiring practices. Though we
never know who will apply for
agency positions, if two candidates
are equally qualified, we
want to choose the one who
will bring unique personal and
professional perspectives and
experiences to the team.
We aim to create change through
action, not just words. Stay tuned
for further developments on this
important subject!
~Rebecca Ledingham
Training Updates
The Wall Residences Training Department
would like to thank everyone
for their continued patience when it
comes to scheduling and attending
our agency-held trainings. Over the
past year and a half, we have seen
many changes in how this department
operates. One particularly exciting
change is the implementation of our
training calendar! This new calendar
comes with some features that you
may not have had a chance to try out
yet. The most convenient is the ability
to search for a particular class type or
location. You also now have the ability
to see when a class is fully booked
without having to select or register for
said class first, a roll-over feature that
shows the list of registered attendees,
and a listed venue location.
With the roll out of this new calendar,
you may have noticed confirmation
emails that are received just moments
after your registration. These are a
very good way of keeping track of the
classes you’re registered to attend. If
you do not receive this email within
an hour of registration, please contact
the Training Department so we can
verify that your email address was
entered correctly. These emails are
also issued in the form of a reminder
and sent out three days before your
scheduled training.
It is important to note that some of
our classes have returned to being
held in person. When you register for
a class, please ensure that you verify
the location of the class. This location
is listed on the right side of the class
listing screen. If it is being held in a
virtual manner, the venue will be listed
as “online,” and if it is being held
in person, the venue will have the
address listed. Please be aware that
training links are sent from the trainers
anywhere between 72-12 hours
before the training begins. If you do
3
not receive your link, be sure to check
your spam or junk folder, then reach
out to the department for assistance.
NOTE: Some of our 32hr Medication
Administration classes are being
held in a hybrid format. Please read
the information in the listing as all
these classes require a hands-on
component!
We would like to remind you that our
registrations are disabled 72 hours
prior to the beginning of the class.
Please register for classes early as
they often fill up quickly! Should you
have any questions about trainings or
any issues with registering for a class
you are always welcome to contact
the Training Department at training@
wallresidences.com or Ashlyn
McDaniel at (540) 745-4908. We are
here to help you!
~Ashlyn McDaniel

Meet the
Team
Heather Cromer,
BCBA, LBA,
Director of Clinical and
Therapeutic Consultation Services
Hattie Singleton,
BCaBA, LaBA,
Therapeutic Consultant,
Danville/Central VA
Patience Holdren, BCBA, LBA,
Clinical ABA Coordinator, Roanoke
Meredith Kapalka, BCBA, LBA,
Therapeutic Consultant, SWVA
Stasi Formica, BCBA, LBA,
Therapeutic Consultant,
NRV/Roanoke
Heather Womack, BCBA, LBA,
Therapeutic Consultant, NRV/
Giles County Public Schools
Lori Klein, CCC-SLP,
Therapeutic Consultant
Cassie Foster, BCBA, LBA,
Lynchburg/Central VA
Maria Dilucente, BCBA, LBA,
Therapeutic Consultant,
Richmond
www.wallresidences.com
Exciting New Services
There’s been some very exciting
growth in the Wall Residences
Therapeutic Consultation services
and team. Our team now provides:
Behavioral
Therapeutic Consultation
This support system is available to
anyone who desires to learn new
skills, increase independence, realize
or live out their goals and dreams,
or develop more effective ways of
interacting with the people in their
lives. Each person, along with their
support team, works with a licensed
and/or certified clinician to create a
multi-faceted and person-centered
support plan to help them achieve
what is most important to and for
them. Our team of clinicians includes
board certified, licensed professionals
who bring a wide variety of skills and
experiences to support the Therapeutic
Consultation process.
In Action!
It takes a lot of energy to
keep up with Chelsea and
Provider Astrid Niemiec!
The two fun-loving
women share amazing
photos of the joy they
find and spread in their
community.
Submit your photos of
individuals, providers,
and staff to
marketing@
wallresidences.com.
Speech/Language
Therapeutic Consultation
This is a new service designed to help
people access functional communication.
Lori is able to assess communication
needs and provide teams access
to assistive technology and environmental
changes to support functional
communication.
Behavioral Consultation
with Public Schools
We are currently in a two year contract
with Giles County Schools. In addition
to the important care being provided,
this is an important connection for
us geographically. The relationships
being formed allow us to network with
potential providers in this region and
inform others about DD waiver and
transition services available through
Wall Residences. We are excited to
serve this community!
Direct Applied Behavioral Analysis
We will be offering Applied Behavioral
Analysis to children in-home and
in schools in Roanoke and the New
River Valley. A new clinic located in
Salem, Virginia is under construction
now! Our new clinic opens in late fall
2021.
Our team is here to support and serve
you. If these services interest you,
please visit the Therapeutic Consultation
page of our website and fill out
the online referral form.
~Heather Cromer
4

Start Every Day with Dancing
Some people were born to be caretakers.
Spend time with Providers
Kay Samuels and David Sanders, and
you’ll quickly realize that statement
applies in spades. While they’ve
only supported individuals Jordan
and Cody in their home for about
three years, their experience extends
back much further. Both cared for
aging parents and other family before
becoming foster parents. Over their
11 years as foster parents, they supported
18 youth, most often opening
their home and hearts to teens who
“needed a bit more support.” They did
not adopt, but maintain a relationship
with those now-adults, recounting
happily how the “kids” come in the
door for visits and immediately ask
“dad” what he’s cooking for dinner.
The couple also has a 23-year-old son
with developmental disabilities. As
they researched services available for
him, they also discovered the need
for providers to care for adults. What
they learned led to their transition to
becoming providers. Kay described it
as eye-opening. “I’m just doing what
I would want others to do for my son
if I wasn’t here.”
Cody and Jordan join us on the back
porch, and the warm relationship
shared by the couple and the two men
is immediately clear. Every interaction
is filled with kindness and understanding,
and an eye for maintaining
continual safety. Jordan talks about
how he likes the ability to earn money
helping with household jobs. Some
favorites include taking out the trash,
washing the car, and cutting the grass.
That income comes in handy because
he reveals he also likes to shop. “With
Ms. Kay, go to the stores,” he says,
with Five Below, the dollar store,
and Rose’s named as some of their
frequent destinations. Cody shares
his impressive collection of acorns,
feathers, and rubber, delighting in
the different textures as they brush
our fingertips. He is also musically
inclined, playing drums at church
and revealing a daily routine that
illuminates much about the joyful
philosophy of these providers’
approach to caretaking: they begin
each day dancing. Asked his favorite
song, Cody enthusiastically replies,
“I Have Plans!” (“Leave The Door
Open” by Bruno Mars.)
David and Kay are clear on the benefits
of the provider lifestyle they have
chosen. David notes he “enjoys going
out on adventures with the individuals”
who “give me a joy I wouldn’t
get otherwise.” Both are grateful
not to be tied to desk jobs, with the
flexibility and freedom to enjoy what
their city offers, the chance to travel,
and excellent work-life balance. Kay
shares, “Being a provider is special
to me. It gives me a warming, fuzzy
feeling to know I have the ability to
care for individuals who just need a
little help. It makes me happy.” They
also value the relationships with other
area providers and the community
they form together.
Who makes a good provider? Kay
has some words of wisdom. “Someone
who has a great heart, a lot of
patience, compassion, and the ability
to provide a safe and healthy life for
another individual. Someone who is
going to be passionate… to give a
hoot!... about what they are doing and
who they are doing it for, would be an
ideal candidate for this type of
providing work.”
~Angie Covington
David Sanders and Kay Samuels with
Cody (top) and Jordan (bottom)
5

Celebration After Adversity
Sully beams as he dances up the
driveway, decked out in rainbow gear
from head to toe. Michelle Livigne
meets him with a huge smile and
the two bounce up and down to the
music in an explosion of joy. The
individuals, providers, backup
workers, and friends lining the driveway
cheer. It’s a hot evening in late
June and a number of Richmond area
services have safely gathered outside
at the invitation of Dustin and Joe
Wade to celebrate Pride Month with
the Driveway Drag Show.
Also starring Wett Midler and reigning
Miss Gay Virginia Zoe Vuitton,
the Driveway Drag Show came about
during COVID as the brainchild of
professional drag queen Michelle
Livigne, who has performed over 700
of them since May of 2020. Livigne
notes, “This show (at the Wade
service) is one of my favorites.” The
spontaneous, heartfelt interaction
between the performers and audience
was a highlight of the show, with
clear respect running both directions.
Smiles and conversation flowed as
this community of individuals and
providers socialized safely outdoors.
All had come through the hardships
and isolation of the past year, but
for hosts Dustin and Joe Wade,
resilience through 2020 and 2021 had
an extra meaning. The couple and the
individuals they support survived a
devasting house fire in December of
2020. Thankfully the two were able
to safely get everyone out when their
home caught fire at 5:30am.
Despite losing irreplaceable belongings,
the two providers still radiate
positivity. “We will build back
better,” says
Dustin Wade. That
house is under
re-construction and they are now in
a home they worked with Wall Residences
to quickly ensure met all
licensing requirements. On this early
summer eve, outside their current
abode, this hardship is merely one past
challenge. Music plays, friends mingle,
and two communities the world
often marginalizes stand tall together.
Pride. Joy. Companionship.
Resilience. Love. Equality. Respect.
Community. So much to work toward,
but also so much to celebrate!
~Angie Covington
Charles (at left) and Sully (above) got in on the fun
dancing with Michelle Livigne during the show. See more
in our digital bonus on the last page!
Know Someone Who Could Benefit from Our Services?
The Wall Residences Admissions team has staff in all parts of the state to respond to your referral needs and
answer questions about the services we offer. We work quickly to find the right match for longterm success
while striving for the quickest placement in services possible. The Admissions Team is here to serve you.
www.wallresidences.com
Alex Jackson
Admissions
Director
(434) 610-7578
Emily Eagle
Central Virginia, Danville,
Charlottesville, Staunton/
Waynesboro/Lexington
(434) 907-5067
Ashea Green
Northern
Region
(202) 760-6411
Brooke Keen
Roanoke, NRV,
SWVA
(540) 541-8563
Lisa Schalasny
Eastern
Region
(804) 380-4309
6

We Take Care of Each Other
Four F’s clearly form the guiding
principles of Provider Damion
Neblett’s home: faith, fun, food, and
family. Underlying all of these is
deep respect and affection that runs
between Damion and the two young
men he supports, Nate and Jabari.
Jabari cements this, “Damion is good.
Damion is smart. Damion is my provider
and Damion is a good person.
He’s trustworthy for me and lets me
be responsible.” That responsibility
includes being a valued team member
at his job of three years as a dishwasher
at Earth Fare. His dependability and
attitude have his co-workers labeling
him “rock star” and even resulted in
a recent raise! Damion is clearly just
as fond of Jabari as Jabari is of him,
lifting up how he can find the positive
in any situation and the fun conversations
they have... sometimes in character
as favorite movie characters.
Jabari continues, “He makes sure we
do things we want and like what we
have in our rooms and stuff... that
we have what we like to eat.” This is
where the other member of the household
plays a starring role. Damion’s
sister and back-up worker, KaShonna
Sheppard is, according to all three
men, a fabulous cook! In fact, it was
her cooking that led to Nate communicating
with them for the first time using
words. Nate is fluent at expressing
his feelings, needs, and wants through
body language and facial expressions,
but Damion shares that when he is
very excited, Nate will sometimes
choose a word to express himself. The
first time was when KaShonna was
offering choices for lunch and before
she could finish her sentence, Nate
excitedly burst out, “Nuggets!” Nate
affirms with a nod and big grin that
he feels supported here and free to
express himself however he chooses.
Damion shares, “Nate is one of the
sweetest, kindest, most fun loving
people I’ve ever had the pleasure of
meeting.” He goes on to describe
Nate’s patience when they were first
together and learning to communicate
well together, ending with, “Now, it’s
like clockwork. Nate, he just does.
He’s incredible.” Nate nods enthusiastically,
his face lighting up as Damion
and Jabari describe the three riding
a rollercoaster at a theme park.
Damion, Jabari, and Nate love to have
fun together, reveling in the opportunity
their flexible schedule provides
of going to the movies and bowling
when they have the places all to
themselves. As they recount the places
they like to go and things they like
to do, church comes up as a favorite.
“Jabari’s faith life is amazing,” says
Damion, who is also a preacher. “Jabari’s
prayer life is so awesome. He
lives Psalm 91 - one of my favorites -
and it blesses me. It touches me.” He
shares that Nate loves going to church
because he gets to see all his friends.
7
The three are also involved in LIT
ministry at Radford, helping with that
program. Church is a clear cornerstone
of their lives.
Laughter echoes across the porch
almost continually during our conversation
but Damion gets very serious
when he shares the impact the two
have on his life. “I tell their families
all the time... they are the best thing
to happen to my life... they really are.
I would not trade anything to have the
two of these... these guys... they are
my family, my friends, my teachers
and instructors... because they teach
me ways about myself I didn’t know
existed.” Asked how he’d describe the
work of a provider, Damion describes
it as a calling. “Every day you have to
wake up and say, ‘How can I benefit...
how can I bless... someone else? And
they always pour into me so I just
love to pour back.” In the end though,
he feels his calling is quite simple.
“It’s life. We just live. We take care of
each other.”
~Angie Covington
Jabari, Nate, Damion Neblett, and KaShonna Sheppard

New Skills, New Roles
Wall Residences is commited to being
a place where a longtime career has
opportunities for professional growth
and development. We know a long
tenure also gives each person the best
chance to positively influence our organization
through their unique ideas,
experience, and perspective. In return,
our Employee Stock Ownership Program
best benefits employees who are
part of our team for many years.
As employees gain new skills, degrees,
and certifications, we see
exciting promotions occur. Jalisa
Broggin shared one such example of
an employee’s exciting growth with
Wall Residences. Jalisa notes, “Ashley
Harris started with the agency in
November 2018. She worked as a
WRAP DSP and was truly an asset
to our program.” During this time,
she was also working to complete her
bachelor’s degree in human services
with a minor in psychology, while
continuing her role as a wife and
mother. Ashley balanced the demands
of all three beautifully, and when she
received her degree, Jalisa strongly
encouraged her to look at Program
Manager positions. Jalisa was sure
Ashley would be an asset to the company
in this new role. Ashley is now
a Program Manager for our Central
Virginia Group Homes, doing exceptional
work. She’s recently returned
to school for a Master’s Degree in
Human Services with a concentration
in Counseling. Jalisa continues, “I
appreciate the company and how it
gives employees the opportunity for
upward mobility, and truly allows
us to utilize our skills to serve the
individuals we support.”
Ashley Harris is putting her
freshly earned degree to work with
a new role at Wall Residences
Ashley is one shining example of
growth and opportunity within Wall
Residences. Read the Friday updates
and you’ll notice most leadership
level jobs being filled from within,
as our employees seek new ways to
positively influence the important
work done by the agency!
Editor’s Note: Dustin Wade should have appeared on the 2021 Provider Honor Roll in our summer edition as a five year provider.
Digital Bonus
At left, an extra peek at the fun of the Pride Event held at the Wade service
in June (story on page 6). Below, summer has meant sunshine, waves, sand,
parks, and more for individuals, providers, and staff at Wall Residences.