Message from the Director

Legislative Wrap Up

By Barbara Palmer

The end of the legislative session is just two days away. While nothing is final until the handkerchief is dropped, I wanted to update you on how the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is fairing as of today. Tentatively, APD has secured funding for all five legislative priorities which were part of Governor Scott’s Florida Families First budget recommendations.

Funding to Serve Waiting List - $36 million is provided to transition individuals from the waiting list to the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. Those with the most critical needs will benefit from this new funding.
Employment and Internship Supports - $500,000 in non-recurring dollars will provide job internships and supported employment job coaches for about 200 individuals on the waiting list who have indicated that they want to go to work.
Resources to Address Carry Forward Deficit and Waiver Funds from FY 2011-2012 - $40.2 million allocated to cover prior years carry forward deficit which is one-time funding.
Electronic Visit Verification and Central Customer Record - $1.5 million in non-recurring funds to develop a statewide system for the management, reporting, and trending of data for APD clients. This central client record system will increase efficiency by collecting, processing, and storing client information and monitoring client progress in a consistent and effective manner. An essential part of the system is the electronic visit verification portion which will provide key data needed to help prevent Medicaid fraud as well as increase provider performance and fiscal accountability.
Fixed Capital Outlay - Maintenance and Repair - $1.4 million for Billy Joe Rish Park for needed maintenance and repair on the bayside of the park. Once a new accessible board walk is built, the entire park will be open to visitors again. Past hurricane damage had closed the bayside.

This funding is great news for the agency and the people that we serve. For the first time in eight years, new people will be enrolling into the Medicaid waiver from the waiting list. For the first time in many years, the agency will be entering the 2013-2014 fiscal year without carrying forward past waiver deficits. APD has proven that it can live within its appropriation which was a critical step toward the agency’s long-term sustainability.

Although there was a strong push at the end of session, the language to include a managed care plan for individuals with developmental disabilities was removed from the budget after being put in at the last minute without being vetted on its merits. It appears a few providers think managed care is inevitable and possibly more lucrative than the present system. Other stakeholders voiced strong opposition to managed care saying more of the service dollars would be required to cover the overhead for managed care and less would go to serving APD customers. Thankfully, the Legislature listened this session!

The overall success the agency is enjoying this session is a direct result of partner agencies and agency customers and stakeholders working together to achieve an agreed upon agenda. I truly appreciate the team spirit and hard work of everyone.

Improved APD Resource Directory is Here

The much anticipated launch of the new and improved APD Resource Directory is finally here! On April 27, APD teamed up with the Suncoast Family Care Councils (FCC) for a Resource Directory Launch Party and Fair in Tampa. The Resource Directory can be found on the home page of the APD website—APDcares.org.

With the University Area Community Development Center abuzz with vendors and families, Regional Operations Manager, Geri Williams, kicked off the event by presenting certificates of appreciation from Director Barbara Palmer to FCC Chairs Joanna Rydzewski and Nancy Simmons, as well as FCC Florida Vice Chair Pauline Lipps, for their continued contributions to the Suncoast Region.

APD Director of External Affairs Joe Chapman and Ashley Anderson from State Office impressed the crowd by presenting and officially launching the resource directory specifically designed to serve Floridians (and their families) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 6,000 resources, zip code search functionality, local directions and maps, and interactive tools for users to communicate with APD, the directory aims to become a one-stop-shop for families to locate resources in their community.

After a robust question and answer session and the audience enthused, Chapman and Anderson worked with interested families to answer additional questions, and provide one-on-one training sessions on how to use the directory. Other notable speakers at the Resource Fair included Dr. Gary Walby with the Ounce of Prevention, Ms. Wheelchair 2012 Laura Lee Minutello, and Jim King, director of UCP Tampa. Not to be outdone, Pyramid of Tampa brought down the house with multiple performances!

Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics made its annual stop at the Capitol in Tallahassee on April 11.

More than 100 law enforcement officers, along with other supporters of the Special Olympics, ran for about two miles from Lake Ella in Tallahassee to the Capitol Courtyard. Governor Rick Scott ran with the large group to the Capitol. Many individuals had the opportunity to carry the Flame of Hope during the run.

A large crowd waited in the courtyard for the arrival of the flame including five individuals who live at Sunland in Marianna, along with Sunland employees. Gov. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and many other dignitaries gave remarks focused on the value that the Special Olympics competition brings to its athletes. Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Chief of Staff Michael Ayres stood on the Old Capitol steps with the other dignitaries to show the agency’s support for the Special Olympics. A huge check for more than $2 million dollars was presented to Special Olympics officials at the ceremony by Publix Supermarkets.

The Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games will be in Orlando on May 17 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World.

Sportsability

On April 12, The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) participated in the SportsAbility Expo at Tallahassee Community College. The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA), a group founded by David Jones, annually presents SportsAbility. Hundreds of individuals with disabilities learned about how recreational activities improve everyone’s quality of life.

APD hosted a booth that was manned by Communications employees Melanie Mowry Etters, APR, CPRC, and Lindsey Boyington. They encouraged people to visit APD’s accessible park, Billy Joe Rish Park in the Panhandle, because it is a great place to relax and have fun.

Six individuals who live at Sunland Marianna traveled to Tallahassee to take part in the Sportsability Day. The group toured the various vendor booths set up, listened to some good music, and enjoyed the various activities set up in the gym.

Rish Park or Bust!

By Lindsey Boyington

Floridians are lucky; most of us live within 60 miles of the coast. Every summer that means we get to enjoy vacationing somewhere along Florida’s 663 miles of beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, beaches are not always accessible to people with disabilities. Thankfully, APD has a solution, William J. Rish Recreational Park!

Rish Park is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and is a barrier-free recreational area, open year-round, for individuals with disabilities and their families, friends, and caregivers. The park, owned and operated by APD, has many amenities to offer including an Olympic-size swimming pool, cottages and dormitories, a clubhouse, and a ramp leading down to the beautiful white-sand beach.

Summer is right around the corner, and whether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend excursion, Rish Park is the answer. Please visit www.RishPark.org for more information on the park. If you are interested in reserving park facilities please contact APD’s Sunland Center at (850) 482-9386 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Central Time), Monday through Friday. Hope to see you there!

iBudget Workshops

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) will host another iBudget Florida rule workshop on May 6 at 9 a.m. at the Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 180, in Tallahassee. The agency has held several workshops to include various points stakeholders have asked to be in the final iBudget rule.

On April 24, APD hosted an APD employee workshop to discuss ways to improve the internal processes used in iBudget. There were many excellent points where refinement will help things run more smoothly. APD will begin making process improvements in May.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints to Family Care Councils

Governor Rick Scott recently announced 16 appointments to Family Care Councils around the state.

Area One Family Care Council

Nancy M. Cherry, 69, of Cantonment, is a retired dental hygienist. She succeeds Valerie Vance-Gore and is appointed for a term ending July 25, 2015.

Area Two Family Care Council

Jennifer C. Morgan-Byrd, 39, of Tallahassee, is a paralegal with the Department of Legal Affairs. She is reappointed for a term ending October 9, 2014.

Nancy S. Titcher, 68, of Tallahassee, is a retired legislative analyst with the Division of Statutory Revision. She succeeds Tracy A. Stewart and is appointed for a term ending October 9, 2014.

Alexander M. Lehr, 29, of Tallahassee, is the chairperson of an advocacy council representing the group home community. He is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2013.
Area Four Family Care Council

Amanda D. Caswell, 38, of St. Augustine, is an advocacy specialist with the Arc of Jacksonville. She succeeds Sherri E. Vardes and is appointed for a term ending August 4, 2014.

Jeanette R. Flenoy, 52, of Jacksonville, is a volunteer at Alden Road Exceptional Student School. She succeeds Lisa H. Russell and is appointed for a term ending April 5, 2015.

Area Five Family Care Council

Paula B. James, 59, of Seminole, is a retired benefit specialist with the Social Security Administration. She succeeds Alice E. Bivin and is appointed for a term ending October 8, 2015.

Tomana M. Swartz, 31, of Clearwater, is a local volunteer and advocate for persons with disabilities. She succeeds Sandra K. Carpenter and is appointed for a term ending April 19, 2016.

Area Six Family Care Council

John P. Bodack, 31, of Tampa, works at Publix Super Markets. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending September 10, 2013.

Laura-Lee Minutello, 24, of Valrico, is a team advocacy leader for Parent 2 Parent Connection Inc. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 12, 2013, and ending October 8, 2015.

Area Eight Family Care Council

Paul Stevens, 27, of Bonita Springs, is president of Wheelchair Adventures. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending August 14, 2013.

Jessica A. Weed-Browning, 21, of Cape Coral, is a community volunteer. She succeeds Melisa G. Rosenberg and is appointed for a term ending April 30, 2014.

Area Eleven Family Care Council

Karla D. Herrera, 28, of Miami, is a baker apprentice previously employed at Bella Vista Bakery. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending February 14, 2014.

Denise Prehay, 40, of Miami, previously served as a domestic violence advocate at the Center for Independent Living. She is appointed for a term ending September 14, 2015.

Francisco Martino, 26, of Miami Gardens, previously worked for AmeriCorps. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending March 13, 2016.

Area Twelve Family Care Council

Elaine Flasterstein, 58, of Port Orange, is a homemaker and volunteer with Volusia County Schools. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending March 13, 2016.

Around the State

Strive to Dream and Achieve

John Collins is member of the Area One Family Care Council and the area Disabilities Summit Council. He is on the board of directors of Project Empower, a coalition for supporting persons with disabilities. John is the assistant to the director of P.U.R. E. Friendship Ministries, as well as the lead Bible Teacher and Transportation Coordinator where he loves his responsibilities and feels that his role gives him a purpose in life.

"This is my house that my wife and I proudly purchased recently. It had been a dream of mine for years; to be a person in my particular situation to own our home! If I am able to be a positive example for people who might be in my situation, that would make me happy. I want people not to focus on what they are told they can't do but instead I want them to strive to dream and achieve once unthinkable goals for people in our population. I have achieved an ultimate goal to show that all people have their own goals and dreams and that they can achieve them. If the potential of this example could achieve great things for others, that would be awesome!"

APD’s Northwest Region Student Mock Interview Workshop / Student Transition Fair

The Northwest Region of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities in conjunction with the Escambia County School District and the University of West Florida hosted a Transition Fair for students of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on April 12. Three hundred students participated in the event.

The Northwest Region hosted a Student Mock Interview for students with disabilities. Students were able to work one-on-one with employers from Express Employment, Wal-Mart, Body Worx, Home Depot, Gulf Power, Navy Federal Credit Union, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts.

One of the students with a disability, however not an APD customer, was hired so far as a result of the mock interviews. She has been hired as a data entry worker through Express Employment in Pensacola. She started her job on April 19. Home Depot and Wal-Mart are looking to interview additional students for possible employment. APD had four students that are on the APD waiver waiting list who interviewed for jobs in April. The following employers are interested in interviewing them again for employment: Express Employment, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart.

Making It Work

Increasing successful employment outcomes was the goal of a workshop held in Pensacola on April 11. Dr. Steve Dunaway, the director of Employment and Training with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and Jan Pearce with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) facilitated the workshop.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Agency for Persons with Disabilities employees, along with employment providers discussed strategies for connecting individuals with an interest in employment with vocational rehabilitation and expediting the process to a successful employment outcome. There was also discussion about maintaining a successful employment placement.

Identifying the APD referrals along with support coordinator’s contact information, including the support coordinator on all communication, and attaching disability documentation to the referrals were a few keys to success. The APD/VR partnership is essential to maximizing the funding available to increase employment outcomes for the individuals APD serves.

Sunland Family Day

By Clint Cox

Sunland Center hosted its annual Family Day celebration on April 19. Normally held at the Environmental Park, the celebration was moved to the Leisure Center due to inclement weather. Each year the celebration seems to grow and this year was no exception as almost 70 family members joined their loved ones at the event. Jason Watford provided entertainment, which included his excellent rendition of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World" as the attendees watch the video produced for Sunland's 50th Anniversary Celebration. Assistant Superintendent Darlene See also treated the gathering to a song and Superintendent Merlin Roulhac spoke to the group about the importance of Family Day at Sunland. A meal of chicken tenders and all the sides was prepared by the employees of the Harvest Cafeteria and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Sunland Hosts Annual Volunteer Picnic

By Clint Cox

Volunteers play a vital part in the lives of the individuals who reside at Sunland Center. On April 25, Sunland honored volunteers with its annual Volunteer Picnic. Sunland's Volunteer Coordinator Karen Henrickson served as the emcee of the program, which was held at the Sunland Environmental Park. A crowd of about 100 volunteers and staff were in attendance. Superintendent Merlin Roulhac spoke to the volunteers to express Sunland's appreciation for their contributions and what they mean to the individuals who call Sunland home. Entertainment was provided by the Sunny Florida Band (a country music trio of individuals who live in Grant House) and the Sunland Swingers (Sunland's square dancing group). In addition, two of Sunland's staff, Keefe Hatcher and Kit Reagan, provided instrumental guitar music while everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner.

During this annual event, the Volunteer of the Year is announced. This year's recipient was Julie Jackson. Jackson is a long-time employee at Sunland who retired (for the second time) last year. Since her retirement, she has been a very active volunteer, especially at Unit 3 (Sunland's geriatrics population).

Transition Conference Hosted

On February 23, the 3rd Annual Treasure Coast Transition Conference was held at the Indian River State College’s Kight Center in Fort Pierce. The conference was organized by the St Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee county school systems, FDLRS, CARD, CILO, VR/Service source, and APD.

A welcome was given to the 115 participants by Sharon Bittle of the St Lucie County School System. She was followed by Cathy Allore with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, who spoke not only as a professional but as a parent of a young man transitioning from home to a group home while still in school.

There was an assortment of sessions to choose from: Educational Advocacy, Technology – Low and High Tech, Health Care Issues after age 18, Social Security Work Incentives, Behavior Issues, to name just a few.

There was an assortment of vendors including state and nonprofit agencies, a law firm, Social Security Administration, mobility and medical support businesses, Workforce Solutions, Family Care Council, Guardian ad Litem plus many, many more.

The conference ended with an employment panel facilitated by Maryjane Wysocki of APD Central Region. The evaluations from this activity were highly complementary and recommended that it be repeated at next year’s conference.

Spotlight on Excellence

By Michael Cardello

Duane Chin Loy is an Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Medicaid Waiver customer in Miami whose outstanding skills, personality, and motivation are proving to make him very marketable to employers.

In January 2013, APD Director Barbara Palmer and Legislative Assistant Robert Brown had a conversation with State Representative Carlos Trujillo who stated that he would like to employ a person with a disability in his law firm in Coral Gables. Chin Loy was interviewed by partner Andrew Vargas of Trujillo and Vargas Law Offices on March 7. He presented himself so well at the interview that he was offered a position on the spot.

On March 25, Chin Loy began his employment at Trujillo and Vargas Law Offices as a clerk and data entry specialist.

Chin Loy is clearly on a path to career success thanks to his determination, persistence, positive attitude and work ethic. He is also fortunate to have become employed by individuals who demonstrate caring and a genuine interest in ensuring his success.

Abilities Awareness Day 2013

By Michael Cardello

On April 3, the Project Access Program of Miami Dade College hosted Abilities Awareness Day. This event highlights the abilities, talents, and skills of people with disabilities whose potential to inspire is often overlooked.

Each year, students and community members who have been inspirational through their accomplishments, or their efforts on behalf of inclusion, accessibility, and universal design, are highlighted and recognized. This event is an extension of the Association of Agencies (AoA) whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

This year’s special theme was “The Power of…”. Types of power that enable individuals with disabilities to prosper were featured including the power of ability, the power of commitment, the power of inclusion, and the power of accessibility. Activities included sharing resources and information among agencies serving persons with disabilities, developing partnerships, identifying initiatives for the AoA to focus on, learning from presenters, and growing professionally.

The day began with introductions and a wonderful keynote address by Dr. Bea Awoniyi, President-elect of the national Association of Higher Education and Disability. There was an awards ceremony in which various Miami Dade College faculty and leaders of Miami Dade County organizations were honored. These included: Miami Dade EmployAbility Network for their commitment to funding internships and entrepreneurial opportunities; Baptist Health South Florida for their commitment to mentoring and employing job seekers with disabilities; and Executive Director of Gold Coast Railroad Museum Michael Hall for his commitment to providing opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Abilities Awareness Day 2013 at Miami Dade College was a success and was instrumental in the development and continuation of initiatives that will promote inclusion of people with disabilities.

Let's Play Ball: Families Enjoy an Evening of Fun with the Miami Marlins

By Michael Cardello

The Miami Marlins donated 350 tickets to the APD Southern Regional office for customers to attend the World Baseball Classic in March. The crack of the bat, the smell of popcorn and hotdogs, and in South Florida, arepas and pinchos are also on the menu at the ballpark. One of the semifinals games would prove to be exciting with the United States team playing the Puerto Rican team.

APD brought the 350 screaming fans to the Marlins stadium in Little Havana, many singing the old Cuban classic song, “pelotero la bola”, which tells the tale of the Americans playing the Cubans in Havana in the early 20th century. The phrase translates to “baseball player, the ball!” The lively music had many dancing as each rooted for their favorite team. No doubt, these fans yelled often as it was a close game 4-3. The winner, Puerto Rico, advanced to the finals in San Francisco.

David Bergert, an APD supported living customer, enjoys baseball and the chance to go to the new stadium to see the World Championship Series in person was a treat. Bergert is a married father of three and works at a local cruise line. He has worked there for several years supporting his family. His son was eager to go to the stadium so close to their home and thanks to the Marlins his son’s dream came true. Bergert’s dream of living an independent life with a job and family is coming true as well.

For the last three years, APD’s Southern Region partners: the Miami Marlins, Ballpark Buddies, and Major League Baseball, have provided more than 1,500 tickets to APD customers in the Southern Region. Their generosity is unmatched as they do their best to meet APD’s needs. The Southern Region customers can count on these games for a few evenings of fun, respite, recreation – all courtesy of baseball during baseball season. They can bring their family to a clean and healthy environment and enjoy America’s pastime.

Game On for APD Teen

Caleb Cason, 14, watched his first baseball game on April 26 at Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee when Florida State University took on Wake Forest. Cason and his parents received donated FSU tickets through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and its program called Game Changer.

Prior to the game, Cason toured the baseball facilities and met the FSU team. Cason has multiple disabilities and attends Rose Academy in Tallahassee. He was excited to attend the baseball game.

“Our mission is to help people with developmental disabilities live, learn, and work in their communities," said APD Director Barbara Palmer. "With Game Changer, we are trying to create special memories, build partnerships, and advance greater inclusion for individuals with disabilities.”

APD is coordinating with professional, college, and university sports teams to give donated tickets for various sporting events to individuals with developmental disabilities to ensure that they experience all aspects of life, including sporting events. The agency’s program, Game Changer, is designed to give an unforgettable sports experience to a person with a disability and his or her family.

Super Sonic Dedication

By Emma Slier

The first thing you will notice upon meeting Stacy Powell is a good, solid handshake and a big smile. Powell, a Saint Augustine native, has been working at Sonic Drive-In on Capital Circle Northwest in Tallahassee for five years. He is a fulltime employee. Powell takes orders, prepares and delivers food to customers, and does prep work for the next day’s business. Powell feels that the best part of his job is providing good customer service. “I like delivering the orders out, and it doesn’t hurt that you get good tips too.”

Powell’s supervisor, Lakysha Bradley, has only good things to say about Powell. “Stacy is wonderful, I love him. He strives harder than other employees. He has a wonderful personality, great smile, and a wonderful work ethic,” says Bradley. Another supervisor, Enoch Wingate, says, “I wish I had more employees like him.”

Powell has a disability and receives services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. In addition, Powell works with a counselor from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. They are working on future career possibilities, talk about his current job, and go over the ways in which he can achieve his long term goals. Powell is gaining computer skills at Lively Technical Center that he hopes will one day lead to a new career. “I like learning new things. I’m always up for a challenge,” says Powell.

Speaking of challenges, Powell is working on getting his driver’s license; he has passed the written portion and is practicing for the driving portion. In his spare time, Powell enjoys hanging out with his friends from Lively and following sports teams, with the Florida State University Seminoles being at the top of his list.

Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2013 Crowned

Congratulations to Camile Araujo, the new Ms. Wheelchair Florida! The pageant was held on April 6, and was a great success with nine contestants and over 250 guests; more than ever before. Shari Wilson, State Coordinator and Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2008, stated that the outcome of the pageant far exceeded her expectations.

Camile is a Life Coach who was left paralyzed from the chest down as the result of an automobile accident. First Runner-up and Ms. Congeniality was Lisa Jackson; Latoya Nesmith was Second Runner-up.

The pageant provides an opportunity for women of achievement who use wheelchairs to educate and advocate for other individuals with disabilities. It also highlights the importance of people with disabilities being part their community and having choices when it comes to their employment, education, and housing.

Celebrating 20 Years of Independent Support Coordination

A support coordinator is someone who is there to provide the service of advocating, identifying, developing, coordinating, and accessing supports and services on behalf of an Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) customer. Support coordinators are an important part of the smooth delegation between APD and the customer, so it can be ensured that the customer is provided with the necessary supports and services they need in order to live as independently as possible. However, support coordinators provide much more than this. They are to their clients exactly what their title says; ‘support’. The support they give is not only for services on the waiver. They also provide emotional support and comfort for customers and their families by being there for them in their times of need.

The system of independent support coordination has been the catalyst for the change and improvement of evolving the once provider-driven system of case management into a more person driven one. People are not cases, and they do not want to be managed or treated as such. They want options, flexibility, and control over decisions that affect their lives. Independent support coordination promotes a more independent lifestyle by allowing the customer to take more direct control over decisions regarding the supports and services they receive. The support coordinators are there to assist and provide guidance to customers and their families to help them understand what service and support options are available, and which ones would be the most beneficial to them in supporting their values, goals, and needs.

APD Employee Adopts Family

By Taste of Gainesville

Tina Buie had called countless times before. She called to schedule home study visits, to stop by with treats for Joenell and Johnell, and to answer and ask questions about everything from adoption packets to court dates.

A year ago, when her call began with “I have something to ask you,” what followed took Letrivia by surprise.

The third brother needed a home—a temporary, emergency placement, until she found a foster family to take him in.

“I was very willing to with the first two, but with the third one,” Letrivia said, “it just caught me off guard.”

In 2010, Letrivia adopted Joenell, 8, and Johnell, 4, from Maria, her godmother’s daughter and the boys’ birth mother, who suffers mental disability from fetal alcohol syndrome.

If Joenell’s confession that “It would really make me happy if we were all together, because I worry about him,” wasn’t enough to convince Letrivia that Jarnell’s stay was more than temporary, his physical state was.

When Jarnell, 3, was born, he was placed with his father’s relatives, who physically abused him. He joined Letrivia and his brothers in August, with bruises on his body, burns on his fingers, and a defensive, stiffening reaction to sudden movement.

“It just drew me closer to him and made me reach out and give him that love and nurturing to make him feel comfortable,” Letrivia said. “To let him know there is someone who loves you and to just give him a different life.”

This new life includes baking cookies, trips to the duck pond, and a position in Alachua County’s Head Start program that promises a bright future.

In less than 6 months, Jarnell replaced pointing with verbal requests, a hanging head with eye contact, and a fear of others with brotherly camaraderie and compassion for his mother.

“One of the things that always amazes me when I see adoptive families is that you can’t tell,” said Jennifer Anchors, the Children’s Home Society of Florida executive director. “The love is the same, as in any other family.”

From providing clothing and vouchers to childproofing the house and administering a perspective-parent preparation course (MAPP- Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting), Children’s Home Society of Florida has eased the transition for all family members during each of the adoptions for Letrivia.

Although she had always planned to adopt, Letrivia encourages people who haven’t to consider adopting through foster care.

“You’ll be amazed, there are so many kids who are in the foster system who need a home,” she said. “Make it happen.”

The family’s smooth transition was not without the typical turbulence that all expanding families experience: “That’s my toy”; “That’s my mommy.”

But Letrivia has found that a little family time spent short- and long-term goal setting, cooking dinner, and going to church help address the standard sibling disputes.

“Raising three young boys while maintaining a full-time direct-caregiver job at 40 years old requires balance,” Letrivia said. But with help from her mother, who lives next door, and Children’s Home Society of Florida, adoption has been less of a strain and more of a blessing.

“They’re all here, and I love them. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

APD Employee Recognized

Addie Holt was recently recognized by Governor Rick Scott for her outstanding community outreach efforts. She has been a faithful and hardworking employee of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities for many years. Though her position in group home licensing requires significant travel, she still makes time to personally serve her community. For years, she has worked on LovEncounters, her outreach aimed at clothing and feeding those less fortunate. She gathers donations from APD colleagues and from others within the community to keep the donation closet well stocked. Holt also accepts monetary donations to feed the homeless several times during the month. She does the best she can with what she has to offer others.

Holt’s dream is to one day have a building of her own where she can serve hot meals and have a closet full of clothes for the needy people in her community. She believes the world would be a better place if everyone took time to do something kind for someone else.

The Northwest Region is so proud of all her hard work; both in the office and in the community.

Best of Luck!

APD salutes colleagues who retired during the past month:

Central Region

Marie Martin Johnson

Terry Scott-Hutchins

Sunland

Wanda McKelvain

Patricia Miller

Janice Pittman

Tacachale

Susan Dubinsky

Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Chief Editor
Kimberly Tharpe - Photo Editor
Lindsey Boyington - Writer
Susan Hansen - Writer
John Milton - Webmaster

The Agency Supports Persons with Developmental Disabilities in Living, Learning and Working in their Communities.