Debra Mendes, Author at Daily Companions

enriching lives of adults with developmental disabilities

Author Archive for Debra Mendes – Page 3

Posted by Debra Mendes

· May 11, 2016

A Place That Feels Like Home – Day Program and Service Coordination

Kat first started working at DCI as the Service Coordinator she was excited to discover that part of her job would be to visit with members and their families once a month in their homes. You get to see and really know people when you visit them in their home. But Kat did not realize how different a person might be when in the familiar and safe environment of their home until she made a visit to Racey’s home. Kat had observed and tried to interact with Racey while she attended the day program at the center. While she appeared to enjoy and was willing to participate in activities she never spoke. Not one word. She did not speak to her peers or any of the staff. She would simply smile or nod her head yes or no to a question. Kat scheduled an appointment with Racey’s mom and visited their home one evening after Racey was home from the DCI Day Program. Kat sat at the kitchen table with Racey’s mom discussing what things Racey likes. When asked about Racey’s speech, her mom laughed and asked Racey to come to the kitchen. Racey came in and plain as day said “What you want?” to her mom. Her mom asked Racey questions about her day and Racey told her mom all about what happened at the center that day. That was 8 years ago.

Racey now carries on a conversation with peers and staff. She comforts peers or staff who might be down or sad with the words “it will be alright baby” and a hug. Racey says hello to Kat every morning and tells her about things going on at home and with special Olympics. Her words are short and her sentences choppy but she makes herself heard and understood when she sings or is happy or upset.

It has taken many years for Racey to get to the point of talking to all of us. Once when Kat asked her why she talks so much now at the center she responds with one word “home.” For Racey over the years DCI and the people around her have become home. We are proud to have been and to continue to be a part of creating a place in the community where Racey can feel at home.

Categories : Client, Day Program, Stories

Posted by Debra Mendes

· May 10, 2016

Getting Assistance To Find Employment Opportunities With Division Of Rehabilitation Services

As a vendor for Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), we assist with assessments of abilities, strengths, employment interest, and transportation. Clients do not have to be on the waiver program. Anyone who needs special assistance to secure employment may apply to the DRS. Families may contact DCI and our Career Employment Manager will assist with the referral to DRS. Upon completion of the referral, the client may request DCI to assist with employment opportunities.

Clients do not have to be on the waiver program. Anyone who needs special assistance to secure employment may apply to the DRS. Families may contact DCI and our Career Employment Manager will assist with the referral to DRS. Upon completion of the referral, the client may request DCI to assist with employment opportunities.

Once assessments are completed, then employment opportunities are discussed and a direct placement is completed once employment is accepted by the client. A job coach is then assigned and will be with the client until the client becomes independent and has peer support or the job coach will remain with the client.

Contact us if you would like assistance with the referral to DRS

Categories : Resources

Posted by Debra Mendes

· May 10, 2016

Phil Mummert, Community Relations Manager

I started working at DCI in July of 2012. My first position with the company was Program Manager. I then moved to Community Relations Manager. I work with businesses on jobs for clients and I also run the Department of Rehabilitation contract work.

I grew up and have lived in the local in the Martinsburg area, except for the time I spent in the US Air Force. I graduated from Hedgesville High School and then went to Shepherd University. I took time off from Shepherd University and joined the Air Force as a Prop and Jet Engine Mechanic. When I received my degree from Shepherd University the 167th TAG in Martinsburg sent me to Air Force Officers School and the USAF Pilot training. I then was assigned as a C-130 pilot at the 167th. After retiring from the USAF I went to work for a computer company in Berkeley Springs WV, where I did networking and repair on computer systems for businesses and the school system.

I then took a job with the Boy Scouts of America and as a District Executive. I was in charge of all Scouting in Berkeley and Morgan Counties in WV. This is how I learned about DCI – where I started the Scouting unit there. When I stopped working at the Boy Scouts, Ms. Cloughfeather asked if I was interested in working with her, and since this was my favorite Scout unit I told her I would like to do that… and that is how I came to work at Daily Companions.

Meet the rest of our team

Categories : Team

A woman in a red shirt smiling in front of a white wall.

Posted by Debra Mendes

· May 10, 2016

Katherina Hagedorn, Service Coordinator “Ms Kat”

Where our CEO Ms. C. is the head with the vision for where DCI is going. Our Companions are the hands that put together the daily work. Ms. Kat is our heart.

Ms. Kat has been with DCI for over 5 years and has consistently found new things to do and better ways to enhance the quality of life of each member and family. Be it discovering new things to explore in the community or ways to support the families with big or small needs she is the go-to gal.

Ms. Kat is a BSP1 and a Therapeutic Options Trainer. What does this mean? As a BSP Ms. Kat will assist members and families by developing steps and training skills that will help them to reach their goals. Therapeutic Options is a comprehensive and sensible approach to reducing violence and the use of restraint and seclusion in behavioral health care, health care, habilitation, and education settings. The program provides the tools to keep people safe while maintaining their commitment to positive approaches in serving individuals whose behavior sometimes poses danger to themselves or others. Ms. Kat is licensed to train DCI staff in these approaches.

Ms. Kat (Kathrina Hagedorn is just too long) services as Daily Companion’s Service Coordinator. Her past experience as a teacher for 8 years at Gafton Schools, and her case management experience with MI Adults, in addition to her work with state regulations at Mountain Heart has contributed to her ability and understanding of the IDD waiver role of Service Coordinator. But it is her own combination of creative thinking and passion that makes her a valuable member of the DCI team.

“Watching our members and the program grow has been a joy. I am thankful to have been and plan to continue to be a part of something that makes such a difference in the lives of others.” “I enjoy the challenge of finding ways to meet the individual needs and of supporting each family in their journey with their loved one with special needs.”

Meet the other members of our team

Categories : Team

A man standing in front of a group of numbers.

Posted by Debra Mendes

· May 2, 2016

How To Apply For The I/DD Waitlist Grant

Ok you have gone through all the steps to apply for the I/DD wavier and you have in your hand a letter that says you are eligible. Now you have to wait for a slot for services to open. Realistically due to the demand for services you will be waiting for about 5 to 6 years before a slot is available.

The good news is there are other resources and programs you may be able to use while waiting. Along with your I/DD eligibility letter you should receive a list of other resources/programs that you might be able to use while waiting for your slot to open. One of the programs listed is the Support Grant for Individuals on the West Virginia I/DD Wavier Eligibility Applicant List.

Contact information for this program is:

Web Site: www.wvdhhr.org/bhhf/mrdd.asp
Phone: 304 356-4811
Contact person: Mr. Steve Brady

Steve will give you contact information for several agencies in your area that actively work with the Support Grant program. Once you have established contact with an agency you will then need to have a face to face meeting with a Service Coordinator who will review program options with you and explain support you can receive while on the grant. You, the Service Coordinator and a Behavioral Support Professional will develop an Individualize Program Plan for your grant application. The application will be submitted along with the plan. You will hear directly from Mr. Brady and the Service Coordinator about your status with the Support Grant. The attached description gives you the type and amounts of support services that are available through the Grant. This is a grant that will need to be reapplied for by your Service Coordinator every 3 months and will need to have a new IPP written every 6 months. Eligibility is based on the availability of funds and needs of the individuals.

Waitlist Grant application

Categories : Resources

Posted by Debra Mendes

· May 2, 2016

Understanding The I/DD Waiver Process

To apply for I/DD waiver the family or individual must complete the WEST VIRGINIA I/DD WAIVER APPLICATION and send it to APS Health Care as noted on the application.

The family will be contacted by APS within five business days.

APS will provide a list of approved psychiatrists from which the family chooses and makes an appointment for the evaluation. Once the appointment is made, the family notifies APS of the choice and appointment day. It is important for the family to bring documentation of services the individual received in school (copies of last 2 IEP’s and evaluations completed by the school as well as any information from OT, PT or Speech services provided) in order to establish that the condition developed was before the age of 21 and to show need for an ongoing program.

When meeting with the psychiatrist completing the evaluation, please remember that all questions asked are as if the individual was independent and had to do things totally on their own without any assistance or support.

For example, the question might be “Does he/she take their medications on a regular basis?” A caretaker might want to answer “yes” to this question because when the caretaker gives them the medications the individual takes them and swallows them or he/she can take them from a pill box that is filled by the caretaker.

This is not what the question is asking- The question is can he/she take the medications totally by themselves without help – meaning, can they tell time and know it is time to take the medications? Can they open the pills and get the right number of medications out – and take them the right way? Do they know what they are taking and why? The question in this context would get a “No” for an answer.

The evaluation is not about the successes of your loved one, though there are many. It is about determining if services are needed. If support (family, community, volunteer) is already there to meet an individual’s needs why would the state pay for things that the individual is already receiving for free and therefore does not need them?

Please apply as soon as possible for waiver assistance as the wait list for services is four years long.

Categories : Resources

Posted by Debra Mendes

· May 2, 2016

Learning To Work Together

Not all behavior is bad. We need behaviors to function in society. Shaking some one’s hand. Saying hello and goodbye. Purchasing groceries. Talking on the phone. Interacting on a job site. These are all behaviors. Behaviors are measurable observable actions. Behaviors are actions we use to get something we want. Behavioral actions can be positive or negative and still serve their function. A child that screams and cries will get the attention of their parent just the same way a child who is laughing loudly will. All behavior is learned. Therefore, all behaviors can be taught.

It is the job of the Behavioral Support Professional to discover the function of negative behaviors and to determine what positive behaviors an individual need to acquire in order to function as independently in the community as possible. The BSP then develops the goals for the induvial based on their assessed need and writes the steps that the direct care worker will use to teach the behavior needed to reach the goal.

Learning new behaviors happens at different paces and for many people learning requires repetitive consistent instruction. But everyone can.

Learn more about our Behavior Support Services

Categories : Behavior Support, Client, Stories

Learning through movement and expression

Posted by Debra Mendes

· March 30, 2016

Acting Out! Learning Teamwork And Ways Of Thinking Through Movement And Expression

On Wednesday, March 30th, an improve class was held at DCI, led by Andrew Nelson from Marshall University, and Emily Stotler. During this class, participants took part in a variety of games and exercises encouraging teamwork and diverse ways of thinking through movement and expression.

The first game consumers took part in was called “Bang Bang.” “Bang Bang” was a name game in which everybody stood in a circle. This was simply a warm-up to help everyone loosen up, and get to know one another. One person in the middle of the circle would point at another person and say their name. If a person’s name was called, they would have to duck quickly, and the two people on either side of them would have to point at one another saying “Bang Bang.” Whoever said “Bang Bang” last would jump in the middle and say the next person’s name.

The next exercise was called “Statues,” in which one person would be the “sculptor” and the other the “statue.” The sculptor would “mold” the statue, by moving parts of his or her body to reflect a certain situation. Then everybody else in the group would guess what the situation was. This game helped consumers build different types of characters through communication and trust.

“Liar Liar” was the next game, in which two people would take turns asking one another what they were doing. Player 1 would ask Player 2 “What are you doing?” and Player 2 would answer with a lie. Player 1 would then have to act out whatever Player 2 said. Player 2 would then ask Player 1, and vice-versa. During this game, consumers had a lot of fun simply being creative and spontaneous. Consumers then took part in a storytelling exercise. One person would stand with their arms behind their back and tell a story. A second person would stand behind them using their arms to help convey what the other person was saying.

Consumers then took part in a storytelling exercise. One person would stand with their arms behind their back and tell a story. A second person would stand behind them using their arms to help convey what the other person was saying.

The last game was called “The Machine.” This game required everybody in the group. The first person would do any type of movement their heart desired. The
next person would then add their own movement, and so on and so on until everybody in the group was contributing to “The Machine.” This game encouraged the importance of teamwork and reminded consumers that everyone’s role was important to make “The Machine” work.

The class ended with Emily playing her guitar and singing a couple of songs. A few clients took turns playing the guitar afterwards. All participants seemed to enjoy themselves as evidenced by the thunderous laughter during the activities.

Categories : News

A man in overalls standing next to two goats.

Posted by Debra Mendes

· March 10, 2016

A Goat Farm Teaches Discipline Skills Through Customized Employment

Chris has been actively involved with Daily Companions, Inc since 2006. Along with his mother, he has an extended family including cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Along with numerous family ties, Chris is very well known in the community and has many friends. In knowing Chris and observing him in daily activities through DCI, it is obvious that he is very well liked, enjoys helping others, and would pretty much do anything to help out. He needed help with being on time, and focusing on tasks. He did well with working closely with male companions.

During the discovery process, we had the opportunity to explore a locally owned goat farm where they raise goats and process various fine goat cheeses for marketing. Ms. Cloughfeather, CEO of Daily Companions, while being given a tour of the farm discovered for herself how friendly goats are. As we entered the gate, the goats approached us, and one particular goat continued to chase after Ms. C. as she was quickly heading back toward the gate. Although she was trying not to be rude to the host, this shows how the work environment needs to “fit comfortably” for the individual. I have to add that this was quite possibly the quickest I’ve ever seen Ms. C. move.

Chris, during a discovery activity, went to the County Fair to visit some of the goats entered in the fair for judging and met the owner’s older daughter. The business got its start with her one goat that was entered through 4-H years ago. Chris participated in helping out with tending the goats and observed the hand milking process. He was tickled and surprised by their cooperativeness and their social behavior. Chris is a natural with the goats and showed much interest and enthusiasm for all the animals/livestock at the fair. During our time at the fair, he knew so many people and introduced me to many friends and acquaintances. He was interested and curious to learn more about the farm and exploring helping out as a farm support worker.

Through Customized Employment, Chris participated in job exploration and training at the goat farm since August 18, 2014, working on learning and completing tasks as a support staff.

These tasks are broken down into three categories:

Goat Support Work, which includes replenishing their hay in numerous bins, graining, watering, attending and care for the goats. This also includes learning to identify and call them by name.
Milking Set Up – Preparation and milking up to six goats.
Clean Up – Washing/Sanitizing and Recheck Goats water supply

One day is learning about the cheese production and assisting with preparing the cheese for market.

Chris made significant progress in many areas with ihs skills on these tasks and he continues to show interest and desire to improve on being a support staff for the farm. In this supportive environment, working closely with the support staff and owner, this role became a great fit for him and for the business.

Chris was employed for 8 hours a week @ $7.25 an hour. This was an increase in his wage income.

Along with learning new skills, Chris had to adjust to an early schedule as he was required to be at the farm for the 6 am milking. He worked on learning the basic routines along with the out of normal issues/changes that arise for tending and milking the goats.

The owner has plans to increase cheese production and her number of milking goats. She has plans to purchase a cheese press which extracts the whey from the cheese. As she explained and demonstrated, this has been a cumbersome and timely process doing it by hand. We are currently exploring increasing his hours to expand his skills to assist with the cheese processing and marketing. She is encouraged with Chris’s progress and she has also talked to Chris about helping out with spring projects at the farm.

Chris’s previous work experience was through work exploration in high school and working a car wash. He was also previously employed hanging door flyers for a local pizza shop. Now that he is working at the goat farm this is providing him new work experiences and challenges to enhance his work skills, and establish good work ethics. During the training and employment, Chris learned to adapt well to changes in routines. At the goat farm, there is never a dull moment. Again, goats are very social in nature and are very smart. There is one particular goat, Po that is the nuisance goat. He would not leave Chris alone while he was working and sometimes would chase after him. Chris was never mean or insensitive to this goats’ nature, but rather tolerated her and worked on figuring out ways to keep her in a gated area/block her while he filled the bins. It was hilarious how this goat would open up the gate and get out. Also, just after the first couple weeks the milking machine broke down, so he got to learn not only how to start the milking and stripping but do the entire process by hand. This truly was an experience, and he again adapted quite well.

One of Chris’s attributes is his caring nature and attentiveness of the goats. The owner has been impressed with Chris’s attention to issues or concerns that were related to safety or wellness of the goats. Again, goats are very social and smart. They know their names when called. Chris worked hard on recognizing them by their marking, colors, characteristics and their physical response to his interactions. He had six goats that he needed to learn to identify at the beginning so visual aides were created and strategies were devised to help him with this. We also incorporated labeling and task list for the setup and the milking procedures. We also devised simulated hay bale to practice proper lifting and carrying techniques, a milking strainer/lid that has to be correctly inserted, math practice time sheets for recording his time and photos and quizzes for identifying all the goats. As the weather changed, so did the tasks. To help devise shortcuts and problem solving for the getting the grain in a trough that was difficult to fill due to its location in the hay shelter, I attempted to find a way for Chris to fill it. The goats surrounded and blocked me in to get to the feed. One goat just went right through my legs, and I ended up just sitting on the goat while he ate. Chris has never let me forget that episode. Goats will also try and “get your goat” by being at the door to be milked first and respond to other’s names. On this particular day, Chris and I both got the wrong goat three times due to the lighting changes (daylight savings time), their wintry changes and because they “tricked” us. We look forward to sharing more of the goat’s antics and shenanigans and to be involved with helping with the kidding process, welcoming the newborn “kids” that are due in a few weeks. This will also be a new experience and adventure for Chris.

Learn more about our Customized Employment Services

Categories : Client, Customized Employment, Stories

Tags : customized employment

A part of the workforce through customized employment

Posted by Debra Mendes

· March 10, 2016

Preparation And Experience Led To Paid Employment With DCI Supported Employment

When Jonathan joined Daily Companion’s program in October 2010 he was volunteering at the Salvation Army for 3 mornings a week. He expressed that he liked being there and enjoyed the support he had in the organization, but he wanted a bit more – he wanted to be paid.

Jonathan continued to volunteer at the Salvation Army and participated in other training goals and volunteer work experiences with Daily Companions. In February 2013 a Supported Employment specialist connected with a business opening in an expanded location. Jonathan’s job at Black Dog Coffee began. As Black Dog Coffee grew so did Jonathan’s work opportunities with them.

It has been a perfect fit for Jonathan who loves coffee and is able to put labels perfectly on the bags of fresh roasted coffees sold by Black Dog. Jonathan who is not one to sit back on success expressed that he wanted to work more. He is currently employed at Black Dog two days and week and was able to be employed at ROC’s one day a week as his schedule allows. If you ask Jonathan, he hopes to work even more days at Black Dog or ROC’s in the future.

Update on Jonathan’s story: Jonathan is now employed Tuesday thru Thursday at Black Dog. As of June 1st, he set a personal record for 229 bags of coffee! Jonathan also picked up a third job. He is also working at Cracker Barrel. The whole DCI family is proud of him and his success.

Categories : Client, Stories, Supported Employment