volume 24/#1 • winter 2014

in this issuep2 Surviving or Thriving?

p3 Have You Heard The Buzz? p4 Eyes of Hope

p6 We’re Shamrockin’!

p7 Be Thrifty

More than 1,000 individuals in Virginia live in institutions without freedom or independence because they have a disability. Unbeknownst to many, there are alternatives that allow individuals to live in and be part of their communities, while still providing care and ensuring their safety. The Department of Justice has expressed concern—and even filed a lawsuit against Virginia—regard-ing the unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities. And yet, somehow, there are still members of our community who promote and perpetuate segregation.

It is important for people to be educated about and understand that there are alternatives avail-able to restrictive environments. People need to know that there are places like Hope House, where people can live in their on their own and also be safe. Making the transition from congre-gate care to living in your own home with the necessary supports is a worthwhile journey and, for some, including Hope House, it takes years. But, as the families you’re about to meet will tell you, the end result is absolutely worth it.

The Lewis FamilyLisa was in her early 20s when the Lewis family decided it was time she chose where to live after having spent time in hospitals and group homes. Lisa has a developmental disorder and a high degree of noise sensitivity. Congregate living

created an environment that was disturb-

ing, unsafe and stressful. The family decided to explore their options and

selected three for Lisa to consider. Two were group homes, the other was Hope House. She selected Hope House, and now Lisa has her own apartment and enjoys a quiet life in her community.

The Sufficool FamilyBob and Mary Jane Sufficool are advocates for people with disabilities and strive to provide the

best life possible for their son, Bart. They made every effort to learn about the options available but found few jobs and only group homes as options. When Bob and Mary Jane retired and relocated to Virginia Beach, they learned about Hope House. Now Bart lives in his own home and is part of his community. The Sufficools could not be more pleased. Bart is enjoying life in a garden-style apartment complex, where his neighbors include people with disabilities and those without.

The Ripley FamilyAlex Ripley completed high school, found a job, and decided it was time to move out of his parents’ house. Because of his disability, which involves the use of a wheelchair, it was under-stood he would need support to live on his own. The Ripley family visited group homes in Northern Virginia, but ran into roadblocks. Alex

would have to quit his job because the group homes didn’t provide transpor-tation. The Ripleys also looked into supervised apartments, but were told that Alex required more assistance than could be provided in such a setting. Alex remained at his parents’ house for a decade after high school, which was not the independent life he wanted. Alex’s mom discovered there might be another option for Alex. The Ripleys arranged a tour of Hope House and

learned that Alex could have his own apartment, plus all the support he would need to live on his own successfully and safely. Cont’d on Page 2

In this issue Hope House Foundation explores the concept of BelongIng.

The Journey to Hope House

Belonging: The Difference Between Surviving and Thriving

From the Executive Director

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Dear Lynne,

Thank you so much for sharing your time, experi-ence, and the story of Hope House’s transition [from group homes to individuals living in their own homes]. Everyone here was very impressed with the information you shared. Upon my return from lunch, two [coworkers] entered my office to share that they had already begun thinking about what they might need to do to make this type of change happen here. All have agreed that they would be doing a lot of thinking and are excited and that the change has to begin within us…

Thank you so much! Hope House may be our guiding light on this journey! You and the folks over there are amazing!

— Jennifer Boyden-Barrett, CEO Heart Havens in Richmond, VA

Journey Cont’d from page 1

The Powell FamilyWhen Kathy Powell read about a woman with a disability whose life was completely upended fol-lowing the death of her parents, she knew this was not the future she wanted for her own daughter, Page. It took a year for the Powells to secure Page’s Medicaid waiver. It was an onerous but crucial battle as the Powells were preparing to move two hours away and wanted Page to be able to receive support services in the community where she had grown up. The Powells were grateful to find Hope House and its model of supporting individuals in their own homes. This was the perfect solution for Page.

The Wright FamilyBrothers Nick and Adam Wright lived with their parents, Pam and Phil, for years before moving into St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children where they lived with 90 others. Phil and Pam wanted more for their sons. They wanted an environ-ment that was safe, comfortable and provided many opportunities to enjoy and experience life. Hope House was the obvious solution. Nick and Adam share a bachelor pad that has been specially modified to accommodate their needs. Lifts were installed and the layout of the apartment makes it easy to maneuver wheelchairs through the space.

Each person who accepts services from Hope House follows their own path here. But, in the end, the result is the same: an enriched life as part of the community, a life that reflects the prefer-ences, beliefs and interests of each individual. This is the kind of life that everyone deserves.

Lynne Seagle

“The ache to belong in friendship and community can be so pervasive that it colours everything we do.”—Toko-pa Turner

Breen Brown, a social researcher, says that the need for connection within all of us begins as soon as we leave the womb and without it we experience shame and excruciating vulnerability.

I know people whose lives are filled with con-nectedness as well as people who live lives filled with loneliness. I also know people who are sur-rounded by others most of the hours of the day yet suffer from the sheer loneliness of not having one friend they can truly call their own. Many of the individuals in this latter group are people who need support and help, such as older people in nursing homes and people with disabilities within service systems. All too often, we as a society think that if we take care of basic needs such as housing,

food, and daily living care then we have done enough, we have met the “need.” I disagree. I believe we must include in that list of essentials connection, friendship, and belonging to a

community. The time has come to see these very human needs as critical and as important as all the basics.

At Hope House Foundation, we support people who have found that sense of belonging, whether it be at a coffee shop in Ghent, a club in Virginia Beach, or through serving as an advocate for other people with disabilities in Portsmouth. We support individuals who are leading lives filled with connections and purpose. We also support people who struggle in their attempts to find connection and, as Toko-pa Turner says so simply, “it colours everything they do.”

We work diligently in our efforts to connect people we support with individuals, organiza-tions, causes, and small businesses. We know a life with connection is the difference between surviving and truly living. We also know that diversity in relationships strengthens people and the community as a whole. This is why we resist a system of support for people with disabilities that provides little or no opportunity to be connected to people without disabilities, an approach that makes as much sense as requiring those with blue eyes to only socialize, work, and live with others who have blue eyes. This premise, in and of itself, is inherently restrictive, but it also sets up the community to be one of disconnectedness.

I recently presented at the Leadership Institute, hosted by the University of Delaware, for leaders within the field of disabilities. One of the topics of discussion was the recent move within a few communities, ours included, toward establishing segregated communities for people with disabili-ties to live and work within. The faculty for the Institute, who are national and international lead-ers in disability issues, all agreed that this direction was not only antiquated but also unjust. Though I agree with them, I also think the consequences of these types of models limit a community in its ability to embrace and include all of its members. A vibrant community doesn’t merely have diversity, it insists upon it. This is why we at Hope House Foundation insist that people with disabilities must be supported in homes of their own within neigh-borhoods and communities that include those we don’t support. Diversity—it’s that simple. Besides, though I love blue eyes, mine happen to be green.

Many of us made resolutions for the new year and some of us may even have kept them. Either way, it’s never too late to make Hope House a part of your 2014! Did you resolve to be more involved in your community? Why not volunteer to help out at one of our events or at our thrift shop? Did you resolve to be more supportive of the arts? Consider becoming a Friend of Stockley or volunteer at the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival. Did you resolve to get or-ganized? Donate your gently used clothing, furniture, music, and more to the Hope House Thrift Shop. While you’re there, browse our furniture selection to see if we have something to assist you in your organization process.

Whatever your resolution, please keep Hope House in mind! For more information on how you can get involved, call us at (757) 625-6161.

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What Belonging means to me

“[W]hen I feel like I belong, I’m in a place where I can be myself and so can everyone else. It’s more than just

being around like-minded people. We’re different but we embrace those differences. And because we appreciate and

add to each other, we build our own community, wherever and whomever we are.”

–Jennifer Scott, Hope House supporter

By James Burney., a person served by Hope House.

Transitioning from a group home wasn’t easy, but I’m so glad I did.

When I lived in a group home there were many limitations and fewer opportunities than what I have now living in my own apartment. There were three or more people to a room with very little privacy. I felt unsafe at times due to the amount of people and the continu-ous fights among the residents. During community outings, we didn’t have an option in which activities we wanted to participate in or who we wanted to hang out with. Staff held

the keys to the kitchen which was locked at all times; if we wanted a snack, we had to get permission from staff.

I felt like I was living in an institution rather than in a group home. Not all group homes are the same but it is nice to have my apartment to call home.

To me, home is the place where I am free to be myself. It’s also the place where I am surround-ed by my own belongings and many things that represent me as an individual.

Having my own apartment in my community isn’t something that I thought would happen seven years ago. I was afraid of living in my own apartment, but with staff assistance I was able to overcome those fears.

I work as a box engineer and take classes at my local recreation center. I’m also an our Voices member and a peer advocate helping others to be self-advocates. The transition was well worth the move. Don’t let fear get in the way of your hopes, dreams, and wishes for your future.

Transition from Group Home to My Own Apartment

Have you Heard THe Buzz?The Buzz is produced by people supported by Hope House Foundation and is coordinated by Kim Enesey.

A Bright IdeaHaven’t had a chance to pick up a pair of Muzik Lounge sunglass-es yet? Don’t worry—we still have some available!

Muzik Lounge polarized sun-glasses are available for a reduced price of $20. Get yours at MuzikLounge.com, at any Muzik Lounge event, or by contacting Hope House. Remember that a portion of the proceeds from the sales of these too-cool shades will benefit Hope House Foundation.

Like Hope House, Muzik Lounge believes in supporting your local community. Since 2010, Muzik Lounge has nurtured the local music community and built a network that continues to encourage and support the local music scene. This kind of localized support and dedication makes the relationship between Hope House and Muzik Lounge the perfect partnership.

New Year, New Career?Is your New Year’s resolution to find a new or better job?

Do you want to be a part of a nationally and internationally recognized organization?

Come join us at Hope House! As a leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities we provide paid training, flexible schedules, and great benefits.

Check out our current openings at Hope-House.org.

What’s Your Resolution?

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The Eyes of Hope2013 Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival

Hope House Foundation– proud to be a partner.

Clayton Singleton and his just-earned Mayor’s Award pause for a photo with Hope House board member Jenny Thornburg.

Jonathan Aumen, winner of the Norfolk Artist Award.

Jackie Scott and the Housewreckers wowed the crowd during the after-party.

These ladies admire the wares of artist Susan Wolf.

Katie Teardrop and the Lonely Teardrops rocked the stage!

Logan Laurent kicked up the energy level of the festival as part of The Hissy Fits and All Star Women Jam.

What Belonging means to me

“It’s like a warm blanket that wraps you up and keeps you safe. It gives you purpose and meaning and makes you a part of something bigger than yourself.”

–– Scott & Amy Guirlinger, Founders of Ghent Bar Tours and Hampton Roads Kickball League

For the first time ever, the Chrysler Museum’s Mobile Glass Studio joined in the festivities!

Pint-sized Stockley support-ers got their hands dirty mak-ing art with Abrakadoodle.

Hope House representatives filled the Hampton Roads Show audience to promote the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival.

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In the next issue of HopeNews, we will explore the issue of Freedom.We will explore the concept of Freedom and what it means to the people we serve, the community and you. Please send your stories and

thoughts to sgrimes@hope-house.org.

Services Support Specialist Christina Slater leads a group activity to bring staff together.

(Left to right) Kim Rose, Taryn Subeh, and Tracey Willoughby helped the Dominion team win the prize for most spirited.

Board members Pam Katrancha and Jon Gray assist Service Director Robin Haverty (right) with judging.

Annual Retreat

Beer & BratsBelow: Judy Standing entertained guests in the KDW Home showroom. Bottom: Country tunes courtesy of Will Overman were the perfect ac-companiment to the evening.

Top: Stylist Allison Foster turned Sean Presley’s beard into a mus-tache live on stage! Above: These fellows showed off their carefully sculpted ‘staches.

Ghent Holiday ‘Stache BashThe winners of the facial hair battle, the Beards, took to the stage with their stylists from Jake’s Place.

Even Santa came out to enjoy the festivities! Above: Hope House Development Director Elena Montello (left) and Norma Dorey, owner of Jake’s Place, just had to grab a photo with the best-decorated beard in the house.

Great Gatsby Affair

Above: Worn out from dancing, these guests took a rest. Right: Everyone came dressed to the nines in their ‘20s-inspired fash-ions. Right: These flappers paused for a photo while checking out the Hope House info table. Far right: All done up, these ladies are eager to meet Mr. Gatsby!

Guests Emma Van de Klift and Norman Kunc spoke about giving and accepting help.

If you’ve been involved with Hope House for any period of time, you’ve likely heard us mention our Annual Fund. Realizing that everyone may not know how fantastic our Annual Fund is, we thought we’d take a moment to fill you in.

Basically, the Hope House Annual Fund is like your household’s annual income. It exists to cover the myriad of costs that arise over the course of the year such as building maintenance, medical costs, and all those unforeseen hiccups life tends to throw our way. All of these things must be considered and accounted for as much as possible to determine the overall health of a household’s finances.

For Hope House, this proves to be a trial because we must factor in certain environmental and funding challenges. We must consider the lack of funding for comprehensive dental services and the low level of support for anything but the most basic accessibility adaptations for our apartment units. We must account for a funding environment that prefers “projects” to the gen-eral building repair costs we face constantly. We must cover the cost of setting up a home when someone new comes to Hope House for support.

The Annual Fund allows us to conquer all these obstacles and more, so that we can ensure that the people we support are taken care of during their pursuit of independence, happiness, quality of life, and full community inclusion. But none of this is accomplished without the help of people like you who generously open your hearts and pockets to Hope House Foundation and the people we support. This is why your donation to the Hope House Annual Fund is so important and so valued.

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Annual Fund

March will be here before we know it and that means it’s almost time for Shamrockin’ in Ghent!

Join us on Friday, March 14 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, when we block off Colley Avenue (between Shirley and Gates Avenues) so you and all your friends and neighbors can come out and help Hope House celebrate all things Irish.

We will have live music by the Deloreans and Newport News Pipes and Drums, festive libations, and more—and there isn’t even a fee to participate! Yes, you read that right, Shamrockin’ in Ghent is free and open to the public. But wait, there’s more: all proceeds from Shamrockin’ in Ghent benefit Hope House Foundation! So, join us at Shamrockin’ in Ghent and kick off your St. Paddy’s Day weekend with your friends and a great cause!

Shamrockin’ in Ghent

What Belonging means to me

“Belonging means I always have a place to go and that I have

family and friends I can depend on to help me

if I need help.” –Jim O’Brien, Financial Advisor

at Edward Jones

With a variety of options to choose from, Hope House jewelry is the perfect gift for anyone—even yourself! Hope House charms are made of sterling silver and are available in small ($20) and large ($30) sizes. They are also Pandora com-patible. The lapel pins ($30) and cuff links ($50) are also made of sterling silver. The cuff links are available by request only. Proceeds from sales of the charms, lapel pins, and cuff links will benefit Hope House, making this gift one that truly keeps giving. And since this jewelry was made expressly for Hope House by our friends at Raybar Fine Jewelry of Virginia Beach, your purchase also supports local business. So, show your support for your community and pick up your Hope House jewelry today!

Now Available: Hope House Jewelry

Hope House Foundation Board of Directors

Grey Persons, PresidentJoshua Harris, Vice PresidentAnne Standing, SecretaryJonathan Gray, TreasurerPete LeddyPam KatranchaJanet DavisMatthew FineValerie Harvey, M.D.

Jacqueline SchillereffRichard C. Mapp IIIThomas Moss IIIJeff ParkerDiAna WhitePeggy MederJennifer ThornburgLynne Seagle, Executive Director

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BoARd SpotlIGHtpeggy J. MederBirthplace/Hometown: I was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and have lived in many states including North Caro-lina, Arizona, Colorado, and California. Virginia is the place I call home.

Family: I have two wonderful chil-dren. My son Justin lives in Colorado Springs and is a Military Recruiter. My daughter Brianna, lives in Virginia

Beach and has invented, patented, and designed a unique personal water hydration system. I also have two granddaughters, Avaya and Isabelle.

Interests/hobbies: Hiking, gardening, sailing, walking, bicycles, volunteer-ing, and traveling as much as I can. I am fortunate enough to participate in a Medical Mission in Peru once a year. We set up a full medical clinic where no other medical services are available. While there this past October, I was fortunate enough to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Waynapicchu trail.

Occupation/Company: I am the owner of a boutique medical spa in downtown Norfolk. Skin, A Medical Spa opened in October 2006.

What do you like best about your work? Everything from watching the client cry tears of joy when her face is restored to the way it was before the “accident,” to simply empowering the client to feel more confident, in this “beauty driven” world. We believe and promote the idea that beauty begins in our hearts and minds and through our actions. We have the unique set-ting and privilege of being able to educate and demonstrate for our clients many different lifestyles, thus allowing them to share in the blessings and rewards redeemed from sharing empathy and love for all.

Why do you volunteer with Hope House? I love the idea of Hope House allowing those we serve to belong to a community and to live with dignity, privacy, pride, and the freedom to make their own choices. I also am proud to belong to such a top-notch organization.

What does BeLOngIng mean to you? Belonging means, to me, the ability to have the freedom to be oneself within the loving arms of a sup-portive community.

Why is BeLOngIng important for people with disabilities? It rights the wrongs of our superficial and often cruel world.

20% off any purchase with this ad—thru 4/30/141800 Monticello Avenue • Norfolk

Open Mon thru Sat 10am–6pm; Sun Noon–5pm

Girls of GhentDon’t forget to pick up a 2014 girls of ghent Calendar! This calendar highlights some of Ghent’s loveliest ladies and tells the story of Poncho, one of the individuals Hope House supports, and his relationship with the staff and patrons of Cogan’s. Calendars are available at Belmont House of Smoke, Cogan’s Pizza, or Colley Cantina for $14.95. A portion of the proceeds benefits Hope House.

think of the thrift ShopDid you make a New Year’s resolution to de-clutter? Would you like to get an early start on your spring cleaning? If you answered yes, then the Hope House Thrift Shop is the perfect solution for you! Our Thrift Shop will gladly accept your donated items and we may even be able to come pick them up! Contact the Hope House Thrift Shop today at (757) 625-7493 to find more information or schedule a pickup. And don’t forget to step inside to check out the daily and bi-weekly deals! The Thrift Shop is now open on Sundays, too, so no matter when you stroll in, you’re bound to find the best bargain in town! Follow the Hope House Thrift Shop on Facebook to stay up to date on our latest specials and even get sneak peeks at new items. And remember, Hope House Foundation owns and operates our Thrift Shop, so 100% of the proceeds go toward providing support for adults with disabilities, exclusively in their own homes, right here in Hampton Roads.

eventswinter 2014Be ouR FRIeNd!

801 Boush Street Suite 302 Norfolk, VA 23510 www.hope-house.org

757-625-6161757-625-7775 fax

Hope House is a certified United Way of Hampton Roads agency. Designation #5070

In this issue Hope House Foundation explores the concept of BelongIng.

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDNorfolk, VA

Permit #535

Mar 14 Shamrockin’ in ghent sponsored by Southern Bank. Celebrate the luck of the Irish at Ghent’s St. Pat-rick’s Day street party. We close Colley Ave. from Shirley to Gates Avenues from 6 pm–10 pm for a great party and awesome bands! This event is free and open to the public. Come join us as we celebrate the one day when everyone is Irish!

April 22 Tee Off for the Children. This golf tournament will take place at Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach. A por-

tion of the proceeds from this golf tournament will benefit Hope House Foundation. For information about sponsorship opportunities and how to register your team, please contact Elena Montello at emontello@hope-house.org or (757) 625-6161 x507.

May 17–18 TowneBank presents the 30th Annual Stockley gardens Spring Arts Festival. Enjoy the works of over

140 artists in a variety of mediums such as painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and jewelry at the 30th Annual Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival on Saturday, May 17, from 10 am–5 pm and Sunday, May 18, from noon to 5 pm. The after-hours party and artists’ reception will take place on Saturday from 5 pm–7 pm. There will be live music and kids’ activities all weekend long. We will also have a variety of special attractions to help us commemorate 30 years of Stockely Gardens Arts Festivals. This event is free and open to the public.

Visit Hope-House-Thrift-Store.com to find out about the thrift store’s daily and biweekly deals!