The Advocate

January 2006

The Dark Side Of Community:

What Do We Do When People We Serve

Break The Law?

Wednesday evening Roger walked out in front of a car in the middle of a block and was thrown up over the hood, top of the car, and trunk. He miraculously somersaulted over the car and landed on his feet before he landed face up on the pavement.

At the hospital emergency room, Roger was found to have a few cuts, bruises, and he complained of soreness in his wrists, shoulder, hips, and ankles. “The good news,” reported his ISC the next day, “no broken bones or concussion.” However, his wallet contained something quite extraordinary.

Amidst the joy of bringing Roger home with no serious injuries the hospital staff handed the provider staff and ISC the contents of Roger’s wallet. Thirty-eight $100 bills.

Almost in unison those present said, “Where did that kind of money come from?”

Everyone was surprised because Roger was unemployed from his supported employment job as a part-time janitor of a fast food restaurant for the past three months and his support team was trying to help him find another job. He had turned down two offers because he didn’t like the work. In addition, it was very unusual for Roger to have more than $5 in his wallet because of the way his conservator arranged the distribution of cash.

His social security money is automatically deposited into his checking account and at the insistence of his conservator he receives assistance in money management. He has a history of hoarding his money and street robbers have stolen money from him twice over the past ten years.

During the next several days, a story emerged that resulted in a support team meeting to decide what should be done that would be in Roger’s best interest, the support team’s interest, and the two agencies responsible for providing Roger with living and vocational supports.

Roger is a forty-year old person with mental retardation. He is served by a provider agency and an independent support coordination agency in an attempt to provide him with supports that will allow him to live and work in the community. He is a person who is able to take care of many of his own needs; however, he needs assistance with paying bills, some self maintenance reminders, reminders to take important medications, and from time-to-time he needs assistance in interacting appropriately with others. He occasionally buys alcohol and drinks to excess; however, he does not, as he says, “do drugs.” His conservator has a long relationship with Roger and has helped him through the passage of leaving an institution for life in the community, his medical needs, and his need for guidance, especially with matters related to drinking alcohol and money management.

During the investigation staff found that Roger had an unofficial part-time job “running” money and drugs between customers and a seller at a local drive-in. He is paid between $5 and $25 for each delivery he makes. He is paid in cash every night and he goes to the bank to have his small bills converted into $100 dollar bills or larger from time to time.

Support team members including Roger’s conservator were dumbfounded to learn about his “job,” and members could not agree on how to proceed with the best way to help Roger. All agreed that Roger was involved in an illegal activity that needed to stop.

Some support team members felt the drug running should be reported to the police. Others, including the conservator had strong opinions that it was not the responsibility of the support team to report the illegal activity. They wanted closer supervision, more intense support in getting Roger a job and increased relationships that would divert Roger from associating with anyone in the drug community. The support coordinator said, “Well, although we are divided, we know what we want for Roger, I wonder what Roger wants to do with his life given the events of the past several days?”

If you were a member of Roger’s support team, what recommendations would you make that would be in the best interest of all concerned? What needs to happen?

Here are a few responses from The Arc Board and staff members:

“Where was Roger’s supervision in the evenings when he was smuggling drugs? There are many examples of individuals with disabilities being taken advantage of, and this is one of those instances. As his ISC, I would explain to him that his actions were illegal, and he would have to return the money to the police. I would then contact the police and explain the situation. Hopefully the police would appreciate someone coming forward to stop the drug smuggling from continuing.”

“Client confidentiality should be a major consideration before reporting to the police Roger’s involvement. Roger could be removed from the situation before law enforcement looked into the problem. The next step could be an intervention with Roger and his support team, explaining to Roger where he erred and the consequences that follow from poor decision-making. His support team needs to explore why Roger is attracted to the people at the drive-in in the first place. A positive approach would be to introduce him to people that provide a more positive influence. Roger’s employment team needs to identify the ideal job for him based on his likes and dislikes. The goal should be transferring Roger’s desires to be at the drive-in to a desire to be a productive member of society. When Roger feels comfortable in the workforce, accepted as a coworker, and included in all aspects of the workplace culture, he will be happier and develop a greater sense of self-worth.”

“It is often a difficult task to ascertain supervision and how many supports to provide to individuals that are served by provider agencies and independent support coordination. At what point does our assistance become interference, and how well are we listening when an individual shares with us what they want in life? In Roger’s situation, it appears that he lost a job he enjoyed and has begun supplementing his income with a “part-time” job. Maybe Roger feels that his need for employment isn’t being taken seriously. He’s already been offered two jobs that he wasn’t interested in. If his interests were examined, his support team could assist him in applying for a job he really wanted. His team needs to explain that running drugs is not an acceptable option. A strategy needs to be put in place to assist Roger in managing his own funds. The persons responsible for paying Roger to run drugs need to be turned in to the police. Hopefully the police would agree that Roger has been exploited and not prosecute him.”

Family Support:

Keeping Families Together

The Arc of Washington County began its Family Support Program in 1992. The program is offered to assist persons with disabilities and their families in their efforts to remain together in their homes and communities. Family Support is often described as “whatever it takes.”

The Arc’s Family Support Program serves seven counties in East Tennessee. Our service areas include Washington, Carter, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, Sullivan and Hancock counties. The program is funded under an agreement with the state of Tennessee, Department of Finance and Administration and the Division of Mental Retardation Services.

Families are the greatest resource available to each other. The values of the program are deeply rooted in family involvement and empowerment to provide what the person or family needs in order to function in their home and community. Its goals are centered around keeping the family together by providing assistance so the person with a disability may live at home or in an independent setting. Family Support works to improve the caregiving ability of families and helps them find and use available supports.

The Family Support Program consists of three active councils. The majority of the council’s members are individuals with disabilities or family members of individuals with disabilities. The three councils represent the program at the state, district and local levels. The State Council participates with the Division of Mental Retardation Services in the development of program policies and procedures and the implementation of the Family Support Program. The District and Local Councils advise Family Support agencies, provide oversight and make recommendations to the state council in funding needs and priorities for services.

Family Support can provide respite care, personal assistance, homemaker services, child care, minor home repairs, specialized equipment, clothing, supplies, nutritional needs, vehicle modifications, nursing services and any other assistance the family needs to remain together and/or maintain independence. Once needs are determined and approval has been granted from a local council, an individualized plan will be developed for the person or family receiving support. Currently approximately 150 individuals are approved to receive Family Support services. Unfortunately, there are approximately 200 more people on waiting lists to receive services in our service area.

The Family Support Program is one of the most “family friendly” and cost effective programs for which a majority of families are very thankful. For more information, please contact us at (423) 928-9362, extension 215.

Monitoring Process Proves Helpful To

Early Intervention Program

The Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process (CIMP) is the name the Tennessee Department of Education gives to a self-evaluation process that helps agencies meet Part C regulations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

In April 2005, Little Folks Early Intervention Specialists and our Arc’s Executive Director presented the results of a self-assessment and a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) to a committee of community participants that included a parent, board member, member of the Tennessee Early Intervention System, and the Executive Director of an agency providing community supports to families and children. In August 2005, the PIP was approved by the Department of Education.

Our early intervention program achieved compliance with 23 of the required 30 indicators. Seven indicators were partially met. Scores for the self-assessment varied from a low of 0% for Transition outcomes to a high of 100% for Public Awareness, Family-Centered Services, Personnel, and General Supervision.

The next step in the continuous monitoring process is to prepare an Annual Performance Report (APR). This report will include information on progress or slippage from the seven partially met indicators in the PIP. By March 1, 2006, staff will prepare and submit reports of future activities and/or strategies to achieve and maintain projected targets. Staff will identify timelines and resources for meeting targets.

One important area noted for improvement within this fiscal year was the need to assist families with transition from early intervention supports and services into the wider world of preschool and/or community experiences. A transition plan is developed in collaboration with the family, to enable the child and family to move smoothly from one system to another. More intensity has been given to helping each family explore transition options.

In efforts to improve transition planning, a team was created consisting of staff from Little Folks, Tennessee’s Early Intervention System (TEIS), Teaching Hands, and Tennessee Infant Parent Service (TIPS). The goal of this team is to create a transition packet that can be shared with families during the planning process. The packet is near completion and will be a valuable resource for families.

New Faces In The Arc’s

Greeneville Office

David Carico is our most recent addition and comes to us with 10 years of experience in working with individuals with disabilities. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. David is married with a 14 month old daughter named Chloe. “David is a great person with a wonderful heart who has a tremendous work ethic,” said Elizabeth Cox, ISC Manager.

Erica Beach graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Said Elizabeth, “From day one, Erica picked right up and has had no problems learning her new job as an independent support coordinator.” Her previous work experience includes working with children with physical, emotional, and/or developmental disabilities. Away from the Arc, Erica is married with three children.

Melandie Akins is a University of Tennessee graduate with a Bachelors of Science and Social Work “She has done well, is dependable and is developing a good knowledge of the people she serves,” said Elizabeth.

She fits in well with everyone at the Arc, and takes the initiative to get things done. Melandie was recently married.

The Advocate Special Insert

January 2006

Church Hill, Tennessee:

A Community Of Caring Citizens

In a world of “what have you done for me lately” it is refreshing to realize there are individuals and groups living within our community whose hearts, minds, and efforts collaborate in loving kindness and compassion. There are people in our community who go the extra mile to help those in need. Yes, at times, it may be somewhat inconvenient, it may be added work to an already overloaded schedule, but the reward that comes from putting someone else’s need above your own is immeasurable.

A town is not always a community. People may live near each other, wave to each other and become hi-bye neighbors. They pay taxes, shop in the same stores, pass each other on the way to and from work, worship at the same church and still not be a community. People often say they live in a community but when they look in the mirror they see they have become isolated and fragmented. Other than a wave here and there and sharing space in church, school, or clubs they spend the majority of their time alone in a house that may or may not be a home. They become a pretend community.

People become a community when they put the values of respect, service, support and love of others into action. They are a community when they extend a helping hand, heart, and/or prayers to all who need it.

Together, people form a community when their thoughts, words, and actions demonstrate that caring for others is more than words. Some would say it is the reason for our birth.

The community of Church Hill, Tennessee saw the need of a fellow community member and answered the call. They demonstrated to all of us what it means to be a community.

Frank Davis, an individual with disabilities served by the Arc of Washington County’s independent support coordination program was in need of major assistance to improve the deteriorating condition of his house and the property on which it is situated.

He lives in Church Hill with his 86 year old mother who takes care of him. He has spent 45 of his 56 years in this house that is home to him and his mother. This is the home where many in the community have watched him grow into the man he is today. This is the home that welcomed Frank for 35 years after each day’s work at the Church Hill Elementary School cafeteria. He loves this home, and the community of Church Hill loves him.

Enter First Methodist Church of Church Hill. Frank has been a member of First Methodist his entire life. The many members of the church know Frank and his family and many have volunteered alongside Frank through church activities.

Several groups within the church got together and decided they would like to help Frank and his mother fix up their house that was in need of so many repairs. “The church saw it as an outreach mission to assist Frank and his mother, Louise, in getting their home repaired,” said First Methodist Pastor, Ron Ramsey.

“Frank has been such a blessing to our congregation. I think we felt like we were returning a blessing for all the things Frank has done for us over the years.”

“Frank has assisted in the Sunday School department by keeping the class roles for years. E.B. Bridges and Becky Ferrell have been instrumental in coordinating the effort on behalf of the church.”

Together, with the help of Susie Cline, Frank’s independent support coordinator, the congregation put together a team of community members who were also interested in helping.

Jimmy’s Lawn Service has already redone the landscaping around the home to include mowing, trimming and cutting down trees. First Baptist Church of Church Hill has replaced the underpinning of the house. The men of First Methodist are undertaking painting, redoing electrical work, and repairing the roof. The women of the church have gone in and cleaned the inside of the house from top to bottom.

Frank’s independent support coordinator worked with area companies to donate money for much needed supplies. Community Clothes Closet, Church Hill Ruritan, Families First, and a fellow church member all answered the call and donated funds for the effort. “Everyone has been so willing to pitch in and help Frank and his family. The support we have received from these people and organizations has been amazing,” said Susie Cline, Frank’s independent support coordinator.

In addition, Frank was recently hospitalized. “In order to be released following his illness, he needed assistance at home beyond what his mother could manage,” explained Linda Tilson, family support coordinator. Enter the Family Support Program of The Arc of Washington County. They provided respite services for Frank, so that he was able to return to the comfort of his own home.

Love, a sense of belonging and support from others are things we all hope to possess. Frank and his family have been shown what can happen when people don’t look the other way; when they don’t assume someone else will take care of it. They have been shown kindness, unselfishness and love from a very caring community.

As with any project, the home renovations did not happen overnight. It took time and a lot of effort from many different groups, who were all willing to come to the aid of a fellow citizen. Some by donating funds; some by donating their time and effort; some who did both; all who donated a small portion of themselves to improve the quality of life for another. Isn’t that what community is all about?

We celebrate and honor the people of Church Hill.

We are thankful they allow us to be part of the love they share for helping others in need. They are fulfilling the vision of community expressed by the first governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop who wrote in 1630, “We must delight in each other, make others’ condition our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our community as members of the same body.”

In this article the words “house” and “home” have been used to describe where Frank and his mother live. Many people live in houses that are not homes. They, unlike, Frank do not have mothers who love them. Some houses are filled with anger, despair, abuse, neglect, and worse. These are not homes.

Frank’s friends and helpers have come to appreciate that Frank lives in a house that is also a home. He lives with a mother who loves him and he returns that love. Because of the love Church Hill has shown for Frank and his mother and the love they show for those in the community who have so lovingly supported and helped them it can be said that Church Hill is a home.

Living together, helping, and loving each other is what creates home. Bill Schiers, executive director, shares one of his stories about the difference between house and home:

“A family was once forced to live in a hotel during the depression. A little girl was riding the elevator from the rooms down to the main floor when a man said, ’You’re that little girl from the family that doesn’t have a home.’ The little girl said, ’We have a home, we just don’t have a place to put it.’”