IN OUR CIRCLE . . . Your Update from Ardmore Enterprises | December 2021
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Powering Forward!
Together, Building Vibrant Inclusive Communities for Everyone.
We received a letter from the Teasley family last fall that continues to be an inspiration to our entire team... a motivation to Power Forward and provide the best person-centered, community-engaged supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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The letter, written in support of National Direct Support Professionals Week, acknowledged the appreciation the family had for each member of their daughter's support team. With the compassionate, attentive and professional support of her Ardmore Team, their daughter Tiara is POWERING FORWARD and preparing to move from her parent’s home to a place of her own. [READ MORE ABOUT TIARA AND THE TEASLEY FAMILY]
We are proud of our staff—the women and men who continue to power forward and deliver life-changing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Their work embodies who Ardmore really is... the Ardmore you’ve come to trust and support.
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As our region moves closer toward a post-pandemic society, we are developing 'inclusion' opportunities and restructuring services to reconnect the people we support to their community life.
We ask for your help to reach our annual appeal goal of $25,000 by December 31, 2021 through our Powering Forward campaign. Your Powering Forward gift will enable us to:
- Bolster our safety practices and staff trainings for in-person services;
- Attract and retain more direct support professionals—our essential staff;
- Broaden our employer network and intensify training for job seekers;
- Customize accessibility and improvements to our residential properties; and
- Offer more support and learning resources for our Ardmore families.
With YOU, we continue to foster IN COMMUNITY TOGETHER spirit and build bridges of inclusion that will promote engaged vibrant communities for all people. Your support POWERS our mission.
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Returning to Full In-Person Supports in January
For the last seven months, we have been transitioning back to in-person services. As of January 2022, we will fully return to in-person services in alignment with guidelines for service delivery from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
Effective January 1, 2022:
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In-person services and support for participation in activities outside of a person’s home resume.
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Virtual services, which must be approved in advance, will be limited and provided based on the unique needs of each person.
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Family supports will no longer be provided as an Ardmore service.
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Person Centered Planning team meetings will be held in-person in our Administrative Office Building.
We are confident that the people we support will benefit from being more engaged in community activities. However, we understand that not everybody will be ready January 1st to fully return to participating in activities outside of their homes every day. We will work with each person who has chosen Ardmore for support and their family to address specific concerns and needs.
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Office Hours and Safety Protocols
We continue to adhere to recommended COVID-19 safety protocols in our administrative offices and while providing services. Ardmore’s Administrative office is currently open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Masks and physical distancing are required while in the building.
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As part of our POWERING FORWARD commitment to provide excellent, person-centered supports, we strive to build our team with staff who are reliable, dependable, motivated, compassionate and, most importantly, believe that every person has the right to determine the direction of their own life.
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New team members at December orientation.
(L-R) Dumile Vilakazi, Latoya Wilkins-Charles, Jacqueline Fennel and Precious McDonald.
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Join us in welcoming new team members:
Ololade Amoo, Residential Counselor; Modupe Ayanda, Residential Counselor; Camari Berry, Community Support Specialist; Imani Brown, Employment Job Coach; Tyrell Butler, Residential Counselor; Tiarra Davis, Residential Counselor; Olukunle Adewale, Residential Counselor; Abimbola Akinwinsolu, Residential Counselor; Diamond Elliott, Residential Counselor; Adejoke Fadipe, Residential Counselor; Jacqueline Fennel, Residential Counselor; Monique Forrester, PCP Specialist; Tyler Graham, Community Support Specialist; Lauren Hairsine, PCP Specialist; Kyle Hopkins, Community Support Specialist; Sharon Hunt, Residential Counselor; Terri Hutchinson, Residential Counselor; Oluwatoyin Jaiyesimi, Residential Counselor; Deanda Keene, Community Support Specialist; Claire Kamdem, Residential Counselor; Paula LaFemina, Personal Supports Counselor; Elizabeth Lockard, Residential Counselor; Stacy Lucas, Residential Counselor; Ebony McDonald, Human Resources Manager; Reanna Mixon, Community Support Specialist; Precious Moore, Residential Counselor; Tonia Myrick, Residential Counselor; Ogochukwu Nnorom, Residential Counselor; Chioma Nwobike, Residential Counselor; Tamara Rose, Family Support Professional; Monica Ross, Residential Counselor; Opel Royall, Residential Counselor; Tiffany Smithmyer, Residential Counselor; Emmanuel Omole, Residential Counselor; Dumile Vilakazi, Residential Counselor; Dorothy West, Residential Counselor; Latoya Wilkins-Charles, Residential Counselor.
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Holiday performance includes two people supported by Ardmore
We are proud of Montez and Dexter, who were selected as cast members for the live Six Flags America holiday production "Behold the Messiah" on December 12th. The production, at the Bowie theme park, runs through January 2.
PHOTO BELOW LEFT: Montez, 2nd from right. PHOTO BELOW RIGHT: Dexter]
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PGPC Pathways to Employment AWARDS!
Sean Bailey, who receives supports from Ardmore, was spotlighted at The Prince George's Provider Council (PGPC) awards ceremony for his grit and determination to pursue employment during the pandemic. Team Member Irma Lawton was recognized as a 2021 Direct Support Professional Award nominee at the October virtual event.
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Upcoming
Look for another issue of IN OUR CIRCLE late-January.
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Happy Holidays!
Joy Peace Hope
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Empowering People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
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