volume 25/#1 • winter 2015

in this issuep2 Lynne Wins!

p3 Special Needs Trusts p4 Eyes of Hope

p6 Peer Advocacy

p7 Spotlight

Lessons from the RetreatThere’s a big difference be-tween living in the community and truly participating in that community. And there’s a big difference between having a job and having a career that you love. At Hope House Foundation, every employee is the personification of our mission and philosophy. These are not just abstract concepts. Through our services, our community par-ticipation and our advocacy, we make these ideas a reality every day. We practice what we preach, not just with the people we support, but with the people who work at Hope House. We practice kindness, acceptance, diversity, inclu-sion, respect and a belief that we can all make a difference, every day.

Throughout the year, we hold staff retreats that focus on personal and professional development. And, our annual retreat in September is not to be missed. This year, we welcomed Byron Morgan, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vinyl-mint, a web-based application that

allows users to crowd-source the sound

design process.

Lynne met Bryon at the local TED talks and was impressed with his dynamic presentation on the keys to a happier life. His lessons are worth repeating to our community.

Make your passion your jobTo feel motivated about the work that you do, it is important to do the things that you love doing. More importantly, to sustain this passion you must do the things that you love doing while making a living from this activity. Success is defined by how you feel about the work or things that you have accomplished. Identify the thing that you love about your work, or that one thing that you would do if money was not an option. Thereafter, find an industry or job that allows you to do that daily. You will feel rewarded after your accomplishment of that task.

Make time to be ultra-expressiveMake time to be creative. Make time to love someone or to spend time with family members that give you posi-tive energy and love. Often times, people are positioned in different roles that make them feel like they have to have a less expressive form of their actual personality. This can cause frustration, anxiety, and when bottled up long enough-- anger. Make time to be yourself routinely, and find ways to let your personality show through your work.

Your habits define your timeYour time is the only thing in life that you cannot regain. Therefore, each minute is precious. We are all guilty of bad habits. The problem lies in knowing how to change those habits. Habits come from your weekly routine. Your weekly routine is defined by your daily schedule. To change your habits, you have to change your daily routine. Make a list of all the things that you do daily for seven days. There you will find the disruptive routines stopping you from changing your bad habits.

To learn more about Byron and Vinylmint, visit vinylmint.com or meet him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Vinylmint.

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

Three keys to a happier life

“The difference between hearing and listening is attention.”—Seth S. Horowitz

Most of us know the feeling of truly being listened to and understood. It often occurs among close friends, couples and children with their parents. Sometimes it’s with our mechanic, our doctor or a sales clerk. If we are fortunate, we find places of employment where it happens, maybe with a coworker or even a supervisor. At Hope House Foundation we have created a formal process for listening and it’s called participatory management.

Listening, and clearly understanding the various points of view within our organization, is a critical and fundamental skill needed within all staff roles---whether it is the introduction of a new policy or debating various ideas to meet the seemly non-ending introduction of new regulations. Listening is embedded in our management practices, our teamwork and most importantly our work in sup-

porting people with disabilities. It defines who we are and allows us to support people in lives that reflect their choices and the essence of what defines them as individuals. Hearing is

The Importance of Listening

From the Executive Director

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Dear Lynne,

I just read your one pager at the back of the annual report. Words fail me. I wept. Really. You are a soul of giant heart and integrity. I am so glad our paths touched in this life.

—James Conroy, PhDCenter for Outcome Analysis

lynne Seagle

easy, and for the vast majority of people it occurs without effort, but listening, the act of giving our full attention takes effort and discipline.

To implement the principle and value of listening in an organizational structure such as ours is a so-phisticated endeavor and one that cannot be un-dertaken without clear and intentional processes and forums. Practice does not create perfection but it sure helps in establishing the habit.

I don’t believe you can be a human service orga-nization that thrives and succeeds without having a culture that values and teaches listening skills. If we cannot listen well and with attention to one another then how can we adequately listen to people with disabilities, many of who communi-cate in ways that differ from ours.

The staff members working directly with people with disabilities will often share stories of suc-cess, hope, inspiration and the like. More times than not, you will find the key kernel of wisdom, creativity and innovation was in the act of listen-ing and thereby understanding what a person wants or even needs in their life.

Much of our funding is tied to tasks, support-ing someone in bathing, assisting someone in preparing their dinner or sorting out their bills and finances. Listening is not a billable service but it should be, because this is where life begins when you need assistance. To live your life in a way that makes sense to you starts with those who support you truly understanding what you want your life to entail. Though the larger system will tout values around listening, the reality often times does not show evidence that people with disabilities are sincerely listened to, especially around such important areas as where to live and work. Current research shows that the vast majority of people with disabilities do not want to live in congregate settings and if given a choice of having their own home with the necessary supports would leap at the chance. The same is true in the workplace, people with disabilities in national surveys prefer to work in employment settings where the work-force is not defined by a shared label.

When I look back and contemplate our decision to close all of our group homes in favor of supporting people in their own homes and apartments it was not because we were so ahead of our time or that we were exceptionally innovative. It is really quite simple and basic, we simply listened.

Lynne Wins Women in BusinessWe are very proud to announce that Lynne Seagle has been presented a Women in Business Award from Inside Business. The annual list recognizes outstanding women in the community who have demonstrat-ed their talent as businesswomen, mentors and volunteers. They’ve all achieved success and are sharing their skills and knowledge with the local community. We’ve always known that Lynne stands out from the crowd. In this particular crowd, she is a deserving and distinctive member.

Listening, the act of giving our full attention, takes

effort and discipline.

What Belonging means to me

“By building relations we create a source of love and personal pride and belonging that makes living

in a chaotic world easier. –Susan Lieberman

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If you have a family member with special needs, you’ve probably heard of a special needs trust. A special needs trust, SNT, is a type of trust that allows the trust’s beneficiary to enjoy the benefit of the trust’s assets without jeopardizing the beneficiary’s eligibility for certain public benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. An SNT is established by the Grantor, who appoints a Trustee to manage the trust’s assets and make distributions for the benefit of the beneficiary. There are several types of special needs trusts, but one major distinction is that of a First-Party SNT versus a Third-Party SNT.

First-Party SNT

A First-Party SNT, also known as a Self-Settled SNT, is usually established because an individual receives an inheritance or proceeds from a personal injury or other lawsuit. Although a First-Party SNT is funded by beneficia-ry’s assets, it must be established by a parent, grandparent, guardian or the court. The beneficiary must be under the age of 65 and qualify as someone with disabilities, and the trust must provide that at the beneficiary’s death, the State shall be repaid for the Medicaid services provided during the individual’s life. This is known as the Medicaid payback provision.

Third-Party SNT

A Third-Party SNT is usually established as part of the estate plan of the beneficiary’s parents and/or grandparents. Additionally, a Third-Party SNT can receive lifetime gifts. Because a Third-Party SNT is funded with assets owned by someone other than the beneficiary, it does not contain a Medic-aid payback provision.

Special Needs Trusts 101By Brian Boys, Attorney with Atlantic Law, PLC

GiviNG Love. Janet Davis, a Hope House Foundation Board Member, and Mario Merlo were wed on october 25. The cou-ple, who reside in Norfolk, decided their best gift from family and friends would be support for Hope House Foundation. To date, more than $1,000 has been received and the donations continue. What a lovely tribute to this joyous marriage. We thank them and wish them many years of love and happiness.

Home Depot Tackles Granby StreetIn October, Home Depot brought 13 volunteers including two Behr Paint representatives and 11 Home Depot employees to the Hope House apart-ment building on Granby Street. The team did a complete makeover of the building with paint, built a new shed and landscaping. It looks terrific, and we appreciate the home improvements.

Hope House Foundation– proud to be a partner.4

The Eyes of HopeChelsea West Fest The first Chelsea West Fest was held October 4. It was a celebration including music, vendors and more!

Right: Southern Culture on the SkidsBelow: Todd Owens, Stockley Gardens Arts Festival Norfolk Artist Award winner, takes part in Chelsea West Fest

What Belonging means to me

“We are driven by five genetic needs: survival, love and belonging,

power, freedom, and fun.” ––William Glasser

Above Middle: The Esoteric Ramblers Above: Local honey from Horseshoe Point Honey

Gina Dalmas

Jeff Maisey, Editor of VEER Magazine

Hope House Foundation Board President Grey Persons

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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 weserve, the community and you. Please send your stories and thoughts to

emontello@hope-house.org.

2014 Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival

Lynne Seagle, Executive Director of Hope House Foundation

Brunch hosted by Mollie and Tom McCune

Larry, loyal Festival volunteer for more than 15 years

Suzuki Strings of Hampton Roads, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for Suzuki Method trained students to perform together and build community.

The Fall Stockley Gardens Arts Festival is our way to build community through the arts.

Debbie Hearst-Gregory, Helen G. Gifford Foundation and Best in Show sponsor, Amber Poole, Best in Show winner, and Elena Montello, Festival Director

Larry, loyal Festival volunteer for more than 15 years

Join us and the ARC of Virginia at the General Assembly for the Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Day. We need our voices heard to sup-port initiatives in Virginia in support of “The New Virginia Way.” We have an historic opportunity

to redefine our service system, but it begins with the policies and legislation we act on today. Now is the time to implement “The New Virginia Way.”

“The New Virginia Way” ensures that all people with ID/DD, including those with the most complex needs, have access to truly integrated, community-based services.

Principles of “The New Virginia Way”

“The New Virginia Way” emphasizes and promotes competitive employment, integrated housing, meaningful relationships and commu-nity inclusion.

“The New Virginia Way” demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, quality and protection of human rights.

“The New Virginia Way” embraces the principles of self-determination, helping people with ID/DD have freedom, authority and control over their own lives.

The recently approved U.S. v. Virginia settlement agreement provides a great framework to sup-port “The New Virginia Way,” but it takes work to make it happen.

Hope House Foundation is a member of the ARC of Virginia and supports its missions and goals. We hope you will join them and us in support of this vital movement.

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

My name is James Burney. People call me Mr. Burney. I am a member of our Voice and a peer advocate. I like being a peer advocate because I feel encouraged and a sense of self-worth when helping others to voice their wants and wishes. Sometimes I know it might be hard to talk to others about problems you have but you are not alone. When faced with a problem you can’t fix its okay to reach out for help. Sometimes you might have a problem at your place of employment, services you are receiving etc. Peer advocates are available to help. A peer advocates can arrange a meeting to see how we can help you come up with solutions to your problem. Please feel free to contact me at Jamesburney20@yahoo.com if you have any questions or if you would like to talk.

Did someone say peer advocacy?

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

2015 Advocacy Day is January 26

our THANkS To THe ToWNeBANk eLveS (TowneBank employees and their families) who showed up on November 22 to decorate the admin office for the holidays and deliver 40 boxes of food. They made all of the angel ornaments on the tree out of coffee filters, doilies, Styrofoam, and wire. This was part of volunteer Hampton roads’ annual Family voLuNTeer Day.

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 MederTom McCune, M.D.Lynne Seagle, Executive Director

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SpoTLiGHTScrapbooking!Tim and JoAnne Sherman, parents of a man supported at Hope House, in partnership with Barrett Transitional Home at Norview Baptist Church, have organized a scrapbooking program. One of the women taking part is Nell, who lives at Bison. She likes to use pic-tures of herself, her friends and staff. The program encourages her gather more pictures of her doing things at home and in the community. “I enjoy it because it’s fun and someplace to put my pictures for my friends to look at when they come to my apartment,” said Nell. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman bring all the materials, including albums and assist Nell and other participants with their projects. Nell encourages others to try it one time. “You’ll see it’s fun!”

20% off any purchase with this ad—Thru 4/30/151800 Monticello Avenue • Norfolk

Open Monday thru Sunday 10am–6pm

Grainger Foundation Irina Reynolds (left) and Ryan Sykes (right) with the Grainger Foundation present Elena Montello a $10,000 check to renovate the bathrooms in the homes of people who live at Princess Anne. The upgrades will ensure that all bathrooms are handicap accessible.

What Belonging means to me

“Positive feelings come from being honest about yourself … and, from

belonging to a family that accepts you without question.”

– Willard Scott

What’s Your resolution?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 2015!

Did you resolve to be more involved in your community? Why not volun-teer 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 organized? 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.

eventswinter 2015Be 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

Feb 19 Feather the Nest. 6 p.m. The 4th Annual Feather the Nest will be held at KDW Home and Shades of Light in Virginia Beach. The music and food event draws hundreds of people who bring gifts and home décor items for the 123 people served by Hope House Foundation.

Mar 13 Shamrockin’ in Ghent sponsored by Southern Bank. Celebrate the luck of the Irish at Ghent’s St. Patrick’s Day street party when 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. May 16–17 TowneBank presents the 31st Annual Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival. Enjoy 140 artists, live

music and kids’ activities all weekend. 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!