IN OUR CIRCLE . . . Your Update from Ardmore Enterprises | March 2022
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IN THIS ISSUE
- We've Moved
- COVID-19 and Services Update
- Hello Ardmore! Mar 23 / MD ABLE Accounts
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Team Ardmore: Meet Terraia Chase (click her photo to read bio)
- Notables: Vacancy in Group Homes; Action Alert for I/DD funding
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We've Moved!
Less space...More resources for services
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On Friday, February 18th, we said goodbye to the building on Lottsford Vista Road, which was home to our administrative staff and onsite day services for nearly 30 years. Our new Administrative Office and Training Center is located just 3 miles away on Forbes Boulevard.
We are excited to power forward to our next chapter. This downsizing of space will enable us to dedicate more resources to the delivery of quality community-based services and staff development. As we unpack, organize and settle in, we are also working on plans to host a ribbon-cutting and open house in June.
Ardmore’s Administrative Office and Training Center is located at 4300 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 110, Lanham, MD 20706. Hours are 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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COVID-19 and Services Update
Vaccinated for YOU--Our Community!
We are proud to announce that 94% of our staff is vaccinated! That’s the power of caring about others.
The health and safety of those we support, their families and our staff will always be a priority. We continue to adhere to recommended COVID-19 safety protocols in our administrative offices and while providing services. Our website includes a COVID-19 Update page with helpful information and community resources.
Returning to In-person Services Now - March 31
This is a reminder to our Ardmore Family that the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) adjusted the guidelines for service delivery (Appendix K) as per a memo dated January 29, 2022 (pdf). In accordance with these directives, Ardmore is returning to in-person service delivery this month! Other changes effective March 31st include:
- in-person (not virtual) person-centered planning meetings,
- ending visitation restrictions in group homes, and
- termination of family members as paid support staff.
If you have not been contacted regarding returning to in-person supports or if you have specific questions, please email your Ardmore Team Contact.
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Family Empowerment Session: MDable Accounts
We’re back with a new format for Hello Ardmore! The revamped sessions are designed to inform and empower family members of those we support with news and information to help navigate the I/DD world. These theme-centered sessions will include a subject-matter expert presentation, plus time-sensitive highlights on Ardmore services and upcoming events. An invitation to the first meeting with a short questionnaire about topics important to you will be emailed soon.
DATE: Wednesday, March 23 TIME: 6:00pm - 7:30pm TOPIC: MarylandABLE - a savings program to assist individuals and families in saving private funds to support individuals with disabilities. PRESENTER: John Shatto
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Lola Oyewole: An Ardmore Frontline Hero
Governor Larry Hogan designated Feb. 7-13, 2022 as Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Week in Maryland. We submitted to the governor’s office a short salute to recognize one of our frontline heroes: Lola Oyewole.
Ms. Oyewole is one of Ardmore’s longtime, dedicated, Direct Support Professionals. Last fall, a person supported by Ardmore was admitted to the hospital in declining health. The situation was dire and due to Covid restrictions there was no contact with people other than hospital staff. After being assigned to hospice care, the person supported reunited with Ms. Oyewole. It was then that the person perked up, projected a beaming smile and started to heal.
That’s the power of a DSP’s commitment to quality person-centered support. That’s the power of heart-care!
Help Us Build a Stronger Team Ardmore
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Welcome Aboard New Employees!
Abosede Adekuebi, Residential Coordinator; Adebukola Adeloye, Residential Counselor; Lydia Aimone, LTSS Administrator; Abiodun Akinwumi, Residential Coordinator; Teboh Awasum Malcolm, Residential Coordinator; Aissatou Camara, Residential Coordinator; Jenelle Champ, Residential Coordinator; Terraia Chase, Director of Meaningful Day and Employment Services; Amah Diaby, Residential Coordinator; Apria Gallman, Employment Job Coach; Damond Herndon, Residential Coordinator; Olayinka Iginla, Residential Coordinator; Marco Jackson, Community Support Specialist; Shawnta Johnson, Residential Counselor; Janae Jones, Residential Counselor; Elizabeth Lamidi, Residential Coordinator; Dekontee Logan, Residential Coordinator; Yetunde Martins, Community Support Specialist; Candice Milstead, Community Support Specialist; Sharnice McCorkle, Residential Coordinator; Elfleta Nixon, Manager of Nursing; Anthony Oguogho, Delagating Nurse; Willy Ohue, Community Support Specialist; Abimbola Oluwatosin Oladoke, Community Support Specialist; Olabimpe Olaitan, Residential Counselor; Emmanuel Omole, Residential Counselor; Phebean Snell, Residential Coordinator; Lionel Tafo, Residential Counselor; Yannick Wuno, Residential Counselor.
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Notables!
Vacancy in Group Homes
Our Community Living Services support people in homes based on their individual preferences and needs, encouraging independence and personal success. We have openings in group homes in Bowie and Bethesda. Please contact Pamela Brown, Director of Outreach and Admissions, to learn more about these residential opportunities.
Action Alert: Marylanders with Disabilities Need Supports Now!
Funding for DDA Community Services is significantly less than what is need for providers to continue to provide quality services and supports to Marylanders with I/DD. Please contact Governor Larry Hogan and Secretary David Brinkley, Department of Budget and Management. [Read more.]
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The theme for 2022 is World’s Imagined--a look at how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are living their lives as no one would have imagined even a decade ago. Visit our home page for a mini-video that highlights #DDAwareness2022.
Powering Forward Campaign
We want to thank the many individuals who help us nearly reach our end-of-year fundraising goal. And, we specifically want to give a ‘shout out’ to a few special supporters: Joan and Roger Ishimoto, TSpec, Bitner-Henry, and The Law Office of Midgett S. Parker, P.A.
Consider making a donation to acknowledge Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Your support continues to POWER our mission.
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A Visitor to Our New Space
On February 25, Gregory stopped by Ardmore's new Administrative Office and Training Center. Lara gave him a full tour and he gave his stamp of approval for the space. Tasha solicited decorating advice and Gregory recommended adding pictures and a chair to her office. (If you look very closely you'll see the smile in Gregory's eyes!)
Gregory has received Residential Services from Ardmore since 2016.
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Gregory poses with [LEFT] Tasha Dickerson-Johnson and [RIGHT] Mariama Kassim and Lara Solesi.
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Empowering People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
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