Billy’s out and about town!!!

It was great to catch you out in Louisville today, Billy. It makes you wonder what he will be up to next!!

Look who’s prowling around Louisville! Billy, a client and long-time friend of Dreams with Wings, was caught having lunch at Wendy’s with staff member Lori. Billy’s been out and about Louisville, with his friend Pauline recently. He also visited the Pumpkin Stroll hosted by Dreams with Wings. When asked what he was going to be doing in the future, he said he can’t wait to see what the next event is that Dreams with Wings will be hosting.

How it all began

Jenifer with her daughter

Dreams With Wings, Inc. was founded in June of 2000 by Jenifer Frommeyer, who is the current Executive Director, along with two current board members, Mary Scheen and Jane Naiser.  Jenifer Frommeyer has a background in providing services to individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities and is the mother of a son with Down Syndrome.  Jane Naiser has a daughter with mental retardation and Mary Scheen has a sister with mental retardation.  They realized the great need for quality services for this population and had personal experience with the long waiting lists for individuals as they became older and ineligible for services they had received as children.  They were dedicated to creating a program that focused on allowing the individuals served to grow and flourish.  Their biggest concern was creating a quality program that helped each individual to meet their full potential.

 

 

 

With a start-up grant of $25,000 from Seven Counties, they started providing housing for adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.  In 2000, they served four people.  In 2008, Dreams With Wings has grown to provide not only housing, but also community habilitation (day programming), supported employment, recreation, therapies, supported apartments, and general life skills.  Dreams With Wings now serves over 100 individuals with a budget of $2 million dollars.  Dreams With Wings has a long waiting list for each of its programs and has the difficult task of turning clients away.

 

Dreams With Wings differentiates its services from other providers by the level of care the staff provide to their clients as well as the philosophy of each client’s full inclusion into society.  All of the staffed residences are scattered into well established neighborhoods and are not in secluded or separated from the community in which they live.

Thank You!!

Thank you seems so inadequate for the community response to this year’s Jack O’ Lantern Stoll, held this past Friday at Bellarmine University.  We are always humbled by the unwavering dedication from our supporters and staff.

 

Friday morning came and so did the rain, although it was wet outside the spirits of the volunteers from University of Louisville and UPS and others were not dampened.  After carving still more pumpkins, the volunteers, clients and staff, formed a human chain and 1100 jack o’ lanterns were loaded onto trailers and headed for Bellarmine where they were unloaded and place around the quad to be set aglow later in the evening.

 

The evening brought clearer skies and lots and lots of trick or treaters.  The kids both young and young at heart were treated to Buddy Bat, The Michael Bush Band, Radio Disney, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Louisville’s Largest Pumpkin Pie, crafts and of course candy.

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE STROLL

‘Twas the night before the Stroll, when all through the Day ProgramNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The cobwebs were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that the Great Pumpkin soon would be there;

The clients were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of glow sticks danced in their heads;

And our director in her ‘kerchief,

Had just settled down for a 5 minute nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

she sprang from her chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the window she flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

When, what to her wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature wagon, and eight tiny goblins,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

She knew in a moment it must be The Great Pumpkin.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“Now, Elizabeth! now, Carolyn! now, Maila and Missy!

On, Brook! on Sharon

 

! on, Holly and Jackie!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

 So up to the church-top the coursers they flew,

With the wagon full of candy, and the Great Pumpkin too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little foot.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney the Great Pumpkin came with a bound.

He was dressed all in orange, from his head to his foot,

A bag of candy he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes — how they Glowed! his dimples how scary!

His cheeks were carved, his nose a little hairy!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a cauldron of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right chilly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the goodie bags ; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his wagon, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Halloween to all, and to all a ghoul-night.”

Taken from the Original, The Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore
or Henry Livingston

 

Thanks, to our Friends at Gallrein Farms

 

Gallreins Farm

Dreams With Wings has been blessed with many supporters over the years, one we are especially grateful for this time of the year is Gallrein Farms.  Once again they are allowing our staff and volunteers to descend on their pumpkin patch and pick the over 1000 pumpkins needed for our Annual Jack O’ Lantern Stroll, to be held THIS Friday at Bellarmine University, in Louisville, KY.  For more information on the Stroll see our website at

 

 

www.dreamswithwings.org  

Gallrein Farms is in scenic Shelby County, Kentucky and offers fresh produce for sale in their Produce Market, seasonal berry and pumpkin picking, a Petting Zoo, horse-drawn hayrides and five greenhouses filled with spring flowers.  They offer a Picnic Barn for occasions. Visit them on the web at www.gallreinfarms.com. and check out their event calendar.

Thanks!

 

 

 

What is Case Managemetn

Case Management

 

 

Individuals who receive services under the Supports For Community Living (SCL) Medicaid Waiver are eligible for Case Management services. Dreams With Wings has a professionally trained team of case managers that can assist you in planning and coordinating your support needs.

 

Your case manager will help you put together your team that will assist you in reaching your dreams. Some common services that case managers help to secure are residential supports, day programming, supported employment, therapy services (OT, PT, Speech, Behavior Supports), one on one support and respite. Your Case Manager can also help you get special items you may need like wheelchairs and therapy equipment.

 

Our case managers believe in the person-centered planning approach. They work with each individual and their team to set goals and put plans in place to help you make your life look like you want it to look.

 

Your case manager will help you and your family navigate the Medicaid system. They will help you with annual paperwork to insure that you have the funding in place that you need.

 

Your case manager is a valuable resource in putting together the pieces of support that you need. They will meet with you at least once a month to insure that you are getting the supports that will help you reach your dreams.

 

Happy Halloween!! (OK, not yet but very soon!)

Radio Disney At The 2007 Jack O

In a very, short two weeks the streets will be filled with hundreds of thousand of Trick or Treater’s.  Halloween is just around the corner!    Every year it is very exciting time for the young and young at heart. Our clients, who are among the young at heart, are looking forward to some very magical evenings.  The festivities come a little earlier at Dreams with our 8^th Annual Jack O’ Lantern Stroll, on the 24^th at Bellarmine University. To get into the spirit of this fall tradition, they have planned a wonderful afternoon of pumpkin picking at a local pumpkin patch.  This activity is part of our Leisure Outreach Program, (of which I will go into greater detail at a later date).

 

So to set the mood of the next two weeks, here’s a little history or better yet folklore to tell the kids while they are carving their pumpkins.

 

 http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenhistory.php

 

 

Trick-or-Treating

In the Celtic times and up till the medieval ages, fairies (a.k.a., faeries) were also thought to run free on the Eve of Samhain. Faeries weren’t necessarily evil, but not particularly they weren’t good. They were mischevious. They liked rewarding good deeds and did not like to be crossed. On Samhain, faeries were thought to disguise themselves as beggars and go door to door asking for handouts. Those who gave them food were rewarded. Those who did not were subjected to some unpleasantness.

In medieval times, one popular All Souls’ Day practice was to make “soul cakes,” simple bread desserts with a currant topping. In a custom called “souling,” children would go door-to-door begging for the cakes, much like modern trick-or-treaters. For every cake a child collected, he or she would have to say a prayer for the dead relatives of the person who gave the cake. These prayers would help the relatives find their way out of purgatory and into heaven. The children even sang a soul cake song along the lines of the modern “Trick-or-treat, trick-or-treat, give me something good to eat.”

As part of the Samhain celebration, Celts would bring home an ember from the communal bonfire at the end of the night. They carried these embers in hollowed-out turnips, creating a lantern resembling the modern day jack-o’-lantern.  This carried on in Ireland and Scotland through the 18th century.  A very popular character in Irish folk tales was Stingy Jack, a famous cheapskate who, on several occasions, avoided losing his soul to the devil by tricking him (often on All Hallows’ Eve).  Much like the American stories of the devil and  . In one story, he convinced Satan to climb up a tree for some apples, and then cut crosses all around the trunk so the devil couldn’t climb down. The devil promised to leave Jack alone forever, if he would only let him out of the tree.

When Jack eventually died, he was turned away from Heaven, due to his life of sin. But, in keeping with their agreement, the Devil wouldn’t take Jack, either. He was cursed to travel forever as a spirit in limbo. As Jack left the gates of Hell, the Devil threw him a hot ember to light the way in the dark. Jack placed the ember in a hollowed-out turnip, and wandered off into the world. According to the Irish legend, you might see Jack’s spirit on All Hallows’ Eve, still carrying his turnip lantern through the darkness.

Traditional jack-o’-lanterns, hollowed-out turnips with embers or candles inside, became a very popular Halloween decoration in Ireland and Scotland a few hundred years ago. Folk tradition held that they would ward off Stingy Jack and other spirits on Halloween, and they also served as representations of the souls of the dead. Irish families who emigrated to America brought the tradition with them, but they replaced the turnips with the more plentiful pumpkins. As it turns out, pumpkins were easier to carve than turnips. People began to cut frightening faces and other elaborate designs into their jack-o’-lanterns.

Check out this and other Halloween History stories at:

http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenhistory.php

 

A Taste of Dreams Around the World

 I

Pat Day, Bob Montgomery & Steve Buttleman

We would like to take this opportunity to tell you of one of the events we held this past summer.  On July 31, 2008, the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center was the site of “A Taste of Dreams Around the World”, an annual fundraiser for Dreams With Wings. This year, special guests were Jockey Pat Day and Churchill Downs Bugler Steve Buttleman, and the room was rockin’ with the great sounds of the Monarchs. 

 

The event featured an array of international foods provided by local restaurants and where paired with complimenting spirits. Sponsors included Southern Wine & Spirits, River­Point Capital Management, National City Bank, Deming, Malone, Livesay & Ostroff, and O’Callaghan’s Catering & Special Events.

A live and silent auction added to the fun as well as a display of art and craft items made by Dreams With Wings artists. Special thanks to artists Jeaneen Barnhart and Doreen DeHart for working with the artists to create some very special art paintings.

Participating restaurants were Bourbon’s Bistro, Burger’s Market, The Fish House, Havana Rumba, Irish Rover, O’Callaghan’s Catering, Krispy Kreme, Saint’s, Salsarita, Shiraz Mediter­ranean Grill, Simply Thai, and Dream Team Cafe.

PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US!

Dancing to the Monarch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy of the Voice-Tribune

Dreams offers Residential Supports

Supported Living

Residential Supports:

 

 

 

Dreams With Wings supports individuals through three different residential options. Staffed Residence, Family Home Providers and Supported Apartments are all designed to meet individuals where they are in terms of the type of support needed to live as independently as possible.

 

Staffed Residences

Individuals needing 24 hour support can be supported in one of our Staffed Residences. A staffed residence is a home located in a local neighborhood that simply has a staff member present when individuals are at home. Up to three individuals generally live in a house.

 

Dreams With Wings matches individuals with similar interests and compatible personalities. We believe that each staffed residence should feel like a true home to those who live there and work to foster a loving, supportive and family-like environment. We also believe in the ongoing potential for individuals to learn grow and develop and work to empower individuals to take on as much personal responsibility at home as possible.

 

Relationships are an important part of home life. Individuals are encouraged to invite family and friends over regularly to socialize.

 

Individuals work toward the realization of personal goals each day. Staff members support individuals in making medical appointments, getting prescriptions filled, arranging transportation, making arrangements for work, grocery shopping and numerous other daily living needs.

 

Being involved in the community is part of living in the community. Individuals are supported in going to the places that are important to them, i.e. church, clubs, sports activities, movies, shopping, local parks, etc.

 

Individuals receiving staffed residence services generally have the SCL Medicaid Waiver. This program covers the expense of staff in the home. Individuals then pay rent each month that assists in the overall expense of the house. For more information on financial arrangements you would speak with our accounting department.

 

Family Home Provider

Our second residential option is the Family Home Provider (FHP). An individual choosing this type of support is matched with a family or individual in the community that shares similar interests and then moves into their home. The family or individual then provides support for the individual in the shared home as a paid staff member. The individual receiving support pays the FHP room and board. 

 

There will be times when either the individual needing supports or the family providing them may need Respite. This service is available to individuals who choose the FHP option.

 

Supported Apartments

Supported Apartments

 

 

 

Individuals not in need of 24 hour support may choose to live in one of our Supported Apartment units. Individuals in these residences may tailor their support services to specific needs like paying bills, grocery shopping, housekeeping, laundry, etc. An individual may arrange a specific number of hours of staff support per week to meet these needs.

 

Individuals are also encouraged to work or volunteer 20 hours a week. This promotes a sense of self-worth and provides additional life experiences that help individuals live as independently as possible. Staff members are available to help individuals find employment and volunteer opportunities if necessary.

 

Individuals are responsible for paying rent and utilities in addition to any fees involved for staff support. Your support staff or our accounting office can help you determine which types of support and fees may work best for you.

Support for Community Living (SCL) For the State of Kentucky

As part of our effots to inform and educate; the below information was taken from The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Website. http://chfs.ky.gov As one of the providers for the SCL Waiver, we are always happy to anwser questions.

Description:

This waiver allows MR/DD persons who meet the ICF/MR level of care to remain living at home and in the community. Services offered under this waiver include: supported coordination, community habilitation, behavioral services, and respite care.

 

The Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver Branch of the Division of Mental Retardation (DMR) provides staff support for and oversight of the Supports for Community Living waiver program. The SCL waiver program is a home- and community-based program funded by the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services and administered by the DMR.

The SCL waiver program was developed for Kentucky citizens as an alternative to institutionalization. The focus of SCL is to allow a person to remain in or return to the community. Persons with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities who meet the requirements for residence in an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR), and who meet other Medicaid requirements, are eligible for this program.

Application to the SCL waiting list requires that an “Application for SCL Waiver and ICF/MR Services” form (MAP-620) be completed and submitted to DMR. This form is accessible on the SCL Forms page through its link in the Related Links box.

Supports for Community Living offers the supports and services listed below. These are based on the individual’s goals, choices and priorities as identified through an individual support plan.

 

The Supports for Community Living Waiver Branch offers the following supports and services. These are based on the individual’s needs and are identified through an individual plan.

 

Adult Day Training. This service supports the SCL recipient to participate in daily meaningful routines in the community, and it stresses training in the activities of daily living, self-advocacy, adaptive and social skills, and vocational skills. On-site services should lead to the acquisition of skills and abilities for work and/or community participation. Off-site services are provided in a variety of community settings, promoting inclusion and natural supports.

 

Behavior Supports. Because some individuals act differently, they may not always be accepted by others. Behavioral Supports are ways to enable individuals to make changes in their lives or environment so others will accept them.

 

Case Management. The person who helps the individual and/or his/her family to develop a plan to meet the individual’s needs is called the case manager. The case manager also works closely with the individual to make sure he/she is pleased with the services he/she receives.

 

Children’s Day Habilitation. This service provides support, training and intervention in the areas of self-care, sensory/motor development, daily living skills, communication, and adaptive and social skills. This service promotes inclusion and assists the individual in accessing community resources.

 

Community Living Supports. Training or assistance to an individual who does not live in one of the residential supports mentioned earlier. This can include a variety of activities such as shopping, household care and taking part in community activities, as long as the individual is being taught skills during the activities.

 

Occupational Therapy. The therapeutic use of self-care, work and play activities to enhance development and achieve as high a level of independence and quality of life as possible. This may include adaptation of tasks or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance quality of life. A licensed Occupational Therapist, or an Occupational Therapy Assistant supervised by a licensed Occupational Therapist, may provide this support.

 

Physical Therapy. The use of therapeutic exercise, cardiovascular endurance training, and training in self-care to alleviate pain and improve functional ability. A licensed Physical Therapist, or a certified physical therapist assistant supervised by a licensed Physical Therapist, may evaluate and treat people with health problems resulting from injury or disease.

 

Psychological Services. The administration of psychological tests for diagnosis, evaluation and treatment, as indicated by the individual. Dually diagnosed individuals may need this service to coordinate treatment for mental illness and psychological conditions such as emotional instability.

 

Residential Supports. Residential support options include a family home adult foster care, staffed residence (a small individualized home), or a group home. Residential Supports provide 24-hour supervision, and training in activities such as laundry, routine household care, self-care, shopping, money management, socialization, and leisure activities. No more than three individuals receiving waiver services can live in any residential setting.

 

Respite. A time of rest or relief for those persons normally caring for an individual. This service is only available to an individual living in a family home residence, and is not for those living in a group home or staffed residence.

 

Speech Therapy. Assists an individual in improving communication and is provided by a licensed professional.

 

Supported Employment. Intensive, ongoing support for an SCL recipient to maintain paid employment in an environment in which an individual without a disability is employed.

Service Providers

SCL providers include regional comprehensive care centers and public and private agencies across the state. These providers are reviewed and certified by the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services at least annually, in accordance with the standards and requirements set forth by the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services. SCL providers are continuously monitored to maintain quality of supports. All SCL providers have agreed to provide services according to the best practice accepted by their professional organization and to provide services in compliance with federal and state statutes regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion or sexual orientation.

How to Obtain Services

The first step is to complete an application form for SCL services (MAP-620). You may obtain an application by calling an SCL provider in your area or by calling (502) 564-7702. There is currently a waiting list for services and supports, and an application will allow your name to be included on the list. Additional individuals are served in chronological order, as funding becomes available. After you are selected for funding, you must then be determined to need the level of care provided by an ICF/MR and to be eligible for Medicaid.