#TheDuvallDifference

Art Studio Patio

New Art Studio and Classroom Renovations

May 22, 2020Thanks to tremendous support from our friends at Publix, Duvall’s Adult Day Training Program opens its new Plein Air Art Studio.

Duvall Homes Art StudioMonths ago, before all attention turned to COVID-19 and the world health emergency, a special group of Volunteers from Publix Supermarket visited Duvall Homes. Offering their time, talent, and remarkable kindness, they worked to create an amazing outdoor art studio for participants in Duvall’s Day Training Program. This new space expands the current indoor ART for Everyone Studio and allows ADT participants greater freedom to explore natural subjects and lighting.

The Volunteers managed all aspects of the mural production – from design and materials purchase, to prep and painting. The colorful theme ties directly to the geometric pieces patterned by participants in their paintings and merchandise.

Duvall Homes Art

The ADT Rec Hall and Life Skills Classroom have a new look, with renovations that include fresh paint, new window treatments, appliances and furniture. Final touches are still to come!

Life Skills Classroom ADT Rec Hall

Duvall Homes Art For Everyone Coloring Book

October 9, 2019 – A very special, early release of Duvall Homes’ 75th Anniversary Art For Everyone Coloring Book debuted at our 2019 Inspiration Gala on September 27, which took place at the Sanborn Center in DeLand, Florida. Images of the works of art created by day training participants and support staff are celebrated in this 20-page project that was completed last summer at Duvall’s Opportunities Enrichment Center.

Coloring Book

The completed artworks were transformed into grayscale coloring pages so that the community could take part in this empowering Initiative developed to introduce the artistic talents of Duvall artists and their support team to a larger audience.

We are proud to share these colorful, collaborative artworks created through the eyes and hands of people with special needs. And the option to color within large or small lines, or to use removable tape for guides just as Duvall residents demonstrate (here), makes the coloring book a great gift for any age or ability.

Many of the pages in this anniversary coloring book have a repeating Crossroads focus – symbolic of the many roads taken in all Duvall programming to bridge the gap between ability and disability.

If you’re interested in supporting a great program for people with developmental disabilities through the donation of 20 or more coloring books to a classroom or school of your choice, please contact Duvall Homes at 386.734.2874 or email your information to ebhimjee@duvallhomes.org. All proceeds from the sale of the coloring book help enhance the programs and services that enrich and improve the lives of those in our care.

Art For Everyone Update

Art For Everyone
Art Instructor D. Renee Wilson leads Duvall artists in the creation of “Sounds of the 60’s”.

Art Instructor, D. Renee Wilson, joined Duvall’s Art For Everyone Program this past August, helping us break in our new Art Studio.

Wilson is an established artist from New Smyrna Beach, and a professional Art Instructor from Arts4All Florida, a nonprofit organization headquartered in the College of Education at the University of South Florida

Under the guidance of their new instructor, Duvall artists contributed to the Sounds of The 60s – British Invasion theme at this year’s Gala with individual and collaborative works.

Artist Renee Wilson also donated a one-of-a kind Twiggy: The Face of 1966, an acrylic and block printing painting on a vinyl record, which she created just for the event! One lucky winner who bid the highest at the Gala’s silent auction, went home with this groovy masterpiece!

Thank you to all sponsors, auction donors and the participating community who continue to support the programs and services that serve people with special needs living at Duvall Homes and who attend our day training. You are all part of TheDuvallDifference.

#TheDuvallDifference

Volunteers Like No Other: River City Church

June 24, 2019 – An unbelievable amount of work was accomplished this past weekend by seven selfless volunteers from River City Church in DeBary, coordinated by Deacon Alex Fox.

This small crew did the work of a so many more: They assembled easels and art racks for the new Day Training Art Studio; they disassembled an old projection TV and stand; moved furniture; assembled large raised planters for the new Plein Air Art-Garden; painted benches and picnic tables; and landscaped an overgrown green space at the front entrance of ADT – all in 2.5 hours! Yes, it is hard to believe, but true!

The staff and residents are so very grateful and blessed to have such a caring community. Thank you all again!

ADT Art Studio

River City Service

River City Volunteers

Learn how to get involved with Duvall Homes at DuvallHomes.org/Get-Involved. Learn more about the ministry of River City Church in DeBary at RiverCityChurchepc.com.  View more photos. #TheDuvallDifference #ImInspired #Volunteer

Duvall Homes Volusia Parent

Duvall Homes: Inside Volusia Parent Magazine

May 1, 2019 – Duvall Homes is proud to be a part of Volusia Parent Magazine’s Summer Planning Issue. The issue focuses on many exciting activities in which children can participate during the summer months, including volunteering.

Duvall’s mission of providing residential supportive care and day training services would not have lasted for 74 years if it weren’t for the generosity of our giving community. Community service is a huge part of that giving – an important activity for children to be part of and to learn from.

“We are fortunate to have the most generous supporters, and without them, much of our work would be difficult to accomplish,” said Elizabeth Bhimjee, Duvall Home’s Chief Marketing & Development Officer. “Volunteers are part of our long history, and we rely heavily on their kindness and compassion.”

We are fortunate to have a community of ambassadors of all ages who continue to donate their time assisting Duvall’s staff and residents. These caring groups are dedicated to service all year round and are essential to our daily operations.

Duvall’s story on Developing Community Ambassadors, appears inside the May issue of Volusia Parent Magazine, as well as Flagler and St. Johns Parent Magazines. Read the full story here on pages 8 and 9.

#ImInspired #TheDuvallDifference

Community Ambassadors

Post by Lisa Habermehl

US Navy

U.S. Navy Recruits Volunteer At Duvall Homes

April 6, 2019 – The staff and residents of Duvall Homes send a sincere thank you to the young men and women of DeLand’s Navy Recruiting Station for spreading more than a hundred bags of mulch around several Duvall group homes in West Volusia. The inspiring group also dismantled and removed a 20′ table and assembled 8 new classroom tables for our Vocational Training Program at Duvall Homes’ Opportunities Enrichment Center.

Navy Recruits

We are most grateful for their hard work, and were impressed with the speed and commitment in which it was completed.

A special thank you to Commander M. Juanique Wallace of Navy Recruiting District Jacksonville; and to Chief Jericus Lewis, NCI Jason Stoudt, HM2 Jennifer Denis, QM1 Abbe Beaston and AWF2 Kenneth Connelly from DeLand’s Navy Recruiting Station.

Your service helps support our mission of providing residential supportive services and day training to people with developmental disabilities living in our community – a steadfast mission that begin in 1945. Thank you being part of #TheDuvallDifference!

Post by Lisa Habermehl

Duvall Homes ADT

New Picnic Tables For ADT

January 30, 2019 – Duvall staff and residents cherish our community of volunteers!  Thank you to the student volunteers of Father Lopez Catholic High School who recently sanded, cleaned, primed and painted 4 large picnic tables on the grounds of Duvall’s Glenwood campus in DeLand.

#TheDuvallDifference

Once the weather warmed, the tables were enjoyed by participants in Duvall’s Adult Day Training Program following an outdoor stroll. There are also some fun “artistic” plans for these beautiful, now like-new, picnic tables, which will incorporate Duvall’s Art For Everyone Program.

If you know of a group of students, or employees, interested in providing service for Duvall Homes, please contact lhabermehl@duvallhomes.org. Come be a part of #TheDuvallDifference!

Duvall Homes

ImInspiredDeLand

Follow Us On Instagram @ImInspiredDeLand

January 2, 2019 – Happy New Year to our Duvall Homes family and community. Once again, we’d like to thank each one of you – our families, friends and businesses – for supporting our mission to empower people with developmental disabilities living in our community. Because of you, our mission has not waivered since 1945. Duvall’s History

Last February, Duvall Homes joined Instagram for the primary reason of being part of the Tim Tebow Foundation‘s inspirational Night To Shine annual event, which took place in DeLand for the first time at Stetson Baptist Church. We named our Instagram page #ImInspiredDeLand.

Since then, we’ve posted images with Instruments of Healing, images from #NationalSmileDay, ADT participants using Rendever and other images. Follow us on Instagram at #ImInspiredDeLand to be inspired and be a part of #TheDuvallDifference.

Volunteers are needed for the February 9, 2019, event. Visit NightToShineDeLand.org and TimTebowFoundation.org/Night-To-Shine-2019 for details!

More Duvall Homes-Night To Shine stories at DuvallHomes.org/?s=Night+To+Shine

From the Duvall Team, we wish you all a heartfelt happy and healthy 2019!

#TheDuvallDifference

Employee Appreciation

December 24, 2018 – Happy Holidays to the hardworking staff of Duvall Homes, most of whom will continue to work through the holiday season caring for our Duvall Community Family, 24/7.

Holiday Fun
CEO, Steven DeVane, draws several employee names with CFO, Karen Kummerer.

The dedicated team had some fun this past week. Names were drawn for prizes, guesses submitted for the Tower of Candy, T-shirts that read “You Are Part Of #TheDuvallDifference” were given out and other surprises.

A sincere thank you to the parents and families who supported the 2018 holiday bonus, to the caring Board of Regents who provides support and professional advocacy throughout the year, and to Duvall Homes’ Leadership Team, led by Duvall Homes CEO, Steven DeVane. Read more on Employee Appreciation.

Duvall Careers

ADT Duvall Homes

Duvall Homes Adopts A US Soldier

December 18, 2018 – A few weeks ago, Duvall’s Day Training Program began the process to adopt a US Military Soldier through AdoptaUSSoldier.org. We want our service members to know we are thinking of them and want to thank them for their service.

A deployed unit has now been matched with Duvall Homes and the collection of requested items has begun.

In a short time, approximately 70 items were collected; however, more is needed. The plan is to correspond with Adopt A US Soldier – Official and support our assigned unit, not just for the holidays, but through 2019. Packages will be sent out every other month.

Items Needed For US Troops

Here are a few items requested by the unit: coffee, nondairy creamer, individual sugar or sugar substitute; Uno, playing cards, Sudoku or crossword puzzle books; personal hygiene products (travel size); potato chips and beef jerky (no pork)

Should you wish to participate in Duvall’s Adopt A US Soldier, items can be dropped off at our main reception with the message “For Duvall Homes’ ADT’s Adopt A US Soldier.” If you have any questions, please email shirleyz@duvallhomes.org. #TheDuvallDifference #AdoptaUSSoldier

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Employee Holiday Fun

Holiday Fun Employee Appreciation

December 7, 2018 –  Congratulations to employee Matt Neumeyer! Matt, a relatively new Support Specialist, guessed the closest number of candies inside the Tower of Candy without going over. The seven stacked containers had 547 pieces of candy. Lotto tickets, tea towels and money were inside the 17-inch tall tower. In total, Matt won a prize valued at more than $100, which was part of some employee appreciation holiday fun.

“I’m shocked,” said Neumeyer. “I really appreciate it!”

Accounts Receivable Specialist, Bobbie Daley, won a surprise 2nd Place gift because she guessed the next closest amount without going over. Bobbie celebrated 10 years at Duvall this past June!

Duvall’s Chief Operating Officer, Marsha Shankleton, presented the prizes. The holiday fun is part of a larger We Appreciate You employee celebration that began the week prior to Thanksgiving. Management gave each employee a Publix gift card with a thank you letter from Duvall’s CEO, Steven DeVane.

More holiday fun employee appreciation is to come!

Post by Lisa Habermehl

Duvall's Group Homes

Hurricane Preparedness

September 7, 2018 – As we enter the peak of hurricane season, we are once again reminded of the generosity and care of our families and community.  Together, they helped to provide the much-needed support to obtain and install automatic generators at our group homes this past year.

“Thanks to our parents, families and community, we now have peace of mind that we can maintain power for refrigeration, laundry and lighting. Maintaining our group homes at a comfortable temperature can help us avoid serious problems,” said Marsha Shankleton, Duvall’s Chief Operating Officer.

We also send an extended thank you to the dedicated staff at Duvall Homes. Our professionally trained team of caregivers ensures that each of Duvall’s Group Homes maintains a heightened level of disaster preparedness throughout the year due to the fragility of those in our care. #TheDuvallDifference

Read more in past news: DuvallHomes.org/A-Special-Holiday-Thank-You and DuvallHomes.org/Newsletters. Other Duvall News: DuvallHomes.org/News-Events.

National Hurricane Center  #HurricaneSrong

Join Our Inspiring Team

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Duvall Homes

Duvall Homes Was The Best Choice

July 24, 2018 – “We moved here from Georgia because it offered the best residential care and day training we could find for our son,” said Ruby Helton, mother of Jason who moved to Duvall Homes in 2010.

The Heltons discovered the Duvall difference when they first brought Jason to DeLand, Florida, eight years ago. They recognized that Duvall seeks to provide the highest quality of life and greatest level of independence for each resident by creating an individualized plan that includes opportunities for personal growth.

Jason, like all residents of Duvall, are provided with social experiences in the group home and community, which are key to living a life of independence and dignity that is nurturing and fulfilling. Several organizations, like the National Institute of Health, report that social connections help protect health and lengthen life. Whether with family, friends, housemates, neighbors or members within your community, getting involved with others influences our wellbeing.

Duvall Homes

Being socially active in Duvall’s day training program provides additional opportunities for collective engagement. Participants are presented with varying circumstances to develop life skills and vocational skills at our Opportunities Enrichment Center.

Parents and guardians like the Heltons have turned to Duvall Homes since 1945 as they plan ahead for their own care and that of their dependent with special needs – both who are living longer.

Being close to an abundance of activities that surround us always surprises families and friends when they visit from outside of the area or state. Hidden gems like Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Schley’s Bonsai and Deland Gardens are only 5 to 10 minutes from Duvall’s Glenwood campus. Learn more at Visit West Volusia and at DeLand Area & Community Resources. #VisitWestVolusia

Duvall HomesLearn more about the programs and services offered to people with developmental disabilities of varying abilities, by contacting Administrative Assistant, Lisa Herring, at lherring@duvallhomes.org or 386.734.2874 x119.  Lisa will put you in touch with the right support specialist to answer all of your questions so that you can discover more about #TheDuvallDifference and our 73-year-old legacy.

For state funding eligibility, contact Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities at APD.MyFlorida.org.

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

#TheDuvallDifference

Duvall Homes

The Duvall Difference

July 2, 2018 – Duvall Homes has provided residential supportive care and day training services that empowers people who live with a developmental disability since 1945.

Today, and every day, we celebrate our families and guardians, direct support professionals and trained specialists, and our community of volunteers and sponsors, who together make up a team that defines The Duvall Difference. Because of you, we’re able to empower others to learn new skills and to earn a paycheck. Because of you, we can make a difference and an impact on the lives of others in our care. 

In the coming weeks and months, please join us in sharing inspiring expressions of The Duvall Difference. Your stories help families to plan ahead and others to get involved.

Visit ImInspired.org and leave us a friendly note, or share a comment or review on our Facebook page. Here’s another photo that will surely make you smile: When you smile, we all smile.

Learn about the programs, life-skills development and vocational training services available for adults with developmental disabilities like Down syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsey and other disabilities at DuvallHomes.org/Programs-Services.

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Duvall Homes

Planning Ahead For Your Loved One

June 15, 2018 – Florida’s active aging residents are familiar with the longstanding fact that Florida continues to lead the nation as the number one retirement state. We know it’s for the balmy weather and beaches, recreation, cost of living, healthcare options…, but did you know many retire here because it’s easier to care for their aging child or sibling with a developmental disability?

“For decades we’ve had families retire to Central Florida from other states for our residential care and day training services,” said Steven DeVane, Duvall Homes’ CEO. Aging caregivers have turned to Duvall Homes since 1945 as they plan ahead for their own care and their aging dependent with special needs – both who are living longer.

With Duvall being a short scenic drive from The Villages, John Knox Village of Central Florida, Daytona’s new Latitude Margaritaville and numerous other retirement communities, more families are taking advantage of the programs and services at Duvall’s 16 group homes and day training center.

Learn more about Duvall’s Programs & Services here. For state funding eligibility, contact Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities at APD.MyFlorida.org.

Planning Ahead Produces The Best Results: Read about a caring father who recently planned ahead and chose Duvall Homes in our 2018 Spring Newsletter in The Duvall Difference on pages 8 and 9 here. #TheDuvallDifference

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Posted by Lisa Habermehl