Duvall Homes

VR Empowerment: Residents Expand Their World

Sensory Programming

December 14, 2018 – Rendever is an award-winning tech company out of Boston that is laser focused on improving the lives of others. Their sensory platform, operated by caregivers, helps engage special populations. Watch their video on CBS. So, how does Duvall fit in? Because possible benefits for people with developmental disabilities were recognized, we reached out to the Rendever team. As a result, a plan was set in motion for Duvall to test their virtual reality 360° equipment. And empowerment through VR emerged.

“Our platform was designed to enhance the social experience,” said Rendever CEO, Kyle Rand. “Several people can participate in real time, and form meaningful connections. With caregivers directing the program, participants are able to visit new places and enjoy the selected immersive experiences with ease.”

Rand’s background is in Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering. Rendever’s CTO, Tom Neumann’s, is a successful developer of VR applications. Since cofounding Rendever in 2016, Rand and Neumann have embarked on a journey to share their unique platform all over the world.

Discovering A New World

“Some of our participants have attention deficits or processing challenges, ” said Duvall’s Director of Adult Day Training, Shirley Zonnevylle. “The VR headset allowed them to focus on one specific subject and eliminate other visual distractions.”

Rendever continues to expand its reach. Their software is not just in retirement communities and long-term care facilities; they’re in single family homes and even cancer treatment centers. Among other things, Rendever’s platform provides a diversion for pain and anxiety.

Duvall Homes is fortunate to be given the opportunity to sample this innovative VR program, and are grateful to Rand and the Rendever team. While additional time is needed to determine the full benefits for clients of Duvall Homes, one thing is certain. Duvall’s team of Direct Support Professionals, Specialists and clients were able to explore a whole new universe. And, for a time, were taken to parts of the world they would otherwise not have gone.

VR Empowerment Video

Watch Steven (top image) pilot a single engine prop plane with Wings of Storm, a Croatian Air Force Aerobatic Team.

Watch what Steven experienced.

Read Expanding Worlds with additional VR photos in Duvall’s 2018 Fall Newsletter.

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Duvall Inside Daytona’s MY COAST Holiday Issue

December 11, 2018 – Duvall is in Daytona’s MY COAST. Highlights from Duvall’s 2018 Inspiration Gala are inside December’s MY COAST Magazine. The lifestyle publication is produced by The Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Special events that took place this past quarter across Coastal and West Volusia areas, including Flagler, are spotlighted in the SEEN section.

Duvall’s Inspiration Gala took place on September 28, 2018. This was the fourth year Duvall hosted its signature fundraiser at the Sanborn Center in DeLand.

View fun images in the magazine here. (Duvall Homes is on page 50.) You can pick up a copy of MY COAST at a number of locations across the county. Locations are listed here.

For additional Gala images, visit Duvall’s Inspiration Gala page.

Be sure to read our full Gala story inside Duvall’s 2018 Fall Newsletter.

Spring Fling Friday at Duvall

April 13, 2018 – Happy Spring Fling Friday! Participants in Duvall Homes’ Opportunities Enrichment (ADT) Center have fun in the beautiful spring weather flying kites, blowing bubbles, playing frisbee and more. View more photos. #TheDuvallDifference #ImInspired

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Dedicated Direct Support Professional Retires After 37 Years

March 28, 2018 – After giving 37 years of her life caring for people with developmental disabilities, Phyllis Griffith, a devoted Direct Support Professional (DSP), has decided to retire.

“I don’t want to leave. I really don’t,” said Griffith. “It’s only because of my balance do I think it’s best for me to retire now. It’s going to be tough, but this way I can leave feeling good instead of risking a fall or something.”

Griffith has cared for many residents during her time at Duvall, as well as trained a great number of Direct Support Professionals. “I will miss the residents greatly, but I’ll look forward to getting the Duvall newsletter and hearing the latest news, so please don’t forget me.”

Oh, we will not forget you Phyllis. You are the heartbeat of Duvall. People like you have instilled confidence in the hearts of hundreds of families, caregivers and loved ones of those we serve. People like you have contributed to the legacy of empowering people with developmental disabilities in our community for more than 73 years. Thank you Phyllis for your commitment, loyalty and compassion!

Fellow staff and a few family members celebrated with Phyllis over a surprise luncheon in the chapel on the Glenwood campus. Treniece and Artrina, both 10-year DSP veterans, have worked alongside Phyllis caring for the same residents, said they would miss Phyllis and wish her the very best in retirement.

Interested in becoming a DSP? Visit DuvallHomes.org/Careers.

Wynonna “Cookie” Stanfield retires after 33 years.

Other Duvall Homes’ News & Events

#TheDuvallDifference

Employment Inclusion at Duvall Homes, Inc.

March 21, 2018 – Another busy day last week in our ADT Workshop fulfilling bulk mailers at Duvall’s Opportunities Enrichment Center.

While Duvall Homes’ ADT Workshop completes contracts on its Glenwood campus for the contracting business, ADT participants develop social and vocational skills that empower them to become independent members of our community’s workforce who earn a paycheck.

The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment acknowledges that employers who appreciate and value individual differences, benefit from varied perspectives on how to confront business challenges and achieve success.

Those organizations who recognize the unique attributes and experiences people with developmental disabilities bring to their workforce reap a multitude of benefits by creating an inclusive positive environment and a cohesive confident team.

Since disability is a natural part of diversity, businesses can benefit by taking steps to ensure people with disabilities are represented in their workforce. Visit What Can You Do Campaign?

#WhatIBringToMyCommunity

Learn more about the Programs & Services offered by Duvall Homes.

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Posted by Lisa Habermehl

A Team Effort

February 8, 2018 – Participants in Duvall’s Day Training Program assisted in putting together 200 special greeting cards for each VIP attending the Night To Shine (NTS) Prom at Stetson Baptist Church in DeLand tomorrow night.

Each unique recycled card reads the message, “You Are Shining Bright Tonight And Every Day!” The cards were decorated with a single sparkling star on the front symbolic of the Faith, Hope & Love this special night represents for each VIP with special needs in our community, and the care put into sealing each envelope by those in our care. The cards were stuffed into the black NTS gift bags for each VIP and will be given out Friday night.

The Director of NightToShineDeLand.org, Pastor Dan Glenn of Stetson Baptist Church (top photo, center), and his hardworking staff, extends his gratitude to Duvall Homes and to the 400 volunteers who continue to work to create an experience like no other. Thanks to the Tim Tebow Foundation, we are now part of a special annual event that will occur in 16 countries, at 540 host churches by 175,000 volunteers for 90,000 kings and queens!

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Night To Shine Pre-Prom Preparations

Duvall Homes at Me Strong 5K

February 6, 2018 – A few ladies who work at DuvallHomes.org participated in the 7th Annual ME STRONG 5K Run/Walk in DeLand this past Saturday, February 3. They joined close to 3,800 people from Volusia County, and beyond, in their fight against cancer, walking in honor of people they currently know who are hanging tough in their fight against cancer and in memory of family members who lost their battle in recent years.

Attracting more than 1,000 people than last year’s run, DeLand Mayor, Robert Apgar, reported that the monies raised was a result of 1 in 10 people in our community came out. (DeLand’s current census is 31,000.) The race was initiated when four women, Kim Winters, Barbara Underhill, Kim Martin, and Kathy Guyer wanted to honor their friend Linda Ryan who was diagnosed with recurrent cervical cancer at the age of 43. Following the race, the founders, tallied an incredible $152,000 raised from the event.

Race results and videos can be viewed by visiting MeStrong.net/Deland-5K. Other race images can be viewed at https://goo.gl/uPy7MS.

Participants of Duvall Homes’ Adult Day Training (ADT) Program are periodically reminded of the importance of raising awareness in their community for those who are fighting cancer. Last year, they took to the sidewalk proudly wearing personally designed t-shirts created at ADT in Duvall’s Opportunities Enrichment Center. This is only one inspiring example of the many ways in which Duvall Homes’ residents and community participants get involved and practice community engagement and awareness for all populations in need of attention.

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Tell us how this story inspired you at ImInspired.org.

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Duvall Homes joins Volusia Manufacturers Association

February 1, 2018 – Duvall Homes is a proud new member of Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA), a vibrant manufacturing community of leadership and achievement in Volusia and Flagler Counties.

Founded in 1980, VMA provides information, education and networking opportunities to help manufacturers grow and succeed. This new relationship with VMA is fitting with the programs and contract work services we offer at Duvall’s Opportunities Enrichment Center to people with developmental disabilities who we serve.

As we move into a new year, expanding our own contract work program and facility, we look forward to the professional opportunities and connections that await us through VMA.

Learn about the many programs and services at Duvall Homes here, More Duvall News & Events.

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Duvall Board Member to Receive 40 Under 40 Award by Daytona Beach News-Journal

January 17, 2018 – Duvall Homes’ is proud to have one of its board members, Michael Ugarte, selected as one of the final recipients of the 2018 Daytona Beach News-Journal’s 40 under 40 Award.

Honorees were selected for their professional achievements and community service work in Volusia and Flagler counties. Ugarte is Chief Financial Development Officer of the Halifax Humane Society and has been on Duvall’s Board of Regents since 2015. [February Update: Ugarte is now the Executive Director of the National MS Society.]

Duvall Homes’ leadership team and staff are proud to have members of its board who, like Ugarte, are experts in their respective fields, charitable supporters and advocates for organizations and members of their community, including individuals with developmental disabilities at Duvall Homes.

The winners of the 40 Under 40 award will be announced in the March issue of the Daytona Beach News-Journal Business Report and at 2018 Buisness Report 40 Under 40 Banquet on March 8.

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Inspiring Quilt of Independence

July 7, 2017 – A symbol of independence and empowerment: ADT Support Coordinator Beth Conrad, a Duvall Homes’ employee of more than 20 years, recently completed an inspiring quilt that began as a labor of love in 2015, on her own time. The quilt depicts various hand patterns of approximately 90 residents and participants of Duvall’s Opportunities Enrichment Center. The sentimental work of art currently hangs in the Adult Day Training facility in Glenwood, Florida.

Opportunities Enrichment Center

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Posted by Lisa Habermehl

Allstate Foundation Grant

Duvall Homes received a $1000 “Helping Hands in the Community” grant from The Allstate Foundation. Facilitated by Allstate Agent Nanette Rosevear (left), the award, handed to Elizabeth Bhimjee, Duvall Homes’ Chief Marketing and Development Officer, comes as a direct result of Rosevear’s many hours of service to Duvall Homes and the developmentally disabled people we serve.

As an ambassador and committed volunteer, Nanette has enabled the growth and success of Duvall Homes’ Art For Everyone Program. Its future is certainly in good hands thanks to her contributions of time, talent and treasure!

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Duvall’s 2016 Fall Newsletter

Read the latest news happening at Duvall Homes and in the greater community that supports us. Inside this issue you’ll also find stories on:

– The Latest News & Events
– Unsung Heroes
– Community Connections
– Inspiration Gala
– Annual Giving Report (2015 – 16)
– Duvall’s Bargain Stores

To review the 2016 Fall Newsletter & Annual Giving Report, click here.

Read the latest Newsletters of Duvall Homes by clicking here.

Other News

Community Outreach 2.0

On November 2, 2016, after being educated on the ongoing importance of raising awareness for those fighting cancer and further developing their vocational and creative skills, Duvall Home’s Adult Day Training participants took to the sidewalk proudly wearing personally designed t-shirts created at the Center. This full-circle educational exercise is only one inspiring example of the many ways in which Duvall Homes’ residents and community participants get involved and practice community engagement and awareness for all populations in need of attention.

The Stetson University Greenfeather Grant was awarded in 2015, and the funds used for materials to support Duvall Homes’ Day Training Program in its Opportunities Enrichment Center continue to benefit people with developmentally disabled residents in our care.

Other funds from the Greenfeather Grant supported technology and software training equipment vital to enabling users to engage socially and increase self-expression.

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Medtronic Donates to Duvall Homes

October 26, 2016 After completion of a special company-wide drive, Medtronic employees in DeLand presented numerous household products collected for the residents of Duvall Homes. The items donated will be used among the 16 group homes operated by Duvall Homes. Medtronic is a global leader in medical technology, services and solutions. Left to right, Diane Knepple, Medtronic Interim HR Manager, and Maryann Terrone, HR Assistant.Thank you Medtronic!

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CEO Awarded FARF Excellence in Innovation

October 20, 2016 Duvall Homes is proud to announce that this year’s recipient of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (FARF) Excellence in Innovation Award is CEO, Steven DeVane.The award was presented to DeVane on September 21, 2016, in Tallahassee, Fla., by FARF President and CEO, Suzanne Sewell (right), and FARF Board Chair, Shirley Balogh (left). The award is given annually to a director or company in recognition of continuing excellence in comprehensive community services, innovation in the application of technology to meet needs of individuals with disabilities, and consistent, successful achievement that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

“Steven DeVane combines innovative thinking with the desire to always do what is in the best interest of the individuals Duvall Homes serves,” said Sewell. “He is quick to explore innovative practices from other states and is always willing to go the extra mile to solve problems for the program he leads, as well as for all Florida members of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. We cannot think of a more worthy recipient of this award.”

Within the last two years, Duvall transitioned almost 100 individuals out of a large congregate dormitory-style building on their main Glenwood campus into community group homes throughout the County of Volusia. Initially, the transition faced concerns from families and other stakeholders; however, today, they are thrilled with the positive changes that have occurred in the lives of their loved ones.

“I’m so proud of the Florida ARF recognition given to Duvall Homes and its leadership team,” said DeVane. “This gargantuan task could not have been accomplished without leadership from the entire administrative team and Sabrina Patterson (a member of Duvall’s Board of Regents.) They all worked so hard to make this a reality.”

DeVane added a special thank you to the Duvall staff who were challenged to collaborate and develop innovative ways to continue providing the best service to those in their care. Making up the executive team of Duvall Homes are Marsha Shankleton, Chief Operating Officer; Juleith Webster, Chief Quality Assurance Officer; Karen Kummerer, Chief Financial Officer; and Elizabeth Bhimjee, Chief Marketing and Development Officer. For more information, visit DuvallHomes.org. Read Daytona Beach News-Journal article.

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