developmentally disabled

Duvall Careers

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!

DSP

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.

Publix Cake

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

Wynonna “Cookie” Stanfield retires after 33 years.

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Duvall Teams Up with HOSA

On November 10, 2016, Duvall Homes was invited to be part of Deltona High School’s Health Services Academy Fair, an academy developed under the mission of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). We were honored to join the group of community health care professionals and aspiring young leaders interested in working in numerous health care fields upon which we all depend.

This young generation of high school juniors set up informative tables of their own beside professional organizations each with a common goal – to shed light on real health care issues that require assistance in creating ongoing awareness and in attracting future professionals.

Deltona students had a SWAT table. No, it wasn’t a law enforcement table, rather a Students Working Against Tobacco table, which was enhanced by two sets of beating pig lungs – one healthy one smoked – provided by Daytona State College Respiratory Therapy students.  Other tables were hosted by Volusia County’s EVAC/EMS, retirement facilities and various student tables including one for Mental Health Awareness, Teen Pregnancy and others.

Duvall Homes’ CEO, Steven DeVane, informed students of the function of Duvall Homes’ and its mission to serve those with developmental disabilities and the impact students could make in their near future due to the growing need to fulfill positions for direct support personnel. It was enlightening to learn how many students actually know or have an individual with developmental disabilities in their family.

The afternoon ended with a drawing from dozens of students names entered to win a basket of items with original artworks created by residents of Duvall Homes. Thank you to Brandy Meadows, Deltona High School’s Medical Academy Instructor and to Brandon Shadeed, their Health Academy President. Shadeed is a shining example of what this academy aims to achieve. With a 4.0 average and more than a thousand hours of volunteer service, Shadeed has his sites aimed at attending University of Florida’s College of Medicine in 2018. View more photos from the day by clicking here.

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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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