State Representative and City Commissioners Speak on Behalf of Duvall Home
November 10, 2015
State Representative and City Commissioners Speak on Behalf of Duvall Home
Suzanne Sewell, President and CEO of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (FARF), served as keynote speaker at Duvall Home’s Networking & News Event, held October 30th at the S
anborn Activity & Event Center in DeLand. Her forty years of experience and insight was shared with an audience of local business leadership, civic organizations and the friends and families of Duvall Home residents.
FARF is a statewide, professional industry association that provides advocacy, information, and networking for individuals with disabilities, and the community agencies that serve them. As the Association’s chief spokesperson, Sewell acts as public policy change agent and serves as liaison with executive and legislative branches. She directs the annual legislative campaign to advocate for the needs of more than 100 members agencies like Duvall Home.
Duvall is engaged in a historic transition to reposition residents from McGaffin Hall, a congregate dormitory building on its main campus, to family-style group homes in the community and Sewell was on hand to add depth and clarity to a discussion focused on issues surrounding the move.
Sewell was joined by Commissioners Leigh Matusick, DeLand and Nancy Schleicher, Deltona, who offered city support as Duvall Home moves through steps to accommodate new federal guidelines – to fully integrate disabled individuals into the mainstream community. Echoing the sentiments of Barbara Palmer (Florida’s Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities) during her recent visit to Duvall Home, Sewell commended the organization for “doing a very good job.” The nationwide mandate is one Duvall is actively embracing.
“We are proud of our collaboration with FARF and APD,” said Steven DeVane, Duvall Home’s CEO, “and their validation inspires our continued move in this direction. Further, he said “we are committed to maintaining an organization characterized by acceptance and welcome for all, where each disabled individual is seen as unique, entitled to personal growth and development and self-determination. We are facing change head-on to remain true to our commitment.”
Additional to the information presented by guest speakers, a high-point of the morning was the presentation of awards to ten Duvall Home residents. Trophies were given for outstanding achievement in a variety of categories.
About Duvall Home:
Duvall Home is a 501(c)3 organization, dedicated to enhancing the lives of the developmentally disabled residents in its care, as well as those from the greater community that attend its Adult Day Training Program. Located at 3395 Grand Avenue, Glenwood, FL 32722, more information can be found at https://www.duvallhome.org.
Photo Attached:
Suzanne Sewell, President and CEO of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (FARF)
Click here to view a full video of Sewell’s presentation.
Contact:
Elizabeth Bhimjee, Director of Development
386-734-2874 Ext. 102, ebhimjee@duvallhome.org
