Duvall Homes

DSP Recognition Week

Sept. 9, 2019 – This week, and every day of the year, alongside Florida’s Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, we wish to acknowledge and thank the hardworking team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at Duvall Homes. DSPs work 24/7 caring for the personal needs of each individual we serve with developmental disabilities.

Today, with 16 group homes throughout Volusia County, including a newly constructed group home in West Volusia, Duvall’s dedicated supportive care team has been committed to providing the most comfortable and safe residential services, community engagement and much more, for people with special needs since 1945 – almost 75 years ago!

Learn more about the amazing programs and services provided by our incredible team members at DuvallHomes.org/Residential-Services

Hurricane Preparedness

August 30, 2019 – As Hurricane Dorian heads toward Florida, each of Duvall’s Group Homes in Volusia County has taken the necessary steps to update their personal shelter plans, which are in place all year round, including access to generator power. Staff will continue to provide the professional care and services essential to securing the safety and protection of all residents of Duvall Homes. We will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian and encourage friends and family to stay updated by referring to the National Hurricane Center at NHC.NOAA.gov/#Dorian and local authorities.

Caring For Those We Serve

March 21, 2019 – Direct Support Professional, Jessica, personalized a blanket for a long-time resident of Duvall, Snookie.

“It is so beautiful and kind of Jessica to do this for my Snookie,” said Tess, who visits her daughter every week during Adult Day Training on our beautiful Glenwood campus.

Tess champions all Duvall staff, praising their efforts and dedication to caring for those we serve.

#TheDuvallDifference

Learn more about Duvall’s Programs & Services

A Special Builder For A Special Need

February 7, 2019 – When it comes to building a new group home for individuals with special needs, there is a great deal more to consider than there is for your average home. And such a project demands a special builder — one with years of construction experience, insight and patience. After a monthslong search, Marsha Shankleton, Duvall Homes’ Chief Operating Officer, found the perfect builder.

Funded in part by a grant from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, last spring Duvall began the long process of searching for a parcel of land in West Volusia, proximal to public transportation and large enough to build a 3300 SqFt. home for six residents with Down syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities who are cared for 24-7 by trained and certified Direct Support Professionals. The home would need both living and office space, a spacious porch and grounds for enjoying the outdoors, and sufficient parking for special needs vehicles. A 2.5-acre plot was obtained in North DeLand.

So who is the builder? “We needed someone who knew how to marry the commercial safety of a sprinkler system, fire and carbon monoxide alarms and adequate parking, with the comfort and privacy of group home living,” said Shankleton.

Meet Tanya Ebersole, licensed contractor and owner of Camelot Custom Construction Inc. Originally part of a father-daughter team, Ebersole grew up on construction sites. With more than 30 years of experience in residential and commercial construction, she came highly recommended. (Above, Tanya Ebersole with Duvall Homes’ CEO, Steven DeVane; Below, Ebersole with Johnny Hartwell of Exclusive Drywall)

After testing her skills in a recent renovation of another Duvall Group Homes, Ebersole…Read full story in The West Volusia Beacon “A Special Builder For A Special Need” by Lisa Habermehl

View additional images from the build of Duvall Homes’ new Group Home on our Facebook Page here.

#TheDuvallDifference

Tourism In Volusia County

November 29, 2018 – Enjoy Volusia County when you visit Duvall. Flip through this month’s issue of Evolve, the business publication of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce to learn more. Duvall Homes is a Daytona Chamber member, and recognizes that what attracts families and guardians to Duvall is not just our residential supportive services and programs, but also the national appeal of the County of Volusia.

Oceanfront beaches, great eateries and ecotourism – from the east side of the county to the west – are just a few options to fill calendars of visiting families and friends all year round. Visit our great beaches; tour various springs and waterways; bike, jog or walk miles of natural and paved trails; select from any type of cuisine you can think of; visit historical landmarks, museums and more.

The best thing of all is that residents of Duvall Homes are fortunate to be able to visit the same attractions that 10 million people come to visit each and every year. (Florida Trend July, 2018.) After flipping through Evolve Magazine here, click on some of the great videos below, courtesy of West Volusia Visiting Center, to help fill your calendar when you plan your visit.

Old Florida, New Vibe

Wildlife in West Volusia

Explore Miles of Smiles in West Volusia

What’s Up in West Volusia

West Volusia Visitors Guide

Enjoy Volusia County when you visit Duvall. #TheDuvallDifference

Store Owners Donate To Duvall Homes

October 25, 2018 – Owners Greg and Juliane Dennison opened their second Badcock Home Furniture & More store in West Volusia in early August. The new store is at 2614 Enterprise Road (the Publix Shopping Center) in Orange City. Their first store is on South Spring Garden Avenue in DeLand.

To celebrate the opening, the Mulberry-based W.S Badcock Corp. presented a $1,000 check to Duvall Homes in DeLand, which since 1945 has provided residential supportive care and training for people with developmental disabilities. Badcock Home Furniture & More has 340 stores in eight Southeastern states.

Read story in Business Section (1B) of the West Volusia Beacon, October 25, 2018

Thank you Badcock!

#TheDuvallDifference

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week

September 10, 2018 – A Huge Thank You: This week is Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week. Fellow staff, residents and families value the vital contributions DSPs make to the Duvall Support Team and to our community.

“Our DSPs are simply awesome,” said Duvall Group Home Manager Christine E. “We depend on them to keep our group homes organized and running smoothly so that our residents are comfortable and safe every single day.”

DSPs and other specialists are instrumental Duvall Support Team members in empowering those in our care. They each are trained experts who deliver programming and services focused on developing personal life skills that strengthen independence and self-pride for those with special needs.

We are most fortunate to have such caring, selfless employees, like Sanjuana pictured here, who has cared for individuals like Lyle for close to 12 years.

“I’m proud of the work I do,” said Sanjuana. “If I could share with others one thing, it would be not to underestimate what those in our care are capable of doing… Much more than you think.” Thank you Sanjuana! And to our all of our DSPs.

Learn more about DSPs and the services we provide for people with special needs at DuvallHomes.org/Programs-Services.
Come join our team DuvallHomes.org/Careers.

#DSPRW2018

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

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 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.

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

Learn 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

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

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

Years of Support from Weirsdale Presbyterian Church

June 4, 2018 – Thank you to Pastor Walter Laseter and the gracious congregation of Weirsdale Presbyterian Church for their hospitality this past Sunday and for their years of dedicated support toward the mission of Duvall Homes.

We would also like to extend a thank you to Mission Coordinator Brian Farley, who was instrumental in arranging the invitation for our visit.

Members of the Presbyterian Church and community were apprised of how Duvall Homes transitioned from the single Duvall House that Thelma and Alanson Duvall formed in 1945 to today’s operation of 16 residential care group homes throughout the County of Volusia. Highlights of the short presentation covered current programming and services offered in Duvall’s Opportunities Enrichment Center, including contract work, which will soon take place in our newly renovated Vocational Training Center.

Many were surprised to learn of the critical need for trained Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) across Florida – the lowest DSP-funded state in the U.S. – to help care for the daily comfort, safety and empowerment of people with I/DDs, 24/7. Before changing legislation and government mandates took hold, members of Weirsdale Presbyterian were part of the contingency of volunteers who for years selflessly gave of their time to support and build, create with and watch over many individuals who resided at Duvall.

During the service, everyone was elevated by the sounds of Ellen Laseter, Dr. Laseter’s wife, on the piano, who performed, among other heartfelt hymns, The Old Rugged Cross. A surprise barbershop performance took place at the end of the service as Pastor Laseter’s newly formed quartet practiced for their choir-replacement summer schedule.

It was a delightful visit to Weirsdale; however, due the small size of Duvall’s administrative staff, it can be challenging to make all of the visits we wish we could make in and outside of the county. One thing we are always happy to do, is to share words of gratitude for the impact people have made on the hundreds of lives of individuals with developmental disabilities living in our state.

If you are an organization who has supported Duvall Homes this year, or in years past, and have a company newsletter, please let us know as we’d love to share inspiring stories and images with you and your members or employees.

Other Duvall News & Events

ImInspired.org

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

Highlight Videos From Night To Shine

February 14, 2018 – To celebrate Valentine’s Day and National Developmental Disabilities Day, we are sharing two videos of a wonderful evening: Duvall Homes Attends 2018 Night To Shine Prom and the Official 2018 Night To Shine Worldwide Highlight Video.

Created by Tim Tebow and the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by Stetson Baptist Church in DeLand, residents of Duvall Homes participated in this incredible international event that took place February 9 in DeLand, Florida, in 16 countries at 537 host churches, where 90,000 VIPs with developmental disabilities were crowned Kings and Queens by 175,000 volunteers! Staff from Duvall Homes participated as well.

View additional images on Instagram at #ImInspiredDeLand #NightToShine and #NTSDeLand. This special night was a memorable global event recommended for anyone who wishes to get involved and be inspired. Be sure to put February 8, 2019, on your calendar.

Posted by Lisa Habermehl

More News & Events at Duvall Homes

Duvall Homes I'm Inspired #iminspired

Tim Tebow’s Night To Shine Comes to DeLand

February 9, 2018 – We may not be Elon Musk headed toward the asteroid belt launched by the Falcon Heavy Super Rocket to the tunes of David Bowie; however, we are absolutely just as excited as Duvall staff make last minute pre-prom preparations for tonight’s Night To Shine Prom at Stetson Baptist Church in DeLand for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. And, the tunes of Bowie very well may be played!

Thanks to the Tim Tebow Foundation, and Stetson Baptist, residents of Duvall Homes can be part of this very special international event close to home in West Volusia County that will also occur in 16 different countries, at 540 host churches by 175,000 volunteers for 90,000 VIP Kings and Queens!

Direct Support Professional Jolene Hunt (grey shirt) stands with Maggie as Group Home Manager, Sherrie Moore, measures and hems Maggie’s new gown. Sherrie modified several gowns and suits for our VIP Queens and Kings attending tonight’s event, including Jason’s below. Follow images posted throughout the night at #NTSDeLand, and on Duvall Home’s Facebook Page.

Read how residents of Duvall Homes helps out Night To Shine: A Team Effort

Posted by Lisa Habermehl