Session C: Supportive Services for Independent and Interdependent Living
From Janet Price-Ferrell:
In 2000, upon moving back to my hometown, my interests changed to improve the lives of persons with disabilities and their families because of personal interest. Our son, now age 27 has epilepsy and developmental disabilities. As a parent I found that the resources were limited to support families and although there were services available there was one group or agency to connect all the dots. With that as a goal and other interested parents and professionals, we started what is now known as FIRST, now FIRSTwnc. In 2003, we were funded by the Department of Education as a Community Parent Resource Center. FIRSTwnc has increased our programming over the years to include early intervention services, parent coaching and support around community resources and services with a variety of funding sources. Our Supported Living program started in 2017 and currently supports 12 members, Level 1 to Level 3.
I grew up in Asheville and was so happy that after college and 17 years away, I got to move back to my hometown. My husband, Woody and I have 2 sons, one grown son, Rush, married and working remotely but in Asheville and Austin who lives in his own home and has a shredding and fire brick business. I love my job but love sitting on the beach or looking at the mountains when I can.
Janet Price-Ferrell
Executive Director, FirstWNC in Asheville, NC
Elizabeth Scott grew up in Maine, and attended the Ohio State University, where she received a BS in Psychology. She moved to NC in 1987, and worked for Durham County Mental Health at their respite group home. She then transitioned to Durham County Community Living Programs, Inc., starting as a live-in group home manager at one of their men's group homes. She has been at DCCLP for 34 years, and is currently the Executive Director. In addition to her work experience, she helped to start the first Civitan Club in NC to be run by people with Developmental Disabilities. Prior to the limitations and staffing impacts of COVID-19, DCCLP sponsored community events, such as Dinner and a Movie night and Pizza/Game night on a monthly basis, as life in the community is an integral part of the philosophy of DCCLP.
Durham County Community Living Programs, Inc, is a nonprofit started in 1974, originally operating under the umbrella of the Arc of Durham until it received its own nonprofit status. DCCLP currently operates seven homes for 5-6 adults with IDD in each home. They started the first apartment living program in the State, providing periodic supports for individuals in areas such as shopping, budgeting, cooking, community safety, and maintaining their apartment. They are in the process of opening a licensed day activity program at their main location on Hillsborough Road in Durham. DCCLP currently provides both Medicaid and State services to include: NC Innovations Residential Supports, Community Networking, Respite, Community Living and Support, Medicaid Long-Term Support Services, and State-funded Community Living and Support.
Elizabeth Scott
Executive Director, Durham County Community Living Programs in Durham, NC
Liberty Corner Enterprises (LCE) is a private not-for-profit organization providing services and support to people who experience intellectual and or developmental disabilities throughout western North Carolina communities. LCE is currently contracted to provide Medicaid Innovations Waiver services and b3 or iWaiver services for people with qualifying diagnoses. Our services derive from the solid best practices of CQL’s Person-Centered Excellence and The Learning Community’s Person-Centered Planning. We apply the concepts from these models, as well as other modalities, to provide the people receiving our services with the ‘right services’ at the ‘right times’ to address what is important to and for each individual. Our aim is to empower the people we serve to be the leader of their life, and to live in their communities as a valued member.
Jen Waite
Executive Director, Liberty Corner Enterprises in Asheville, NC