December 19, 2017 – Keeping Direct Support Professionals in the Conversation. Recently, Duvall Homes’ CEO, Steven DeVane, met with the Executive Director of Florida’s Center for Nursing, Mary Lou Brunell, to discuss Florida’s healthcare sector and its workforce shortages.
Housed at the University of Central Florida, the HWRI (Healthcare Workforce Research Initiative) provides healthcare occupational data to facilitate research and grant proposals that support a healthier Florida. Comprised of three research centers – Center for Healthcare Providers; Center for Nursing; and Center for Allied Health – the HWRI contributes to better healthcare workforce strategies, and DeVane sits on the committee to represent the voice of DSP (Direct Support Professionals), a profession essential to providing critical care and services to individuals with Developmental Disabilities in our state. To learn more, visit the following web pages:
December 13, 2017 – Duvall Homes is most grateful for being awarded a 2017 grant from the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club and from the Women’s Initiative of the United Way of Volusia-Flagler. The grants will be used to enhance the Day Training Program (ADT) at Duvall’s Opportunities Enrichment Center in DeLand.
Monies received from the DeLand Breakfast Rotary will help sustain Duvall Homes flourishing art program, and continued support from the Women United will help strengthen Duvall’s contract work program. Material and supplies to keep both on track are vital. The financial assistance received from each organization is deeply appreciated.
Not only does the program benefit participants in the ADT programming, but a multitude of community members across the County of Volusia are inspired by the outreach and volunteerism served by the ADT particpants. The impact tied to informing others and creating greater community awareness about issues faced by the disabled is immeasurable.
December 7, 2017 – Thank you TWO C’S TREES for donating this beautiful tree to Duvall Homes. Joe and Mary, along with all staff and residents, were happy to see the blue-green Fraser Fir decorated and to smell its distinct balsam fragrance which came all the way from North Carolina!
Other areas at the Glenwood campus are secretly being decorated by little elves in preparation for next week’s Winter Wonderland Celebration.
TWO C’S TREES is located at 1779 N Spring Garden Ave in DeLand and can be reached at (386)547-1426.
December 1, 2017 – Following Hurricane Matthew in 2016, efforts began to raise funds for purchasing whole house, hardwired generators. “It was determined that we needed generators that automatically turn on when power is lost to support many things essential to comfortable living for the fragile folks in our care,” said Marsha Shankleton, Duvall’s Chief Operating Officer.
“In addition to maintaining power for refrigeration, laundry and lighting, maintaining the group homes at certain temperatures is most important, not just for comfort and sustaining routine, but for avoiding serious problems,” added Shankleton.
An escalation in temperature can sometimes trigger seizures in some of our residents, among other medical complications, and so well before Hurricane Irma arrived, enough funds had been raised to purchase six of 16 generators.
With the challenges that came with Irma, Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs ruled that Nursing Homes and Adult Living Facilities must have generators, and so the goal to secure more than $250K to purchase and install 16 generators intensified.
“It’s been a long process, and thanks to the generosity of parents, guardians, family members and friends in the community, we have reached our goal,” said Duvall’s COO.
Following the necessary research, ordering procedures, securing of proper city and county surveys and permits, underground propane tank installations and quality assurance checks, Duvall is moving forward on the installation of generators in all group homes.
November 28, 2017 – Read how your generosity funds our greatest needs inside Duvall’s 2017 Fall Newsletter on page 11 at DuvallHomes.org/Newsletters.
If you’re looking to make a year-end tax-deductible donation, visit DuvallHomes.org/Donate AND please tell us what inspires you to give at ImInspired.org. If you’ve already supported us this past year, WE SINCERELY THANK YOU and also wish to hear from you at ImInspired.org.
Duvall Homes participates in international #UnSelfie campaign as part of #GivingTuesday. Click on photo.
Duvall Homes is a 501(c)(3) organization, designated by the IRS, and your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR DUVALL HOME (SOLICITATION # CH710) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT www.800helpfla.com, OR BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
November 27, 2017 – Did you know that when you shop at the Bargain Store of Duvall Homes in Deltona at 1200 Deltona Boulevard, and when you donate furniture, clothing and other household items, you are supporting the mission of Duvall Homes? Watch this short video to see what our 7000 sq.ft. Bargain Store has waiting for you. Arrangements for pickup can be made for most donations by calling 386.734.2874.
November 22, 2017 – Duvall Homes would like to recognize its friends, families and community partners and the importance of their interest, involvement and investment in empowering people in our community living with developmental disabilities.
“As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of all of our blessings,” said Duvall Homes’ CEO Steven DeVane. “We’re thankful for our dedicated staff and community members who have helped us not only weather the effects of Hurricane Irma, but who have stood by us throughout the year.”
Their support was evident at this year’s Inspiration Gala, which took place at the Sanborn Center in DeLand, September 29, 2017. Since the Gala’s inception, three years ago, the organization’s annual fundraiser continues to reach new milestones, this year, raising more than $85,000.
Of the more than 200 guests who attended, sponsors included Reames Employee Benefits Solutions, DaVita Labs, Florida Hospital, Florida Public Utilities, Park Shore Pharmacon, and numerous others who contributed to the event’s success.
“Supporting Duvall Homes is easy to do,” said honored guest John S. Olivari of Olivari & Associates. “The more I see the happy faces of people who call Duvall home, you just know they are doing it all right. I’m inspired.” Olivari was this year’s recipient of The Alanson and Thelma Duvall Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Highlights from the evening included an exhibit of STEM-inspired works of art created by residents of Duvall Homes, performances by Stetson University’s School of Music students, dinner by award-winning Puff ‘N Stuff, entertainment by Johnny Wild & The Delights, a high-energy 6-piece 50’s/60’s band sponsored by Kemp Realty Group and an exciting silent auction.
Your Generosity Funds Our Greatest Needs
Florida ranks 49 out of 50 states in funding services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and that shortfall has a ripple effect on family members, employers, the community and the state. Donations that come through fundraisers like the Gala are vital to sustaining Duvall’s mission. Following the significant effects from the recent hurricane season, this year’s appeal at the Gala was specific to raising funds to furnish all group homes with generators.
Gala guest, William Voges, challenged the crowd to raise $10K in the final minutes of the program in order to be matched with a $10K donation from the William J. Voges Foundation – the extraordinary crowd in attendance met this challenge!
“Raising funds for group home generators has been a long process that began following Hurricane Matthew in 2016,” said Duvall’s Chief Operating Officer, Marsha Shankleton. “Thanks to the generosity of the parents, guardians and family members of our residents, and friends in the community, we are now in the process of securing necessary surveys and permits, installing propane tanks and moving forward to furnishing all of our group homes with generators.”
Each sponsor, donor and volunteer lived up to the name of the Inspiration Gala and the I’m In mantra. “You have impacted the lives of all of our residents for this coming year and years that follow, and we thank you,” added DeVane.
Approaching its 73rd year empowering people with developmental disabilities, Duvall Homes is proud of the community it serves and the overwhelming kindness and support that continues to strengthen its mission. Join the I’m In conversation at ImInspired.org.
November 17, 2017 – Duvall Homes’ CEO, Steven DeVane (left to right), met with Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce Senior VP of Government Relations, Jim Cameron, and Central Florida Regional Director for US Senator Marco Rubio, Thomas Self, and Special Assistant Sarah Dávila-Aranguibel, giving them a tour of the Duvall campus and our Opportunities Enrichment Center.
When you shop this holiday season on Amazon, remember to login at smile.amazon.com and choose Duvall Homes, Inc. (EIN: 59-1159090) as the charitable organization you would like to support. It’s free, and the people Duvall Homes serves will benefit. THANK YOU!
November 1, 2017 – Images from DUVALL HOMES’ 2017 INSPIRATION GALA are highlighted inside the November/December 2017 issue of MYHEALTH published by the Daytona News-Journal. Flip to pages 42 and 43 at https://goo.gl/By2G7J. Get your own copy by subscribing to NJ at subscribe@news-jrnl.com. A larger story will debut in Duvall’s Fall Newsletter coming out later this month!
MYHEALTH SEEN:
Duvall Homes would like to thank friends, families and sponsors for their support of this year’s Inspiration Gala, which took place at the Sanborn Center in DeLand, September 29, 2017. Since the Gala’s inception, three years ago, the organization’s newly established annual fundraiser continues to reach new milestones, this year, raising more than $85,000, with funds still coming in.
Of the more than 200 guests who attended, sponsors included Reames Employee Benefits Solutions, DaVita Labs, Florida Hospital (Memorial Medical Center, DeLand & Fish Memorial), Florida Public Utilities, Park Shore Pharmacon, Kemp Realty Group and many other businesses. A few highlights from the evening included exhibited works of art created by residents of Duvall Homes, performances by Stetson University’s School of Music, a special tribute to John S. Olivari of Olivari & Associates, a seated dinner by award-winning Puff ‘N Stuff, and entertainment by Johnny Wild & The Delights, a high-energy 6-piece ‘50s/’60s’ band. To learn more, visit DuvallHomes.org.
November 6, 2017 – Thank you to Kirk Bauer of Bauer & Associates for supporting Duvall Homes and its Art For Everyone Program by funding an ad in the West Volusia Beacon’s 2017 DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts 25th Anniversary Publication.
It’s individual’s like Mr. Bauer, and the businesses who sponsored Duvall Homes’ 2017 Inspiration Gala, that enable us to share with the community all of the great programs and services offered at Duvall Homes and its Opportunities Enrichment Center.
To learn more about funding an ad for Duvall Homes in your favorite publication,
email lhabermehl@DuvallHomes.org
October 24, 2017 – Thank you to Graceway Church, to Pastors Fritts and Birdsall, for hosting their fall fundraiser this past Saturday in support of Duvall Homes and the people we serve!
Spearheaded by Sharon Demuth-Womble, Barbara Mittermaier, and a few other hardworking women, the evening began with guests circling three rooms filled with more than 100 silent auction items and baskets to raffle.
Attendees then enjoyed a delicious dinner by Debra Davis Catering and were thoroughly entertained by an auctioneer who wrapped the night with a live auction that kept the crowd in tears with his humor and speed selling of several additional donated items. Guests also purchased items with printed works of art crated by Duvall artists.
If you’re interested in supporting Duvall Homes and the empowerment of people with developmental disabilities in our community, visit Get Involved.
August 22, 2017 – This past month, participants at Duvall Homes’ Adult Day Training (ADT) Center began reviewing and preparing for the “arrival” of the spectacular solar eclipse that would pass the U.S. August 21, 2017. While the skies over DeLand, Florida, were not sunny and clear that afternoon, it didn’t seem to have any impact on the cosmic excitement of the rare occurrence.
Kristin in science class at ADT.
ADT supervisors and support specialists used Nasa’s Eclipse Activity Guide to form appropriate-level curriculum to both educate and inspire all individuals on the developmental disability spectrum. Adults with special needs, who are fortunate to take part in programming at Duvall’s Opportunities Enrichment Center, learned a great deal in varying STEM subjects including science and technology. They reviewed current events, geography and astronomy, and received instruction and hands-on guidance to build and create several science and art-based masterpieces.
Adult Day Training participants look at the sun indirectly through box projectors made in house.
Participants learned Eclipse Basics, viewing and hearing the differences between solar and lunar eclipses, the difference between ultraviolet and infrared lights, and learning the sun’s essential role in our world. After several “Q and A” sessions with the participants, they built box projectors to view the eclipse indirectly and safely, and solar ovens to measure light and temperatures and bake s’mores! They also used paint and chalk to create works of planet art – each activity building to a culmination in the viewing of the actual solar eclipse. Precautions were made for many individuals to view the solar eclipse outdoors through the purchase of Nasa-approved eclipse glasses; however, due to inclement weather, the eclipse was thoroughly enjoyed on television, with and without the glasses.
Taking part in the same activities and experiences that millions of people across the nation are taking part in is not new to us at Duvall. “We take pride in the fact that we stay current, keep involved with the community and create opportunities of personal growth, pride and independence on a daily basis,” said Marsha Shankleton, Chief Operating Officer of Duvall Homes.
The solar eclipse is the first of its kind, where the path of darkness crossed both East and West coasts exclusively in the U.S., since 1918 – Duvall Homes has been empowering people with developmental disabilities since 1945!
August 16, 2017 – Duvall Homes’ latest YouTube video Sustaining a Vital Workforce: Raising the Profile of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provides the community with an overview on the importance of valuable professional caregivers who provide specialized direct care every day, all day, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support.
Florida DSPs provide physical care, teach life and job skills and advocate for those in our care so they can live self-determined lives in their own communities. Together, let’s help raise the DSP profile! Share this video with your friends.
Read a detailed article on sustaining the vital DSP Workforce in Florida in the Duvall Homes’ 2017 Spring Newsletter.
July 31, 2017 – When Ruby Helton learned that the image of her developmentally disabled son, Jason, would appear this August in one of 16 banners that would adorn Woodland Boulevard (US Hwy 17-92) north and south of New York Avenue downtown DeLand, she was ecstatic. “Oh my, I will be driving down Woodland Blvd. every single day,” said Ruby in her sweet Georgia-native accent. Ruby and her husband moved to DeLand from Georgia seven years ago specifically for Jason. “Duvall Homes was the best place we could find for our son that makes him feel like a real person.”
Jason H.
Jason wears a helmet, because like so many individuals with a developmental disability, he also suffers from a seizure disorder. This however, does not curtail the goal setting and -achieving set by Jason and his personal Direct Support Professionals in his supportive housing nor reduce the educational, cultural and social opportunities organized by his team at Duvall’s Adult Day Training (ADT).
“We aim to provide daily experiences that produce opportunities of learning at various levels on the cognitive spectrum,” said Shirley Zonnevylle, Duvall’s ADT Director. Many experiences have a lasting positive impact on the participants’ lives and their families, while other experiences offer valued moments of curiosity and joy, which the images on the boulevard banners so clearly depict.
Banner images also include one resident, Meg, smiling after endorsing her check following fulfilled obligations for MBI. Other banners show residents holding art they have personally created (or discovered through #DeLandRocks) and young music students from Stetson University with residents who they performed for, or worked with, through their Instruments of Healing group.
Shirley T.
“That’s me! I did that painting!” announced Shirley T., an ADT community participant, as she pointed at an image of herself holding a painted vase of colorful flowers. When asked what she thought about being on a very large 7′ banner that will hang downtown DeLand, she smiled and said, “I’m happy… my painting is in that room over there.”
Duvall Homes will celebrate its third annual Inspiration Gala fundraiser, presented by Reames Employee Benefits Solutions, September 29, 2017, at the Sanborn Center, with the focus of honoring those inspirational experiences. The evening will also pay special tribute to businesses and individuals who support and sponsor the empowerment of those in Duvall’s care, including this year’s special honoree, John Olivari of Olivari & Associates, CPA.
Maureen Kemp, Kemp Realty Group Broker, and her husband Chris are the 2017 Gala entertainment sponsors, which will be Johnny Wild & the Delights. “I was first introduced to Duvall through the Keyettes Club at DeLand High School more than 30 years ago and am proud to support them today.” said Kemp
People are always amazed when they discover what the developmentally disabled are capable of doing, including community service and earning a paycheck, and these banners shine light on just a fraction of the inspiring stories of those who quietly live, and struggle, in the background, unknowing to the average person.
Randy E.
While the government does provide funding toward housing and training for developmentally disabled, not surprisingly, there remains a persistent gap between actual costs and what Medicaid Waiver covers. “Coupled with federal mandates tied to licensing and certifications, there remains additional costs for insurance, group home operations and special need vehicles. So we are dependent on the generosity of the members of our community to help us minimize this gap,” said Elizabeth Bhimjee, Chief Marketing & Development Officer. “Our Inspiration Gala has become an essential event to help us with those financial challenges.”
The installation of these symbolic banners is yet another milestone in Duvall Homes’ enduring 72-year history that began in the single-family home of Thelma and Alanson Duvall and their Down syndrome son, which has now grown to 16 group homes. Learn more about Duvall Homes and its 2017 Inspiration Gala, an RSVP ticketed event, at ImInspired.org. Members of the public are encouraged to comment what inspires them about the banners and Duvall Homes.
Tell us what you think about these banners and DeLand’s Boulevard of Inspiration by visiting ImInspired.org and filling out the fields, or by email Marketing@DuvallHomes.org.
Other areas at the Glenwood campus are secretly being decorated by little elves in preparation for next week’s 
Their support was evident at this year’s Inspiration Gala, which took place at the Sanborn Center in DeLand, September 29, 2017. Since the Gala’s inception, three years ago, the organization’s annual fundraiser continues to reach new milestones, this year, raising more than $85,000.
“Raising funds for group home generators has been a long process that began following Hurricane Matthew in 2016,” said Duvall’s Chief Operating Officer, Marsha Shankleton. “Thanks to the generosity of the parents, guardians and family members of our residents, and friends in the community, we are now in the process of securing necessary surveys and permits, installing propane tanks and moving forward to furnishing all of our group homes with generators.”
Spearheaded by Sharon Demuth-Womble, Barbara Mittermaier, and a few other hardworking women, the evening began with guests circling three rooms filled with more than 100 silent auction items and baskets to raffle.
Attendees then enjoyed a delicious dinner by 
