go shopping or go do a project together, we’ll take a group out into the community and help make that happen. It’s about community integration,” explained Leonard. And in-home services get people set up in housing and check in on them. “We make sure they’re paying their rent, make sure their food isn’t expiring. We’re in there as much as they need us to be.” SVH Adult Services’ newest program addition is The Hub, an eclectic, technology-rich hangout space in downtown Roanoke. It’s a place for developing social relationships, honing job skills and resumes, and accessing community resources. Similarly, Katie’s Place is a day program that provides education on how to cook, clean, do laundry, garden, and even care for backyard chickens. This program also sets individuals up with half-day volunteer projects at local nonprofits. “They’ll do whatever is needed,” said Leonard, “so the
nonprofits get volunteers, and our people get job skills.” “When you’re over eighteen, services are more scattered than they are when you’re a minor. Simply put, there aren’t enough,” said Leonard. If you happen to be fortunate enough to have a Medicaid waiver, you’re more able to access day-support programs like employment and in-home services. Unfortunately, access to waivers are first-come-first-served, and there is a twelve-thousand-person-strong waiting list for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. “Our state legislators are choosing not to adequately fund the waiver system,” she said, “so people sit on a waiting list with no help. What we do is take people who don’t have a waiver; the money we raise through fundraisers like Run for Donuts helps facilitate their ability to take part in our programs.” The third annual Run for Donuts 5K will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, and registration is now open at runsignup.com (the 5K run is $25 until September 29, when
it will go up to $30 per runner; the Fun Run is $15, and will increase to $20 after September 29). This fundraiser has been a huge hit the past two years; it includes a costume contest and, of course, donuts at the finish line. The proceeds benefit all three SVH Services organizations equally. In addition to Run for Donuts, SVH Services will be hosting the celebratory Light it up Blue for World Autism Day in Elmwood Park on April 2. Let’s show our support and our commitment to inclusivity by being willing to employ adults with unique needs, by making an effort to meet and understand those who are differently abled, by spreading the word about and donating to the programs SVH Services provides, and by hitting the pavement in the Run for Donuts 5K!
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Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Newcomer Auditions May 2, 3, 4 at Bethel Baptist Church in Salem.
Auditions are open for boys and girls ages 7-17. Singers should come prepared to sing the first verse of, “My Country Tis of Thee”. The audition is quick and fun and takes about 5 minutes. Come and be a part of the excellence and beauty of this award winning, Nationally Recognized youth choir.
Sign up for your audition at
(540) 724 – 6787 • www.childrenschoir.com Growing Up April 2019 21