Dave’sStory Givingvoiceto
Honoring Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
This March, in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide are coming together to share powerful stories and valuable resources aimed at expanding opportunities for those with developmental disabilities In Central Virginia, we hear from Carol Sosnoski, the sister and guardian of David, along with members of his dedicated Horizon care team, Lisa Haibach and Stephanie McCleese, offering a glimpse into the life of someone with developmental disabilities and the support that helps them thrive
David, affectionately known as "Dave," has always had a warm, endearing nature that makes him a joy to be around Growing up, his sister Carol fondly recalls, "He’s always been such a sweetheart "
Theirchildhoodwasfilledwith love,understanding,andcherished memories.ThoughDavidfaced developmentalchallengesfroman earlyage,Carolembracedhis uniquenesswithpatienceand deepcare
"He’s always been such a sweetheart. I have no regrets of growing up in a home with special needs "
- Carol Sosnoski, Dave’s Sister & Guardian
Reflectingonthoseyears,she says,"Ihavenoregretsofgrowing upinahomewithspecialneeds" SheshareshowDavid’spresence alsoenrichedherownchildren’s lives,instillinginthemaprofound empathyforindividualswith disabilities
connectionthatwouldempower Davidinnewways Thisiswhen HorizonBehavioralHealthbecame apivotalpartofDavid’slife
AftermovingintoaHorizonHome inLynchburg,Virginia,David’s worldbegantoexpand "Hejust seemssohappy,"Carolsays, describingthejoysheseesinher brotherashethrivesinhisnew home.
Astimepassed,Carolnoticedthat David'sneedswereevolving.While hehadalwaysbeencaredforby family,includingtheirparentsand laterherself,Davideventually expressedadesireformore independence."Hetoldusthathe wantedtogotoagrouphome," Carolshares Atfirst,thethought ofhimleavingwasemotionally difficult ButCarolunderstoodthat thiswasanaturalprogression a desireforcommunityand
justaplacetolive theyprovidea vibrantcommunityofpeoplewho caredeeplyabouttheirresidents, offeringthemthesafety,support, andsocializationtheyneedtolive fulfillinglives
StephanieMcCleese,Residential ManagerataHorizonHomein Lynchburg,Virginia,haswitnessed firsthandhowDavidhas blossomed "He’sbeenmore social,moretalkative,andjust seemstofeelfree,"sheobserves
GivingVoicetoDave’sStory I HorizonBehavioralHealth
David'snewfoundindependence isreflectedinhisparticipationin activitiesthatwereonce unimaginableforhim Whetheritis takingpartinthefallfestival, dancingwithamicrophoneatthe communityparty,orenjoyingthe companyoffellowresidents,David istrulylivinglifetothefullest
“Helooksforwardtoitverymuch,” shesayswithasmile,knowingthat herbrotherisinaplacewherehis needsaremetwithgenuinecare Thepeoplearoundhimarenotjust caregivers;theyareanextension ofhisfamily.
David'sconnectiontothecentral Virginiacommunityhasonly deepened,thankstoth relationshipshe’sform Horizon Whetherit'sh spotatLaCaretta,whe takeshimoutforlunch attendinguniqueeven Christmasparties,fest tripstothemall,David andbelovedmembero community.Hisenthus participatinginactiviti parachutegames,craf attendingcarshows testifiesto thevibrantlifeheleads
StephanieMcCleeseexplainsDave hasaspecialgifttomakethose aroundhimfeelwanted She recalls,"WhenIcomein,he'slike, 'Stephanie'shere!'Healways rememberswhoIam,andhe’sjust veryupbeatandhappyallthe time"SinceDavecametoHorizon in2005,Stephaniehasbeena constantpresence,guidinghim throughhisdayswithwarmth, understanding andagenuine
Stephanie also has a remarkable ability to understand Dave's needs, especially when it comes to his anxiety
"He’sbeenmoresocial, moretalkative,andjust seemstofeelfree."
-StephanieMcCleese, ResidentialManager, Horizon
ForCarol,havingDavidinHorizon’s carehasbeenablessingnotjust forDavid,butfortheentirefamily. Whilesheremainsanactivepartof hislifeashisguardian,hervisits havebecomeacherishedroutine
Theirrelationshipgoesbeyondthe traditionalcaregiver-client dynamic Stephanieisnotjust Dave’ssupport;sheissomeone looksforwardtoseeing,andthis bringsalighttoherwork.
Dave’sexcitementwhenshewal throughthedoorispalpable,and Stephanietakesimmensepride seeingthatjoy.Sheexplainsthat Dave’senergy,despitehis challenges,bringssomething specialtoeachday "He’sa blessing,"shesays,withasmile thatshinesthroughinhervoice.
When Dave feels worried whether it’s about a doctor’s visit or the isolation from the pandemic Stephanie approaches him with gentleness and patience "You can’t make a big deal out of it," she says. "You just have to stay positive and keep things light " This steady, compassionate approach has helped Dave feel safe and cared for, even during times of uncertainty. What makes Horizon’s care of Dave so exceptional is not just the care team’s ability to help him manage routines or navigate challenges like anxiety and new staff. It is the way they make him feel valued, ensuring he always has a say in his day "Dave does make lots of choices," Stephanie notes, from deciding whether to go to his day program to choosing what to watch on TV. They don’t just care for him they respect him as an individual with his own preferences and needs And that respect, combined with the genuine love they feel for him, shines through in every interaction
This loving dynamic between Dave and his Horizon care team is what truly defines Horizon’s role in his life.
GivingVoicetoDave’sStory I HorizonBehavioralHealth
The Horizon Home at Lakeview is more than just a place where Dave is cared for it’s a family where he is known, understood, and deeply appreciated. Lisa Haibach, Program Manager of Horizon’s Intermediate Care Services Program, underscores the deeply personal approach Horizon takes in caring for residents, especially those with complex needs like Dave
"We really have that family touch. When you walk into any of our eight homes, and you can feel it—the attention to detail, the activities, and the genuine care our staff gives."
- Lisa Haibach, Program Manager, Horizon
Horizon Homes stands out not just for the quality of care, but for the emotional and medical support it provides Lisa explains, "We serve a population that is more medically fragile, and that’s what sets us apart from a typical group home."
Horizon doesn’t just provide a place to live they offer a community that empowers residents to lead fulfilling lives, regardless of their challenges. Lisa emphasizes that the relationship between the staff and families is treated with a family-like approach
"We really want to be an extension of the family We try to be there by their side because we're their voice "
- Lisa Haibach, Program Manager, Horizon
“We really want to be an extension of the family,” she says, noting that Horizon's team prioritizes communication with resident’s families to ensure they stay informed about their loved ones’ care Whether it’s through virtual meetings or regular updates, families are involved and reassured, even if they cannot be physically present
Horizon’s team also steps in as advocates when residents require medical attention. Lisa shares that when residents need to go to the hospital, the staff ensure they are represented and well cared for "We try to be there by their side because we're their voice," she says This ensures that families, even those who cannot be present, feel confident that their loved ones are in good hands.
This comprehensive approach to care, where families are active participants in the decision-making process and where each resident’s individuality is celebrated, sets Horizon apart It is a place where people like Dave find not only the medical care they need but the emotional and social connections that allow them to thrive For families like Carol’s, Horizon is not just a service provider it’s a community where their loved ones are not just cared for, but truly cherished
David’s story is a testament to the power of community, the importance of respect and care, and the transformative impact of a support system that views people with disabilities as valuable members of society. Carol emphasizes the importance of community involvement and kindness that can transform a person’s day "Just reach out with kindness and words," she advises. "You never know the impact it will have." Here in Central Virginia, David has found not just a place to live, but a place to belong a place where his life is full of joy, independence, and the love of a family that supports him in every way possible
"Just reach out with kindness and words. You never know the impact it will have."
- Carol Sosnoski, Dave’s Sister & Guardian
To learn more about how you can support residents in your community through Horizon’s Intermediate Care Program, visit www HorizonOpportunities org