Villa Views - Fall 2021

FALL 2021

The Newsletter of St. Joseph’s Villa

CELEBR ATING NEW BEGINNINGS

The Villa’s new Sarah Dooley Center for Autism opens its doors

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Students, parents, and staff cut the ribbon to commemorate a special day in the Villa’s 187-year history.

To be standing in this building today is a dream come true,” said Quadon McCullough, Director of Operations for the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism (SDCA).

Faculty, parents, placing agents, and architects with experience in special education facilities collaborated during a series of charettes to influence the center’s state-of-theart design.

Students experienced the culmination of nearly ten years of planning, two years of construction, and $9.5 million in community philanthropy when they walked through the doors of the Villa’s new autism center on the first day of school. While SDCA feels and functions like a regular school, the repurposed 1931 building integrates specialized safety and accessibility features that cater to individual needs, and thoughtful details that enhance opportunities for student engagement.

“It’s so bright and airy.

These spaces just seem so interchangeable and so fluid, it’s just limitless,” said Megan Scoglio, whose 16-yearold daughter Porter attends SDCA.

The new building also expands SDCA’s capacity to 112 students, with the goal of reaching thousands more through partnerships in research and teacher training.

The two-story Reynolds Family Hall serves as a gathering space for students and guests.

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Celebrating New Beginnings (con’t) The redevelopment of SDCA was inspired by rising autism rates, and the demonstrated long-term impact of expert educational intervention. In addition to teaching students with autism, the center will build on its partnership with public schools by serving as a professional training and research facility, modeling best practices in autism education.

“Public schools throughout Central Virginia are seeing greater numbers of children appearing on the autism spectrum each year, and at younger ages,” said Adam Dreyfus, SDCA’s Senior Director. “We’re positioning this new building as a training hub and model for public school teachers, so that they can replicate cutting-edge best practices in their own classrooms.”

The Villa’s five-year RiseUP Campaign raised a total of $30.6 million which funded the

building renovations and other campus improvements. In those five years, the number of children identified with autism climbed from 1 in 68 to 1 in 54, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The flexibility of the new center allows us to be creative and provide the best learning environment for each of our students, while turning to the larger challenges facing educators as autism diagnoses increase,” said Villa CEO Kathleen Burke Barrett.

“We aim to serve as a groundbreaking shared resource that contributes to key advancements in autism education at the national and international level.”

At the heart of it all, SDCA’s primary goal is to give students the skills they need to successfully transition back to their zoned public schools, and live with the most freedom

Designed by Odell and constructed by Daniel & Company, SDCA’s unique features include: • • • • • •

Expanded accessibility with new entrances, ramps, showers, restrooms, and an elevator Enhanced safety features to deescalate behavioral incidents without restraining or isolating students A library and indoor movement room Transparent storage and configurable furniture to increase communication opportunities A clinical suite with an observation room Flexible auditorium space for professional trainings and conferences, with remote teaching technology

WINNER American Institute of Architects Richmond 2021 Design Award

and independence possible as adults. With a new collaborative space, SDCA now has the potential to impact thousands of lives across Virginia, participate in critical educational development and research, and take part in the global dialogue on autism.

SDCA is housed within the newly dedicated Burke Barrett School, named in honor of CEO Kathleen Burke Barrett. Pictured with daughters Catie McConnell (left) and Ann-Meade Trahan (right).

Flagler and Crater Region partners nationally recognized for ending veteran homelessness

HUD awards $1.5 million for Crater Region’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) Youth in the Tri-Cities area will be empowered to end homelessness through a $1.5 million YHDP grant from HUD – one of only 31 in the nation. The grant was secured by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and supported by St. Joseph’s Villa as lead agency for the Crater Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH).

St. Joseph’s Villa, lead agency for the Crater Area Coalition on Homelessness, celebrates the achievement with partners at a press conference in Petersburg.

Homelessness is a solvable problem. In May 2021, the Villa’s Flagler Housing & Homeless Services and partners with the Crater Area Coalition on Homelessness (CACH) proved it by functionally ending chronic homelessness for veterans. The region became the 11th community in the nation to reach this milestone with certification by Built for Zero, a national data-driven initiative to measurably end homelessness.

The Crater Area encompasses three cities (Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights) and six counties (Prince George, Dinwiddie, Emporia, Greensville, Surrey and Sussex), with a total population of about 172,000.

Today, fewer veterans living in the Crater Area are experiencing homelessness than can be routinely housed in a month.

After joining Built for Zero in May 2019, Flagler led a community-wide effort to build a real-time, by-name list of every veteran experiencing homelessness in the community.

The process required that all local service providers holding a piece of the solution to homelessness were sharing current data.

Prioritizing data collection and transparent communication enabled CACH to gain insight into each veteran’s needs, and quickly target solutions.

This wider collaboration proved exceptionally critical when the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, as veteran populations were at high risk of infection, complication, and even death. Local shelters faced closures before the pandemic, posing a challenge in connecting households to services. The CARES Act allowed Flagler and other housing partners to move vulnerable people into hotels and motels for shelter and quarantine. CACH also partnered with grassroots and faith-based organizations to continue providing food and supplies to veterans while other resources were shutting down.

Since reaching functional zero for their veteran population, CACH is now working to scale this victory to end chronic homelessness for youth and families. Flagler and CACH partners continue to come together regularly as a community of service providers to identify, assess, and assist every single person in need of support.

With collective effort, real-time data, and a coordinated system resilient to the dynamic nature of homelessness, the community believes they will rise to the challenge.

Flagler has operated the Housing Resource Center in Petersburg since 2012.

For the past two years, the Villa has facilitated the Crater Region’s Youth Action Board (YAB), a group ages 14-24 with lived experience that provides input to CACH on the unique needs of young adults. YAB members will be integral in selecting which projects submitted by service providers will be funded by the HUD grant, as part of a coordinated community plan to prevent and end youth homelessness.

With the opportunity to expand rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, youth outreach and more, the YHDP will fit the needs of youth, and amplify their voice.

The YAB is an established standing sub-committee of CACH, dedicated to ensuring housing interventions address stability, permanent connections, education and employment, and well-being.

DID YOU KNOW? The Villa’s Flagler Housing & Homeless Services is the only youth rapid rehousing provider in the Crater Region.

It’s easy to leave a meaningful legacy at the Villa.

Darren Nolt and B. Hathaway’s planned gifts will support the next generation of Villa students and families – and align with the current trends in planned giving.

Should I be thinking about a planned gift now?

It’s never too early to start thinking about a planned gift. The average age at which donors make their first planned gift is 53, and one of the most transformational ways to support the Villa’s future is through a planned gift.

Leading by example, Board members Darren Nolt (left) and B. Hathaway (right) both made provisions in their estate plans for the Villa during the RiseUP Campaign, but what was the motivation behind it?

“My wife and I care so much about the Villa that we wanted to lead by example and start now. We established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust some years ago, and had a handful of beneficiaries listed. As we have seen the positive programs flourish, the Villa has now gone to the top of that list. We felt strongly about helping perpetuate the Villa with our gift through the Archway Society.” - B. Hathaway

Planned gifts have to be large to make an impact, right?

They don’t! Did you know that in 2019, the average bequest amount in the Unites States was $78,630 with gift sizes ranging from $5 to over $10,000,000? Yes, there are donors who make very large gifts through their estates, but those are not the norm, they are the exception. Since our doors first opened, we have relied on caring members of our community to sustain our mission year after year. Planned gifts, like those made by Darren and B., will help carry that mission forward.

“I learned a lot through the process, especially that my gift doesn’t have to be six or seven-figures to make a difference. My goal is to one day increase my gift intention, but I wanted to start now. It helps the Villa plan and it helps me plan. It feels really good to know I’m helping generations of children in our community.” - Darren Nolt

In Memoriam Mary Jane Caliandro 1927-2021

This fall we remember and celebrate the life of Villa alumna, and Archway Society Member, Mary Caliandro.

Mary lived at the Villa from 1935-1945, and her memories are happy ones. “I had a lot of friends at the Villa,” said Mary. “It was my home. I love the Villa.”

Mary made provisions in her estate for the Villa from the sale of her home. She had planned to pay tribute to the place she and her sister called home for ten years.

“It’s wonderful to be able to give something to an organization that has done so much for others.”

Mary’s legacy will live on at the Villa for generations to come. Thank you, Mary.

To learn how you can start building your legacy at the Villa, please visit sjvarchwaysociety.org or contact: P.J. Shaver, CFRE Major Gift Officer pshaver@sjvmail.net | 804.553.3220

Dooley School and VCU students team up to imagine brighter futures for their communities Career and Transition Services (CATS) continues providing opportunities for students to explore their creativity in partnership with local colleges and universities. This fall, Dooley School and VCU students will share ideas for improving their communities using models created with a 3D printer.

“Our shared goal with CATS is to help Villa students practice teamwork and communication skills, while also reflecting on what Richmond needs to be a healthier and more just community,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kreydatus, Associate Professor of Focused Inquiry at VCU. Students will present their 3D models to a panel of academic team members before putting them on display in VCU’s Harris Hall.

Thanks to this service learning partnership with VCU, now in its 7th year, our students are able to gauge community issues and discover the ways they can bring change through their own skill sets.

Note: Names changed to protect privacy.

Crisis Stabilization Unit helps Caroline find strength to cope with trauma The effects of childhood trauma echoed through the years for Caroline.

She moved in with her 70-year-old grandmother after enduring neglect by her parents, but had trouble managing her emotions despite a more caring environment. Her anxiety and anger would often erupt into violent outbursts and destruction. When crisis situations escalated and became too much for her grandmother to handle, Caroline’s cousin Brittany stepped up to help, and was awarded custody.

Caroline struggled with the move from South Carolina to Virginia to be with Brittany. A recent mental health crisis led to a two-day hospitalization for Caroline – but the solution was shortlived.

Caroline’s social worker then referred Brittany to the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) at St. Joseph’s Villa. Over the course of ten days at the CSU, clinicians worked with Caroline to encourage healthy self-expression and address the root of her behaviors. Brittany was also able to join treatments through virtual and in-person family counseling sessions, where they could both open up about their feelings. Caroline successfully returned home just in time for her fifteenth birthday, with a network of support and a safety plan that she and Brittany created together, to help continue on the path toward healing.

“St. Joseph’s Villa was so helpful, I would recommend the CSU for any child struggling with mental health,” “The hospital didn’t provide therapy said Brittany. “Caroline was a totally because it was too crowded, but she different person when she came home. needed it to come home,” said Brittany. She’s been doing well.”

“This critical collaboration has seen so much success,” said Jafar Baraka, Principal of Dooley School. “CATS continues to lift up Dooley School students, arming them with much-needed vocational training and support.”

Youth and their families have daily access to a licensed telepsychiatrist at the CSU. The CSU operates in partnership with Richmond Behavioral Health Authority Region IV. Students build technical skills on the Villa’s 3D printer with support from the CATS team.

Flagler Senior Director Kimberly Tucker inducted into Virginia Housing Alliance Hall of Fame Fourteen years to the day that Kimberly Tucker joined St. Joseph’s Villa as Director of Flagler Housing & Homeless Services, the Virginia Housing Alliance celebrated her trailblazing contributions to ending homelessness by inducting her into their Hall of Fame. The recognition spotlights the outstanding careers of leaders in the field who address challenges through innovative problem-solving approaches, creative uses of financing tools, sustainable program design, and excellence in service delivery.

Kimberly oversaw the challenging task of transitioning the Villa’s Flagler Home, an oncampus shelter that housed homeless women and their children, to a rapid rehousing model serving individuals and families of all compositions. Flagler became one of the first three rapid rehousing providers in the country certified by the National Alliance to End

Homelessness (NAEH), and expanded into the Tri-Cities in 2011 by opening the Petersburg Housing Resource Center. In 2018, Kimberly joined NAEH before a Congressional Briefing in the U.S. Capitol to share the efficacy and success of rapid rehousing.

Kimberly’s passion for serving youth moved Flagler in the direction of becoming a significant youth homeless services provider throughout Central Virginia. She led Flagler in a partnership with the Dept. of Housing and Community Development to form the Tri-Cities’ first Youth Action Board (YAB).

The YAB remains engaged in the region’s Continuum of Care (CoC) and is a valuable resource to inform all youth programming.

Flagler also became the first homeless service agency in the Richmond CoC to have a dedicated youth outreach specialist to assist youth navigating the homeless system.

Kimberly has changed countless lives through her enthusiasm in collaborating with community partners and commitment to adopting best practices. As she embarks on her next adventures in retirement, our Villa family gives her our very best wishes, and our collective thanks.

Service Enterprise Certified! proudly supports St. Joseph’s Villa

www.lewisins.com

It’s official!

St. Joseph’s Villa is now a Service Enterprise certified by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

Our team completed a comprehensive assessment, 16 hours of training and coaching, and an extensive action plan to achieve certification.

As a Service Enterprise, the Villa is better equipped to align your passions and skills with meaningful volunteer positions that have an impact. We’re proud to join the top 11% of organizations nationwide strategically engaging volunteers in our mission to scale our work. Learn how you can get involved today at NeverStopBelieving.org.

Thanks to Lewis Insurance Associates for sponsoring this newsletter.

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40 years without a home, Mr. Davis rebuilds his life with Flagler For 40 years, Mr. Davis lived alone, homeless, under a bridge. He remembers a happy childhood with loving and supportive parents, and as one of three siblings, he’ll tell you he was the baby of the family. But as a teenager, he suffered the unbearable loss of his mother to cancer, followed by the passing of his father one year later.

Overwhelmed with grief, Mr. Davis could no longer focus on school, and stopped going after 8th grade.

For a time he bounced around, couch surfing with his brother, then his cousin and finally his niece. The untimely deaths of both his cousin and niece sank him further into depression, and since then, he’s been on his own.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), in order to receive benefits that would assist him with housing and accessing medications for his mental and physical health. With a very limited employment history consisting of entry level, physically demanding positions, Mr. Davis also worked closely with Kelly Green-Bloomfield, Flagler’s then-Community Resource and Employment Navigator (now Youth Services Manager). Kelly collaborated with the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to assist him in gaining employment.

advocate. Mr. Davis was initially denied benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Kelly appealed the decision, working even closer with DARS, Hargraves Outreach, and Daily Planet to build the case.

After gathering additional documentation and arranging a consultative exam from SSA, the decision was overturned.

In addition to helping Mr. Davis prepare for interviews and meet with prospective employers, Kelly stood by him as his

“He’s in a good place now,” said Frances.

“Mr. Davis has lived a hard life, and now, he finally has a home again.”

“It truly took a village, and I am ecstatic that I had a hand in making it happen!” said Kelly.

Flagler worked with Mr. Davis for two years, and ultimately helped him find a permanent home with Virginia Supportive Housing.

Mr. Davis isolated himself under Richmond’s Mayo Bridge, where trauma continued.

“I was a victim of assault, had a gun put to my head, and my only means of transportation was my bike and it was stolen,” he said. He slept 3-4 hours each night, and turned to substance use to escape overpowering feelings of loneliness and sadness. At 61 years old, Mr. Davis was connected to Flagler Housing & Homeless Services at St. Joseph’s Villa by Commonwealth Catholic Charities.

Housing Stabilization Case Manager Frances Jackson promptly took Mr. Davis to the Daily Planet and VCU Medical Center for a full checkup, as he had not received any preventative care since becoming homeless.

While by his side through numerous treatments, the Flagler team worked to help Mr. Davis build skills to obtain and maintain safe, stable housing.

“When he first came to us, Mr. Davis was not familiar with using a cell phone, or going into the store to get groceries,” said Frances.

“Trust was a challenge for him. We were able to be there for him to get him started.”

Frances helped Mr. Davis successfully complete and submit applications for

Mr. Davis lived under the Mayo Bridge in Richmond for 40 years.

You can lend a hand to individuals like Mr. Davis through our Amazon Wishlist! Your donation of urgently needed items helps youth, families, seniors and veterans transition from homelessness to a safe, permanent place to call home. Find out more at NeverStopBelieving.org/donate-goods.

8000 Brook Road • Richmond, VA 23227 804.553.3200 • NeverStopBelieving.org The Newsletter of St. Joseph’s Villa

Inside:

ENDING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

We never stop believing in children and their families.

$1.5 million HUD grant to Crater Region emphasizes youth leadership

ENGAGING FAMILIES IN CRISIS SJV’s Crisis Stabilization Unit works with the whole family to create lasting change

LEAVING A LEGACY Villa Board members share motivation for providing for the Villa’s future

St. Joseph’s Villa Board of Trustees Richard P. Wintsch, Chair Kathleen C. Duke, Chair-Elect Kathleen Burke Barrett, Executive Vice President Thomas S. Zachry, Secretary Suzanne K. Hinton, Treasurer Donald Alexander Cynthia P. Balderson Byron D. Berry Brantley D. Hathaway Christopher M. Layne Mark D. Nichols Darren J.Nolt Linda M. Warren Katina Williams

Join Us – We’re Hiring!

Are you, or is someone you know, seeking a career where you’ll make a difference each and every day?

At St. Joseph’s Villa, we change the lives of more than 3,000 children and families each year through an array of integrated support services. Our staff bring expertise from many fields to meet each person’s unique needs and build upon their strengths.

We have about 300 full-time and part-time employees, but small staff sizes within our individual programs allow for added flexibility in a friendly and client-focused environment.

Our team loves being a part of the magic at St. Joseph’s Villa, and we think you will too!

To view and apply to current job openings, visit our website: www.NeverStopBelieving.org

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Rewarding Work

Competitive Pay

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Full and Part-Time Training Available