RHA Howell

Ruby Tuesday Fundraiser Serves Medically Fragile Child

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“Dining Makes A Difference” is a success.

L-R: John Gibbons, Director of Case Management; Patti Weaver with A2Z; and Mark Gibbons, General Manager for Ruby Tuesday.

January 19, 2012 (Durham, NC) – Ruby Tuesday’s “Dining Makes a Difference” fundraiser for RHA Howell’s Bridges Community Alternative Program for Children program (CAP/C) in December raised enough money to grant a special wish to a medically fragile child.

On Wednesday, December 14, Ruby Tuesday’s near Southpoint Mall in Durham donate 20 percent of its dining receipts that day to grant a wish to a child in the RHA Bridges CAP/C program. The fundraiser was part of Ruby Tuesday’s GiveBack Program.

“Everyone at RHA Bridges wants to thank the restaurant’s general manager Mark Gibbons and his wonderful staff for hosting the Give Back night,” said Debbie Valentine, marketing director for RHA Howell, Inc. “We’d also like to thank Patty Weaver with A2Z Home Medical  for sponsoring the Bridges staff lunch, and all of the families and friends who dined at Ruby Tuesday that day to support the Bridges program.”

RHA Bridges serves as a “bridge” between families, needed services, the Department of Social Services, the Division of Medical Assistance, physicians, and therapists. Bridges helps to coordinate the work of home health professionals that make CAP/C services happen for children with medically complex needs through age 20. Bridges is the go-to source for families of children who need help in navigating the system of care and support. For more information visit www.rhabridges.com.

RHA Howell is a non-profit statewide organization that has been supporting children and adults with disabilities and their families for nearly 40 years. For more information visit www.rhahowell.org.

For more information on Ruby Tuesday’s GiveBack program, go to www.rubytuesday.com/giving-back.

About RHA Howell, Inc.:

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for nearly 40 years. Integrity, high standards for quality and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, go to www.rhahowell.org.

Ceramic Christmas Trees Made by People with Disabilities Now Available Online

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RHA Howell announces annual fundraiser.  

December 14, 2011 (Greensboro, NC) — RHA Howell has announced that the popular lighted ceramic Christmas trees made by people with disabilities are available again this year for purchase online.

Available in green or white, the ceramic Christmas trees stand about 12 inches tall and feature tiny lights on the branches that are illuminated by a bulb inside the tree.

People with disabilities who are served by RHA Howell’s Greensboro day and community programs made all of the trees. Proceeds from sales will benefit RHA’s developing arts immersion program.

“Our Christmas trees have been a popular fundraiser for many years,” said special events coordinator Debbie Valentine. “They’re a lovely holiday decoration and our clients love making them.”

The ceramic trees are $25 each plus shipping and handling ($15 via UPS ground). Or they can be picked up at RHA Howell Greensboro, 1508 Gatewood Ave., Greensboro, NC, 27405. Orders should be placed online at www.rhahowell.org by clicking on the Christmas trees icon.

For more information contact Kandy John at 336-273-6105, email: kjohn@rhanet.org; or Roger Jones at 252-521-1131, email: rojones@rhanet.org.

The Greensboro day and community programs are part of RHA Howell’s statewide service to children and adults with disabilities and their families. For more information visit www.rhahowell.org.

About RHA Howell, Inc.

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for more than 35 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, please go to www.rhahowell.org.

RHA Howell’s CAP/C Program Partners with Shaw University’s Social Work Department

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To secure internship placements for students.

December 13, 2011 (Raleigh, NC) — Bridges, RHA Howell’s Community Alternative Program for Children (CAP/C), has announced its new partnership with the Shaw University Department of Social Work’s internship program.

“Bridges is honored to partner with such an outstanding university and looks forward to continue this relationship into future,” said John Gibbons, program director.

The program allows Social Work students to interact with clients of the agency or organization where they’re placed, to provide coordination of family support, and to learn about community resources.

Students in the program work a minimum of 16 hours per week in the field agency to which they’re assigned, 240 hours per semester for a total of 480 hours.

The first intern from Shaw, Salima Hines, began at the Bridges program in September. Manina McNeil, assistant professor and coordinator of field education at Shaw, worked with the RHA Bridges staff to get Hines the internship opportunity.

RHA Howell is a statewide, non-profit organization that that has been working with children and adults with disabilities for nearly 40 years. The RHA Bridges program provides the “bridge” between families and services they need, working with the Department of Social Services, the Division of Medical Assistance, physicians, therapists, and in-home care providers.

Bridges also provides CAP/C services for medically fragile children through age 21. For more information visit www.rhabridges.com.

For more information on Shaw University’s Social Work department, contact Manina McNeill at 919-333-4652.

About RHA Howell, Inc.:

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for nearly 40 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, go to www.rhahowell.org.

Bridges CAP/C Program and Hilltop Home Collaborate with “Money Follows The Person” To Make A Child’s Dream Come True

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November 29, 2011 (Raleigh NC) — A child living with complex medical needs will be moving from her

L-R: Maria and her twin sister Nicole.

current residential placement back to her family’s home due to the collaborative efforts of RHA Howell’s Bridges Community Alternative Program for Children (CAP-C), Hilltop Home (a private, nonprofit residential center), and the North Carolina “Money Follows the Person” project.

Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a state demonstration project that assists people who live in inpatient facilities to move into their own communities with supports. The project’s intent is to allow North Carolinians to have greater choice about where they receive their long-term supports.

This marks the first time that MFP has assisted in transitioning a child with complex medical needs back to her home through CAP-C. Much of the credit goes to Holly Lemieux, Executive Director of Hilltop Home, for recognizing that this particular child was ready to return home, and for getting CAP-C to assist in helping the family re-unite.

“This 18-month partnership with Hilltop Home and RHA Howell CAP/C has been a true labor of love,” Lemieux said. “After nine years, this family is realizing their dream of having Maria at home where she belongs. Many thanks to Lena Robertson, RHA Howell CAP/C case manager, for her advocacy in making this happen.”

The RHA Bridges staff has been working closely for months with Trish Farnham, Project Director, and Christy Blevins, Assistant Director for the MFP project, to make this family’s dream a reality.

“Our CAP-C professional team has been working diligently to identify the needs this child will have upon her discharge to ensure a seamless and successful transition back to home,” said John Gibbons, Director of Bridges CAP-C Case Management. “Our case managers also helped to organize home and vehicle modifications to make the environment ready for the child’s return home.”

The modifications included widening doorways, installing a ceiling lift to move Maria safely about the home, building an entry ramp, and modifying the family van to accommodate her wheelchair.

“It has been quite an undertaking for our case managers,” said Gibbons, “but one that has also been rewarding for all of us.”

MFP provided funding of $23,000 to help make this dream a reality. The funds were approved in advance to ensure that the needed modifications could be in working order prior to Maria’s discharge from Hilltop Home and before the effective date for her CAP-C services to begin.

For more information on North Carolina’s Money Follows The Person program: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/medicaid/MFP.htm.

About RHA Bridges:

RHA Bridges, a program within RHA Howell, Inc., serves as a “bridge” between families, needed services, the Department of Social Services, the Division of Medical Assistance, physicians, and therapists. CAP-C Bridges helps to coordinate the work of home health professionals who provide care for children with medically complex needs through age 21. For more information on the Bridges CAP-C Case Management program, visit www.rhabridges.com or call 919-803-2960.

About RHA Howell, Inc.:

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for nearly 40 years. Integrity, high standards for quality and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, go to www.rhahowell.org.

Professional Chef Volunteers Time To Teach Cooking Class At Magnolia Place

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Chef Pat Walston helps 17 young men and women prepare an Italian

Chef Pat Walston (center) with Magnolia Place staff (L-R) Cynthia Daye, Tasha Howard, and Vonda Ashford.

menu.

September 23, 2011 (Goldsboro, NC) — Pat Walston, Corporate Chef for House-Autry Mills volunteered her time recently to conduct a cooking class at RHA Howell’s Magnolia Place in Goldsboro, NC.

Magnolia Place is a 24-hour supported living program for people with disabilities. Its mission is to provide quality training and residential services for selected students of the Work Source East Vocational Rehabilitation Facility.

Seventeen Magnolia Place residents attended the hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare an Italian menu.

But first, Chef Pat taught the group about food safety and handling. Then she divided

Residents prepare dessert.

them into three smaller groups: one to prepare the appetizers, one to prepare the entrees, and another to prepare dessert.

With assistance from Magnolia Place staff members, Chef Pat demonstrated techniques of cooking as the group prepared Caprese salad skewers (appetizers), two hand-made deep-dish pizzas, hand-made meatball subs (the students prepared the meatballs one by one), and a chocolate brownie trifle for dessert. In the process, they learned how to prepare an actual meal and how to work together as a team in the kitchen.

Afterward, they all sat together and enjoyed the meal.

“We are so grateful to Chef Pat for donating her time to the Magnolia program and for giving back to her community,” said RHA Howell’s marketing director Debbie Valentine, who joined in the fun as a member of “Team Brownie” to make dessert.

Residents prepare meatball subs.

“Some of the guys were a bit skeptical at first, but after feasting on the Italian-inspired meal, they all wanted to learn more about cooking!”

Chef Pat Walston, who lives in Goldsboro, is a regular participant in RHA Howell’s annual “Epicurious Vino Challenge” fundraiser held each summer at Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level, NC. The challenge requires professional chefs to use a Hinnant wine as a main ingredient in a signature dish. Chef Pat received an Honorable Mention in the People’ Choice category.

Magnolia Place is located at 1401 Salem Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530. For more information about the Magnolia Place program, contact Charlotte Wooten, Residential Director at 919-734-9039 or visit www.rhahowell.org.

About RHA Howell

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for nearly 40 years. Integrity, high standards for quality and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, go to www.rhahowell.org.

Health Care Providers’ Conference To Address Critical Changes, Challenge

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NC Providers Council to hold annual conference in October.

August 29, 2011 (Raleigh, NC) — The North Carolina Providers Council will hold its annual conference, this year entitled “The Change Imperative: Retooling to Meet the Challenge,” October 4-6 at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel and Conference Center at Four Seasons in Greensboro, NC.

According to Executive Director, Bob Hedrick, this year’s event is more critical than ever before.

“North Carolina’s health care system is confronting its most sweeping transformation in decades and it is having a dramatic impact on the people we support. We need to be armed with the information and tools needed to meet these sweeping federal and state changes.” he said. “The NC General Assembly has imposed provider cuts leaving people with disabilities in a compromised state. Medicaid costs are rising and we have been given an ‘imperative to change.’ We must find even more creative ways to support people with limited resources.”

The NC Providers Council preserves and promotes access to quality services for people with intellectual/ developmental/ physical disabilities, mental illness and substance abuse who require support to remain in their communities.

“The conference offers three days of the most up-to-date and relevant information critical to all providers,” said Richard Anderson, president of the council’s Board of Directors and Director of Governmental Affairs & Strategic Development for True Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., “information they need to thrive in the changing world of providing support services for people across in North Carolina. A stronger, more collaborative provider network is essential.”

According to Anderson, conference sessions are “specifically designed to address many of the questions and challenges providers are facing during these new economic and political times as we move to managed care.”

Sam Hedrick, president of RHA Howell, and program chair for this year’s conference, adds that topics range from “The Change Imperative: Retooling To Meet The Challenge;” to “Legislative, Budget, and Policy Changes Affecting Providers;” and “Affordable Care Act – Progress, Challenges, Opportunities.”  Among the 25 speakers lined up for this year’s conference are Lanier Cansler, Secretary of the NC Department of Health & Human Services; Worth Bolton, Clinical Instructor at the UNC-CH School of Social Work; Pam Shipman, CEO of PBH and Dr. Pam Silberman, CEO/ President, NC Institute of Medicine.

The 2011 conference provides attendees the opportunity to earn continuing education units (CEUs) through the Council’s partnership with the UNC School of Social Work, Jordan Institute for Families.

The NC Providers Council is also accepting sponsorships for the event.  Any agency, organization, business or individual that would like to sponsor the conference can do so on the website: www.ncproviderscouncil.org.

Registration and a complete conference agenda are also available at the website. For more information, go to www.ncproviderscouncil.org or call 919-784-0230.

River Bend NC To Host Special Tour of Waterfront Homes and Gardens

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Including a memorial tour of Chick Wooten murals.

August 24, 2011 (New Bern, NC) — A special tour of five waterfront homes and gardens, along with a memorial tour of murals by the late North Carolina artist Chick Wooten, will be held in River Bend, NC, on Saturday, September 17, from noon to 4 p.m. during the “Homes on the Waters of River Bend Tour.”

The homes on the tour offer a variety of architectural styles at different locations along the waterways of River Bend, including the Trent River, Plantation Canal and Island Lake. Interior designs range from contemporary to traditional. One of the homes features artifacts from all over the world. And all five have waterfront views.

Homes on the tour can be visited any time and in any order during tour hours, and refreshments will be served. The featured homes are:

  • The Camille and Jim Hoffman residence at 104 Plantation Drive
  • The Catherine and Richard Ewan residence at 318 Plantation Drive
  • The Lynne and Phil Seymour residence at 250 Shoreline Drive
  • The Debbie and Al Alcoff residence at 114 Mariners Court
  • The Marci and Gerry Crawford residence at 103 Raft Road

Chick Wooten’s primitive murals are located throughout RHA Howell’s River Bend Center for the developmentally disabled at 140 Pirates Road, New Bern. The center will be open during tour hours. Wooten was known for his paintings of life in the Carolina countryside. The central themes of his work are family life, togetherness especially in tough times, and the importance of faith and community traditions.

Advance tickets to the tour are $10 and are available at The River Bend Market, the River Bend Country Club, Trent River Realty, and the RHA Howell River Bend Center. Tickets on the day of the tour are $12.

The River Bend Garden Club, The Epiphany School, the Girls Scouts Troops 279 & 1184, and the New Bern Woman’s Club are sponsoring the home and garden tour. All proceeds will be donated to the RHA Howell River Bend Center and the Rhems First Responders.

River Bend is a small community located near New Bern, NC. For more information on the September home and garden tour, contact: Samantha.annunziata@rhanet.org or call her at 252.638.6519.

For more information on RHA Howell, visit www.rhahowell.org.

About RHA Howell, Inc.:

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for nearly 40 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, go to www.rhahowell.org.

“Summer Fun Campaign” To Benefit Children and Adults with Disabilities

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RHA Howell seeks public donations to help provide summer activities for the people the non-profit serves.

Like so many other non-profit organizations that rely on state and federal funding to continue to help the people they serve, RHA Howell, a non-profit, statewide organization that has been serving people with disabilities for nearly 40 years, is facing drastic budget cuts. Yet the RHA staff leadership is determined not to let that interfere with the summer activities they’ve always provided for the children and adults they support.

To that end, RHA Howell has launched its first “Summer Fun Campaign” on its website, http://www.rhahowell.org. A link on the site’s landing page takes visitors to the “Summer Fun Campaign” page, where they can read about activities planned, or hoped for, this summer at RHA Howell’s Greenville group homes and River Bend programs in New Bern. At the bottom of the page is a “donate” button that allows anyone to contribute any amount to the campaign via Paypal or credit card.

“Every gift will truly make a difference, no matter how big or how small,” said RHA Howell’s marketing and events director, Debbie Valentine. “All donations are gratefully accepted and appreciated.”

What are some of the summer activities planned at RHA Howell’s Greenville and New Bern locations this summer?

The children in RHA Howell’s group homes in Greenville will be attending an eight-week summer camp provided by the Greenville Parks and Recreation Department. This camp is designed for adolescents with special needs. Each week has a theme with activities and field trips related to each of the themes. The cost is $49 per child per week.

The Greenville staff is also planning a family picnic for both group homes to bring the residents’ families and care staffs together for a day of fun, food, and games. They would also like to organize a beach trip sometime during the summer months.

The River Bend Center in New Bern is planning a day at the USS North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington, a trip to a water park, and a day at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. The cost is $25 per person.

River Bend would also like to go to an Aquarium, have a day at the beach, or simply go to the movies each week. 

To celebrate the River Bend programs’ founding in 1983, the staff is also planning a full day of festivities for the 125 people who call River Bend home, their families, and the staff.

To make a donation to RHA Howell’s “Summer Fun Campaign,” go to www.rhahowell.org and click on the campaign’s icon.

About RHA Howell, Inc.

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for more than 35 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, please go to www.rhahowell.org.

 

RHA Howell Hosts 2nd Annual Clear Creek Center Golf Classic

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May 9, 2011 (Albemarle, NC) – The second Annual Clear Creek Center Golf Classic will

Tillery Traditional Country Club, the site for the golf classic.

be held at the Tillery Traditional Country Club in Albemarle, NC, on Friday, May 20th, hosted by RHA Howell, Inc.

Proceeds will directly benefit children and adults with disabilities in the Charlotte, NC, area.

The second annual Clear Creek Center Golf Classic will be a Captain’s Choice style of play with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The entry fee is $100 per player and includes: greens fees, use of a golf cart, lunch, the awards reception after the tournament, and one entry into the Putting Contest. Each player will be eligible to win hole-in-one and tee gifts.

The Vulcan Materials Company is the organizing sponsor for the event. Other sponsorship levels are available from $25 to $1000 at www.rhahowell.org by clicking on the Clear Creek Golf Classic icon.

RHA Howell is a non-profit, state-wide organization that has been serving children and adults with disabilities, and their families, across North Carolina for nearly 40 years. RHA Howell operates group homes in the Charlotte area as well as the Clear Creek Center, a 120-bed residential facility with an on-site school. Money raised through the golf tournament will directly benefit the children and adults with disabilities in these facilities.

To sign up for the second annual Clear Creek Golf Classic or for more information, call Teresa Bishop at 704-545-7200, ext. 1164, or email her at tbishop@rhanet.org.

For more information on RHA Howell, Inc., visit www.rhahowell.org.

About RHA Howell, Inc.

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for more than 35 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, please go to www.rhahowell.org.

Cary Jeweler Donates Amethyst Earrings to Epicurious Vino Challenge Auction

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The auction will help raise funds for children and adults with disabilities.

May 3, 2011 (Raleigh, NC) — J. M. Edwards Jewelry in Cary, NC, has agreed to donate a pair of earrings, worth $750, to the auction portion of the 2011 Epicurious Vino

Earrings donated by Cary jeweler.

Challenge that will be held Saturday, June 4, from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level, NC, to benefit children and adults with disabilities.

Now in its third year, the Epicurious Vino Challenge features professional chefs from Raleigh to Greenville who use Hinnant Family Vineyards wines to create signature dishes for everyone in attendance to sample. After enjoying the food, music, and Hinnant’s award-winning wines in the vineyard’s tank room, guests will then participate in both a silent and live auction in the “barrel gallery.”

Among the items auctioned this year will be the pair of sterling silver, 14-karat yellow gold, and Amethyst drop earrings donated by J. M. Edwards Jewelry to show the company’s support for the fundraiser.

Hosted by RHA Howell, Inc, and benefactors US Foodservice, Hinnant Family Vineyards, and Southern Pharmacy Services, proceeds from the Epicurious Vino Challenge tickets sales and auction will directly benefit children and adults with disabilities across North Carolina.

“We are tremendously grateful to James Carl Edwards of J. M. Edwards Jewelry for this very generous donation,” said RHA Howell, Inc.’s events director Debbie Valentine. “The earrings are gorgeous and one lucky person who attends the event is going to leave with them!”

Valentine anticipates this year’s event selling out quickly. To reserve single tickets ($50 each) or to reserve a table for 10 ($400), go to http://www.rhahowell.org/NewsEvents/Epicurious/tabid/737/Default.aspx. Payment by PayPal is available. Questions about tickets and sponsorships may be directed to dvalentine@rhanet.org or by calling 919-803-2960.

Other sponsor for this year’s event include Southern Pharmacy, Van Products, L&M, Fallon Benefit Group, Marcom Medical Consultants, and Wake Stone Corporation. Print Enterprise, Inc., is providing all printed materials.

For more information on the event, including the list of participating chefs, visit www.rhahowell.org and click on “EVC 2011,” and visit the event’s Facebook page.

About RHA Howell, Inc.:

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for more than 35 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, please go to www.rhahowell.org.