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Community Living Transition

Wednesday, September 09, 2009


Sandra Beeler and Catherine Brawner are escorted into the Transitions Ball April 17. The formal event celebrated the many years of association between residents and staff in Community Living.Melwood recently completed a major change in its services for people with disabilities with the transfer of its residential homes to other agencies.  Through this transition, Melwood gained four new agency partners in the social services field and developed many long-lasting relationships that will ultimately improve the lives of people with disabilities.

For years, vehicle donations helped to support programs such as Community Living.  As fewer cars were donated over the past few years and the economy contracted, it became important to undertake this transition.

Enabling the 70 individuals in the Community Living Program to make informed choices was critical to the success of this transition.  Each person decided to live where and with whom they wanted, and chose which residential provider would operate their home.  The individuals, advocates, and families were given information about each agency to help their decision-making process.  Melwood's partner agencies (The Arc of Prince George's County, Ardmore Enterprises, Spring Dell Center and VOCA) visited each home to introduce themselves and answer questions from the residents.

To ensure continuity in the lives of the housemates, the partner agencies hired many of Melwood's Community Living staff.  About 80% of Melwood staff went with their house to the new agency selected by the housemates.  This is important, as the individuals who receive Community Living services need consistency in their lives.

While this transition marks the end of Community Living at Melwood, it signals a new era of partnership between Melwood and fellow agencies, dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

By Antionette Doublin

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