Expressions Summer 2022

special edition • summer 2022

In early July, DePaul’s loyal president and CEO of nine years, Amanda Stanley, officially ended her time at DePaul. Amanda was instrumental in shaping the DePaul we know today—an organization with high-quality programs and services, talented and dedicated staff, and a firm and clear vision for the future. We are grateful for her leadership. I am honored to be serving in the interim CEO position while the board of directors searches for a new president and CEO to lead DePaul. Prior to being named interim, I served as managing director of strategic projects and chief of staff. As we envision DePaul’s future, we know that innovation will be vital. We also know that innovation takes collaboration, creativity, diversification, and work—a lot of work. We believe part of DePaul’s road to innovate will be paved by storytelling. Storytelling is powerful. It gives a voice to those who are often ignored. It can reach audiences far and wide. It can inspire people to join in the work. The “Impossible Choices: The Reality of Living with a Developmental Disability in Virginia” documentary is DePaul’s largest storytelling project to date, marking a major milestone. We are proud of the stories shared in the documentary, grateful to those who shared their lived experiences, and hopeful that it will generate action and make an impact in communities across Virginia. I hope reading this newsletter and watching the documentary will inspire you to take action. Start conversations… ❤ Start a conversation with your friends and neighbors about Virginia’s disabilities system. Share the documentary with them. ❤ Visit whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/ and learn who your state representatives are. Our state-level elected officials are the only ones who can devote more resources to improving the system. Reach out to them. Demand better. Become an ambassador… ❤ Not sure how to start a conversation—join DePaul’s Ambassador Network and together we’ll make change happen. To learn more, contact Jamie Snead at jsnead@depaulcr.org. Give to help us spread the word… ❤ To help us continue our advocacy and storytelling efforts, make a donation at depaulcr.org/donate. Create an environment of inclusion… ❤ Find opportunities to interact with individuals with disabilities and those who care for them. Listen to their experiences, ask questions, build relationships. ❤ And wherever you are, foster an environment of understanding, empathy, and inclusion. A Time of T ransition and Innovation

Kate Means Interim CEO

Meet our featured families...

The Holbach Family Anne has spent years as a full-time caregiver for her son Tim and her husband Bill, who has multiple sclerosis. After 8 years of waiting, Tim received a waiver for life-changing services.

The Cash/ Martin Family Melissa became a sponsored residential provider for her sister Beth after their father passed away. Today, they are doing their best to navigate the complex disabilities system together.

The McVoy Family During a 12-year wait for a waiver, Glenna was forced to make an impossible choice: quit her job and care for her daughter Joi or ignore Joi’s needs and maintain financial stability. She chose to be there for her daughter.

The Hurt Family Cynthia and her husband George have been sponsored residential providers for 20 years. Throughout the years, they have seen the ways the system works and the ways in which it does not.

The Michaux Family At the age of 20, Woody lost his ability to walk, feed himself, and communicate with words. His parents Bob and Kim provide the best care they can but continue to run into barriers.

Watch “Impossible Choices” now by visiting: depaulcr.org/documentary or scan the QR code below.

YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES THIS POSSIBLE

We cannot tell these stories without the support of you, our generous donors. With your help, we can work toward a world where hope and belonging are possible for everyone. T hank you to our documentary underwriters for believing that hope and belonging should be a reality beyond the walls of DePaul:

P resenting: V isionary: Supporting: Advocating: Gil Lynch, Davenport & Co. Amanda Noell Stanley

American National Bank & Trust Company Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black Attorneys at Law

Non Prof it Org. U.S. Postage PAID

Wordsprint Permit 172

5650 Hollins Road Roanoke, VA 24019

V irginians with disabilities deserve better. Open to read about a dream, a documentary, and how you can join DePaul in the work toward a more inclusive, welcoming world for individuals with disabilities.