Helton House Director Offers Clarifications

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you to clarify information conveyed incorrectly in your paper regarding our expansion of services. I have outlined more accurate information below:

1.) The article states “toward enhancement of their assisted living and day care programs.” These are adult day programs, but the reader may feel that these are day care programs for those under the age of 18. It is a licensed day support program for adults with intellectual disabilities. I suppose it is possible that some readers would assume that “day care” programs would only apply to children, but the term “day care” is commonly used for programs providing care to adults. At least four Richmond facilities use the term “day care” when referring to services for adults.

2.) Though our expansion will assist with placements associated with the Commonwealth of VA Department of Justice Settlement that results in the closing or downsizing of training centers, our services will not exclusively get placements from Central Virginia Training Center which is not set to close immediately. The article implies that the CVTC has stopped providing services which is untrue. Our placements will come from a variety of referral sources such as local departments of social services, local community services boards including Crossroads (we currently work with 5), and from other human service agencies.

3.) The article outlines a 5000 square foot addition. This is untrue. There are renovations that will be done to the existing building in Rice,Va. Also untrue is the renovation to two homes purchased in 2013. There is renovation to one home purchased in 2013 and renovations to two homes purchased prior to 2010.

4.) For future reference, the term “mentally challenged” is not politically correct. We serve two populations and they are individuals with mental health issues and those with intellectual deficits. Each population has different programs and different licensing standards. We would be happy to answer your questions in the future and assist you with using the correct terminology.
Should you desire more information about our expansion in the future, please feel free to contact me.

Diana Shores
Helton House, Inc.
Director of Day Services
24478 Prince Edward Highway
Rice, VA 23966