Another new home in Groves Texas

Coffee time at the Sue Home in Groves

Celebrating their new home in Lumberton

Eating together for the first time...and we made dinner ourselves !

Money Follows the Person – a growing part of our work

In 2010, American Habilitation Services (AHS) was awarded five additional Money Follows the Person Grants from the State of Texas to voluntarily close its development centers in Brownwood, San Augustine, West Columbia, Corpus Christi and Eastland. This comes after successfully working with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to implement the "MFP" programs in Orange and Corsicana. As of September 2012, all of these ICF/IDD facilities have been  closed and the residents are now enjoying more community based living within smaller person-centered settings.

The new grants are very exciting because they continue to allow individuals living in these development centers to have access to Home and Community Services (HCS) or other waiver slots funded by the state without having to remain on a long waiting list. To accomplish this, AHS has worked with the State and is redirecting funds from its large centers, to create new homes for those persons who choose to remain with us. As of mid 2012, AHS has opened over 40 accesible homes in these areas.

In September 2012, AHS was also able to open two smaller six person ICF/IDD homes (one each in Corpus and West Columbia) because of this State program. 

AHS has partnered with the UT Center for Disabilities Studies, Advocacy Inc.,The Learning Community and Imagine Enterprises to complete Person Centered Thinking, Self Advocacy, and Self Determination training with all of the individuals involved in the project as well as the staff that will be supporting them. In addition, the contract paid for person-directed plans to be completed for each of the individuals moving into a new location. Texas A&M is also working with us to complete a study how the process of relocating works for the people moving into the community. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of staff training and the Person Directed Plans in making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Since these projects have started, AHS has worked with the local MRA's  to coordinate town hall meetings to ensure that individuals and their families understand all the service options available to them including their choice of providers. Whenever possible, Advocacy, Inc. has also been involved.

On behalf of people who live at the development centers, we thank everyone involved and especially The State of Texas, Department of Aging and Disability Services for their work to make these grants possible.