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 late 2009, American Habilitation Services (AHS) was awarded a second Money Follows the Person Grant to voluntarily close our Westside Development Center in Corsicana, Texas.

This is exciting because it will allow all of the individuals to have Home and Community Services (HCS) or other waiver slots funded by the state without having to remain on the long waiting list. This funding will come from redirecting the funds previously used for the large ICF/MR program at Westside where these individuals lived previously.

AHS has partnered with the UT Center for Disabilities Studies, Advocacy Inc., 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 the project got underway in December, AHS has worked with Lakes Regional (the local MRA), and Advocacy Inc. 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.

On behalf of people who live at Westside, we thank everyone involved and especially The State of Texas, Department of Aging and Disability Services for their work to make this grant possible.

The Westside project is American Habilitation Services' second MFP contract in Texas.  The first project allowed all of the 37 individuals who lived at Green Acres Development Center in Orange Texas to have local Home and Community Services (HCS) or other waiver slots to develop their plans for the future and chose their homes and roommates. We have taken some pictures to show you and hope you can see how truly happy this opportunity has made these individuals. Thanks to the support of the Department of Aging and Disability Services, twelve homes opened under this program by the close of 2009.