My name is Chelsea Jennings and I am a board member and Secretary for Vanguard Landing.  I would like to share my comments in support of Vanguard Landing, and in particular, the support of eligible individuals of a Medicaid waiver be allowed to use their waiver at Vanguard Landing.  The reasoning is simple in nature – Choice.  When I reflect on my time becoming a young adult and into my current phase of life, it has been easy for me to take for granted the residential, professional, recreational, and community opportunities I have as I do not have limitations on needing daily living support needs.  So for our fellow Virginians and Americans who rely on others for daily living, professional, and overall care support, I feel they should have the same option of Choice.  Vanguard Landing is not looking to replace other current options of where a person can decide to utilize their Medicaid waiver, they just want to be known as another Choice.  I appreciate the additional responsibility Vanguard Landing has taken on to apply with the State of Virginia and CMS to become an accredited Medicaid waiver provider.  I think it reflects their commitment to the entire Special Needs community on the importance of inclusion, and overall Choice. 

I do not have an immediate family member who is disabled that would need to utilize a community like Vanguard Landing.  But what has always drawn me to the vision is the unwavering commitment Vanguard has shown to our Special Needs community.  I feel I have found another family within the Vanguard community.  I have heard countless stories of families who want a different Choice and feel Vanguard is the right setting for their adult child.  I have seen firsthand the positive impact it has had on the current residents living there.  The engagement, inclusion, independence, and overall community feel that is the foundational principles of Vanguard Landing is truly a remarkable thing to witness and be a part of.