My name is Kathy Felton and I have a 33 year old daughter, Annie Diradour, with complex medical conditions and intellectual delays. As an aging parent I have been very concerned about what happens to Annie if I become infirm or when I die.  Historically, there have been limited options that would provide her with the care she needs daily that could also offer her the opportunity to full life with more independence and the support she needs.  

The plan has been for Annie to live with her older sister, Kelsey, when the need arises. This would cause Annie to move to Richmond and to find new doctors and resources, or cause her sister to leave her life in order to keep Annie's the same.  The need to sacrifice one child's independence for another child a heavy burden for me as a parent.  

When I moved to Virginia Beach, I found out about Vanguard Landing and it is the answer to a lifelong prayer. I have followed Vanguard Landing's growth and progress and am very impressed with all that is offered.  Annie has been also been involved and, while change is difficult for her, she has become very excited about the possibilities that will open up for her. 

At Vanguard Landing, Annie can have a place where she can have all of the things we all want; friendships, activities to feel like her life has purpose, and safety to name just a few. This community of adults who need extra supports, will given what they need to live independent of parents and family and the opportunity to have real community engagement opportunities. Annie's life  can have purpose and receive the care and support she needs in order to be successful.

As a mother, this is a game changer for my child. I can give her the full life with more independence and the support she needs to live on her own, through Vanguard Landing. I can rely on my older daughter to be the overseer of Annie's care and not her full time caregiver.  

I can help Annie transition to a life away from home rather than her having to do so once I am unable to help her.  This is important for me, and more importantly for Annie as change is never easy for her.  I have found the people at Vanguard Landing to be very loving, very caring, and informed about the needs of people like Annie.

Annie is excited about the possibility of living away from home.  She is excited about her bedroom and her future roommates.  She enjoys attending Vanguard Landing events and meetings with me.  She has begun to see possibilities for herself that she has thought about, but come to accept as never happening.

Annie enjoys going to activities away from home now, such as dances at a local churches and with organizations that support special needs adults. She enjoys church BINGO, attending church, and going to movies and out to eat. Her ability to do these things will continue at Vanguard Landing. She will be able to choose, with some guidance, activities to participate in, both at Vanguard Landing and away. 

I am not a wealthy person and Annie is unable to work due to her disabilities. Annie's Medicaid Waiver provides her with day program supports, health insurance, and other resources as available and needed.  It is important to me and to Annie that Vanguard Landing be approved as a Medicaid Day Program provider.  

Annie will never drive.  Being able to access day program services where she lives would allow Annie to take advantage of many new opportunities.  Because Vanguard Landing has transportation, Annie can continue doing the things she enjoys in the community as well.

Annie must have support in order to enjoy a full life.  She needs encouragement to grow and try new things. Vanguard Landing can give her all of these things. Vanguard Landing is a model for the exact type of living and learning she needs.