People Caring For and About People
Host Homes & Professional Parents
Where Family Meals Matter
Many people thrive in a family setting. The family provides stability, tradition, connection and inclusion. Chrysalis has attracted incredible families to serve as professional parents and host home providers. They are incredible people with a desire to have a positive impact. Families that open their homes and their hearts to these individuals are naturally caring people with a desire to help. Watch this video to learn more about Host Homes.
Host Home Overview
HOST HOME SERVICES OVERVIEW
About Host Homes
We understand the importance of a family-based environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That's why we work to place these individuals with caring and supportive families who are dedicated to providing a quality family care.
We are proud to have attracted a community of excellent Host Home Providers who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. These families open their homes and hearts to provide a stable, connected and inclusive environment for individuals in need.
Selection Process
To ensure the highest quality of care, all Host Home Providers undergo a thorough selection process, including background checks, home inspections, and comprehensive training. Each family is fully trained before placement ever occurs. They are also provided with ongoing support and guidance from our dedicated team to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to feel comfortable and competent and to provide exceptional care.
Family Inclusion
Chrysalis Host Home Providers ensure the individuals staying in their home are cared for as part of their family in an enriching and safe environment. Host Home Providers include the individuals in all aspects of the family's life, allowing them to experience a sense of belonging and connection. Families include individuals in services in family meals, daily activities, family vacations, holiday celebrations, and family traditions.
Life is an Adventure
Individuals living with a family engage in outdoor recreation, hiking, and having fun.
Direct Support Professionals
The families are not alone in their efforts to make a difference. Chrysalis hires Direct Support Professionals to visit the home and take the individuals out in the community. Each individual has a dedicated team that supports them in participating in regular, community-based activities. These activities are person-centered and may include taking the individual to movies, hikes, parks, salons, sporting events, or other activities of their choice. Time spent with support staff may also include skill acquisition or working on the individual's goals. These experiences provide valuable memories and opportunities to the individuals we support. The Direct Support Professionals also give the Host Home Providers time to recharge and focus on personal priorities.
Respite Support
In addition to Direct Support Professionals who perform hourly work, Chrysalis has a network of caring and knowledgeable Host Home Providers willing to open their home for a multi-day planned stay. This network acts as an extension of the primary Host Home Provider, ensuring the individual in services always has a safe place to stay. Chrysalis' Host Home Providers use this network of support in various ways, including emergency situations and pre-planned travel, like celebrating an anniversary, where the client may be unable to participate.
Host Home Events
The Chrysalis Host Home administrative team organizes regular, monthly activities for all our individuals and Host Home Provider families. These events are like big family reunions, which allow families to network and build a community of like-minded caregivers. These activities come at no cost to the individuals or the Host Home Providers. Some of these activities in the past have been picnics at the park, zoo days, paint nights, and visits to the aquarium. These events are fun for the individuals and all family members who choose to attend. By participating in these fun events, we aim to enhance the overall experience of our individuals and families.
Administrative Support
Each Host Home Provider has an Associate Director who frequently contacts the client and family to ensure everything is going well. This professional team conducts monthly visits to the home to ensure the client and family's needs are met. The Associate Director is a valuable resource and support and is always available to answer questions and support the family.
Steven Wrigley
Vice President of Family Based Services
Sherilyn "Shen" Schouten
Director
Brittini McCandless
Associate Director
Sam Magaraci
Associate Director
Dani Tashman
Associate Director
Behavioral Support
Chrysalis hires Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to assist the individual to increase skills and to decrease unwanted behavior. The Behavior Analysts who work closely with the Host Home Providers. The BCBAs conduct assessments, write behavior plans, and provide training to Host Home Providers to ensure the individuals are safe and meeting their goals.
Jacob Southwick
Clinical Director
Hannah Ludwig
Behavior Analyst
Jessica Mecklenburg
Behavior Analyst