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Career Exploration Experiences for High School Students with Disabilities

Posted on by ViaQuest

ViaQuest Diversity & Inclusion Services and Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) partner for students with disabilities

 

*Reposted from the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Cincinnati November e-Newsletter

As part of our commitment to our community, we partnered with ViaQuest and Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) in their “my tomorrow*ed” initiative during the week of September 12. This initiative provides CPS students with disabilities a look at real-world jobs, and promotes real-world experiences for the students to consider as they transition from high school to the world of employment. Rick Johngrass and Jo Ellen McCarthy, along with staff from ViaQuest, hosted students in 10th grade from five different CPS high schools to provide “Career Exploration Experiences”. Students had a chance to learn about our hospital and potential future job opportunities in healthcare. They also toured the second floor patient care unit to see what it might look like to work in a hospital. ViaQuest and CPS both ex-pressed their thanks for our participation in this important endeavor, and Stephen Buckner, ViaQuest Transition Services Supervisor, presented the hospital with a Certificate of Appreciation for contributing to the success of the program.

ViaQuest Partners with Sage Sustainable Electronics to Benefit Veterans

Posted on by ViaQuest

ViaQuest Veteran Services has developed a partnership with Sage Sustainable Electronics with a goal to provide veterans with a smooth transition from military to civilian life.

DUBLIN, OHIO,  Aug. 10, 2016 – ViaQuest Veteran Services is pleased to partner with Sage Sustainable Electronics’ and their One For All campaign. ViaQuest and Sage have combined resources in order to provide laptops to separating service members, veterans, reservists and military family members who do not have the resources to own or purchase one.

“We have the opportunity to support Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who selflessly and bravely answered the call to serve our country and its citizens. As a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I understand firsthand the sacrifice that these men and women made to preserve our freedom and the struggle of returning to civilian life. We understand that laptops are critical to Veterans who are seeking employment and overcoming healthcare and social engagement obstacles in transition from their military to civilian life and we are more than happy to help in this process.” – Rich Johnson, President and CEO ViaQuest Inc.

Bill Waas, Executive Director of Sage’s donations programs, said “None of us can imagine getting through a day without a computer to help us stay connected, do our work, and generally get things done.  Businesses throughout the country retire thousands of laptops a day, some of which could easily be matched with separating service member in need.  Sage is thrilled to be partnered with ViaQuest, making a difference in the lives of separating service members by matching them with beautifully refurbished laptops from our generous business community.”  The need for the One For All campaign is greater than ever. The unemployment rate for veterans is higher than the national average of their age-matched civilian counterparts. Their loss of the sense of mission and/or the sense of

The need for the One For All campaign is greater than ever. The unemployment rate for veterans is higher than the national average of their age-matched civilian counterparts. Their loss of the sense of mission and/or the sense of accomplishment, often leads to depression and even suicide. They are value-based individuals; they have a strong work ethic, are focused and loyal, and perform to expectation. They just need opportunity, support and resources.

ViaQuest Veteran Services and Sage Sustainable Electronics will facilitate the donation of corporate laptops to separating service members – quickly, efficiently and securely. Sage is no stranger to technology donations, and is an Authorized Microsoft Refurbisher.  As a member of Microsoft’s Citizenship Program, Sage includes Microsoft Windows 10 and Office on computers offered to non-profit groups and their constituents.

“Our technology donations programs are a strategic value to our business clients, helping them give back to the community and support great initiatives like this one.  We make sure all corporate information is removed using the best tools in the industry, and then turn their surplus laptops into a gift of unimaginable benefit to separating service members.  We are thrilled to be partnering with ViaQuest, with whom we share concern over the welfare, happiness, and success of our veterans.” – Jill Vaske, President of Sage Sustainable Electronics.

According to Art Miller, Director of ViaQuest Veteran Services, “We anxiously await the opportunity to meet with every national or regional company who might be willing to donate laptops to veterans through Sage’s One For All program.  After Sage has sanitized and refurbished each laptop on our behalf, ViaQuest Foundation will make sure every veteran-in-need receives a laptop free of charge.  This is truly a remarkable program.”

To learn more about this program, or to donate your surplus business computers, please contact Bill Waas, Executive Director, Sage Sustainable Electronics at bill.waas@sagese.com or Veteran.Services@ViaQuestInc.com.

About Sage Sustainable Electronics

Sage’s mission is to make the world more sustainable by extending the life of electronics.  Sage provides IT lifecycle services to businesses large and small, helping them reduce data security risks and operational costs, and increase asset value.  Through strategic asset management programs for technology redeployment, donation, resale, lease return, employee purchase, and recycling, Sage creates multi-stakeholder benefits to businesses nationwide. The Sage GoodTogether® Program supports corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by redirecting a portion of enterprise surplus technology to benefit a variety of social services, and reduce digital exclusion among low income Americans.
For more information, call 844-4SAGESE or visit www.sageSE.com, www.SageGoodTogether.com, and shop.sageSE.com.

Red Bank Office

Posted on by ViaQuest

New ViaQuest Office Now Open On the East Side of Cincinnati

ViaQuest Day & Employment Services has recently opened a new location on Red Bank Rd.
to offer services for individuals with developmental disabilities

 

CINCINNATI, OHIO, July 20, 2016 – ViaQuest Inc. is pleased to announce the opening of their second location in the Cincinnati area for their vocational program that provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Along with a wide variety of planned community outings, ViaQuest Day & Employment programs provide fundamental support to empower adults with disabilities to live their best lives while achieving optimum health and independence. ViaQuest delivers on this promise in a setting that is safe, inviting, challenging, and fun. Transportation services are available.

“We are excited to offer a second Cincinnati location that provides fundamental support to adults with developmental disabilities,” said Rich Johnson, president and CEO of ViaQuest. “Not only will this location offer community-integrated activities, but it will also provide much-needed employment opportunities.“

The grand opening of 4625 Red Bank Rd., Suite 101B, Cincinnati, OH 45227 is Tuesday, July 26 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., with tours of the new facility taking place during the open house.

“This is a great place for people with disabilities to hang out with friends, create lasting relationships and develop new skills that could increase their success and earning potential,” said Chasity Chamberlin, Executive Director, Day & Employment Services.

In business for nearly 19 years, ViaQuest is a comprehensive provider of support services to people with developmental disabilities, children and adults with mental and behavioral health care needs, and aging adults through home health and hospice services. ViaQuest employs more than 1,500 people throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. ViaQuest has the scale and stability of a large company and ensures the commitment to local relationships found in a small company.

Find out more about our Day & Employment services here.

Team Mary – Stepping Up to Show Support

Posted on by ViaQuest

Every 19 seconds, someone around the world hears the words “you have breast cancer.”

This past weekend, one dedicated ViaQuest nurse pulled together a team to provide strength and inspiration. She became a champion for her patient. Becky Bissett, RN was Mary’s nurse and was committed to creating a ViaQuest team to walk the inaugural Step Up for Stefanie’s Champions Walk/Run on Saturday, April 23, 2016, benefiting the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

Mary was very excited for this event and even wanted to participate with us. Unfortunately, due to her health, she was unable to attend and passed away the next day. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

The Team Mary was comprised of several ViaQuest staff including: Dr. Patel, Katie Gallenstein, Kathy Richard, Jeremy Bormann, Jill Ellis, Becky Bissett, Jennifer Bell and members of Mary’s family. Thanks to all of you for demonstrating your support for all breast cancer patients.

Stefanie Spielman established the Champion Award to recognize one of the most critical factors in surviving cancer: loving, unwavering support. In Stefanie’s case, such support during her battle with breast cancer came from her husband, Chris. To show her gratitude, Stefanie gave Chris the very first Champion Award in 2000.

Stefanie’s battle ended in 2009, but it was her hope that all cancer survivors could name someone who stood by them, gave them courage and helped them through.

To date, the Spielman Funds have raised more than $17 million to support patient care and ground-breaking research at the OSUCCC – James.

To find out more about ViaQuest Hospice services, click here. If you would like to be a hospice volunteer, please fill out our application.

Home of the Free, Because of the Brave

Posted on by ViaQuest

On April 17, 1951, Francis H. Scholle put his pen to the paper and made the courageous decision, as many others do, to dedicate the next three years of his life to the Marine Corps. Without looking back, Frank packed his bags and headed off to protect our country, a selfless task –not one for the weak. During his time as a Marine, he had the pleasure of serving at Parris Island, S.C., Camp Pendleton, California, Korea and Cherry Point, N.C.

During his stint in Korea, where he was stationed from Oct. 1951- Sept. 1952, he was awarded a one week trip to Japan for his work as a company wireman for Dog Easy Fox Co. in the Second Battalion, First Marines.

Early in the morning of August 13, 1952, at around 2:00 a.m., Frank was wounded while working to repair a wire. His mission in Korea earned him a purple heart, later followed by an honorable discharge and good conduct medal when his time in the Marines came to an end.

Frank went on to raise a loving family with four children in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. He did the best he could for his family, with what he had.  It wasn’t until 2006, that Frank started receiving benefits for his time served.

Zach Asman, USAF Vet – Assistant Director of Veteran’s Services at ViaQuest, got word of Frank’s story and immediately reached out to him. After the two of them connected, Zach used the resources and connections of ViaQuest Veteran Services to help Frank receive a $6,000 check from the VA. In addition, he will receive a $500 check every month, for life.

“The pension certainly helps with just necessitates of life,” said Frank. “We can now enjoy a few of the nice things in life. There’s no longer that pressure. We had four children. They no longer live with us, but we help them in any way we can; birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas.”

This man, who risked his life to serve and protect didn’t feel as if he was owed anything – but rather grateful to receive something he rightfully deserves. Stories like this, make us proud to be Americans.

Being a veteran-owned and operated business, ViaQuest truly understands the unique needs of veterans, reservists, and their families. A VA-licensed, social services and healthcare provider with a highly specialized team who works hard to take care of those, who take care of us, by providing the following services to veterans, reservists, and military family:

  • Home Health Services
  • Psychiatric & Behavioral Solutions (TBI, PTSD, Depression)
  • Employment Services
  • Nursing Services
  • Residential Services
  • Day Services
  • Hospice Services

“I didn’t start receiving VA benefits until 2006,” said Frank. “I wish someone had put me in touch with an organization like ViaQuest so that I could have gotten benefits sooner. It certainly changed my life. It means so much to have the assistance of an organization like ViaQuest. They have the answers and know who to contact and where to go.”

Visit our Veteran Services page to find out more about all of our services.

ViaQuest Mobile Team Reduces Hospital Admissions; Lowers Costs, Improves Care

Posted on by ViaQuest

Becomes 2nd ACHC accredited Behavioral Home Health Agency in the U.S.

Pittsburgh, PA – One in five adults over the age of 65 suffer from mental health, and the numbers continue to rise in the US. Depression can cause increased risk of dementia and heart attacks, leading to other major effects such as deterioration of life and affordable, quality health care. In efforts to make an impact, ViaQuest has partnered with distinguished psychiatrist, Dr. Mehta, to pioneer a Mobile Treatment Team to help those most in need. Their goal; to reduce the number of hospital admissions, ease costs and improve care quality by providing hands-on care to patients in long term care, skilled nursing facilities or at home.

ViaQuest is only the second agency in the nation to become an accredited ACHC Behavioral Health Home Health Agency. This accreditation allows staff to provide the highest level of psychiatric care, while addressing chronic physical health issues as well. The program is led by Mehta and his specialized team of psych nurses, social workers, nurse practitioners and certified home health-aids who work around the clock to help prevent hospital admissions.

“The goal is to reduce the risk of hospitalization in the psych unit,” Mehta proclaimed. “We are dedicated, and we are committed. The ViaQuest nursing staff is very loyal and committed. They are exemplary; they go the extra miles. We provide the services that I don’t think anyone else would ever even think about providing.”

In the past five years, the Mobile Treatment Team has expanded to over 25 locations and homes, reflecting positive results in quality of life and economic impact:

  • A pilot project showed significant decrease when only 5 of 98 patients resulted in readmission.
  • A typical daily hospital rate averages at $800. The same treatment, in a skilled facility, averages at $250 a day. Over a period of 10 days, the savings is nearly $5,500.
  • Clinicians trained in Geriatric Psychiatry see patients weekly, versus the typical once a month.
  • The process for changes in medication, if needed, occurs in a much timelier manner.
  • Acute problems no longer have to result in a hospital visit; they are handled within 24 hours.
  • The nurses are specialized in behavioral health.
  • Decreased Psychotropic medication usage in skilled units is dropping from 40% to 17%
  • Declining number of hospitalizations, falls and restraint usage in the facilities.
  • ViaQuest strategically partners with facilities to help with costs even if they aren’t seeing their patients. The ACHC accreditation makes for good standing with insurance companies.
  • Medicare and some commercial insurance accepted.

“We are in touch with the families and they appreciate so much that their loved one does not have to be in the hospital,” said Mehta. “Quality of life has significantly improved in those patients and they can function much more safely. I love it, I love to take care of older folks –that is why I’m still doing it.”

 

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