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Russell Nesbitt: A Semi-Hidden Gem

Agency Expands Programs For People With Disabilities

Brian Breyer, executive director of Russell Nesbitt Services Inc., welcomes visitors to an open house at its Wheeling headquarters. He stands by a display that illustrates one of the agency’s goals: helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve and maintain independence. Photos by Linda Comins

One of the area’s semi-hidden gems, Russell Nesbitt Services Inc., is entering the spotlight to promote its growing range of programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The nonprofit agency provides a variety of services to people in a three-county area. By extension, its clients also provide valuable services to various entities in the community.

Coinciding with the observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Russell Nesbitt held an open house at its headquarters at 431 Fulton St. in Wheeling on Tuesday. Several displays were set up in the building’s spacious multi-purpose room. Staff members and clients were on hand to explain the services and programs presented by the organization.

Russell Nesbitt Services has been in existence for 58 years. Executive Director Brian Breyer said, “We are growing this agency and growing the number of programs that we offer to this community.”

The open house event was planned “to show the community what services we offer and to show everyone what we have to offer folks with disabilities,” he said, adding, “The support today is overwhelming. It’s great for people to come out and see what we offer.”

Currently, Breyer said, the organization provides services to 130 people in Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties.

Regarding staffing, he said, “We employ over 180 people. We have a very dedicated staff — everyone from professionals to direct service workers.

“We offer a service model of everything from case management to residential living to semi-independent living,” Breyer explained.

“We have 13 residences that we own. Clients live in them. We have staff that help them with their daily living skills.”

Russell Nesbitt Services also operates a sheltered workshop and training center where individuals receive pre-vocational training. The workshop’s services are available to area entities.

The agency coordinates supported employment for clients at local businesses, governmental agencies and other organizations. “Our janitorial services are second to none. We have several contracts,” Breyer said.

A theme articulated for the residential program is “Focusing on Ability.” Shannon Papp, one of three service coordinators, said the professional staff facilitates meetings and contacts officials with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to ensure that clients are eligible for benefits and services.

The coordinators also advocate for clients, set up annual assessments and conduct home visits.

A number of Russell Nesbitt’s clients have guardians through Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley, and service coordinators hold quarterly meetings with the guardians, Papp said.

Lisa Toth, supervisor of the sheltered workshop and training center, said WATCH has 63 employees. Two of the center’s newer programs serving the community are WatchDog and FAYF, which stands for Files at Your Fingertips.

Through WatchDog, workers shred documents and recycle the material to make paper towels and napkins, Toth said. With  FAYF, workers scan documents and convert the data to compact discs, which are then returned to customers for secure filing, she said.

The workshop employs six to eight people each week on a permanent basis. “They love it,” Toth commented. “They are hard workers. They love their jobs. They love to be around their peers.”

Russell Nesbitt’s mobile work crew members engage in traditional employment by performing janitorial tasks and lawn care. The mobile work crew maintains government contracts and business contracts at area firms, offices, banks and stores. Workers also are trained to strip and wax floors.

Dave Dodge, work crew manager, said 25 people are employed through the program year-round. “The people who do cleaning care also do lawn care,” he said.

The agency’s supported employment program includes community-based assessment, job placement and referral.

Letty Seabright, administrative services coordinator, said the agency offers employment, peer support and community respite for parents. Clients participate in activities such as arts and crafts and cooking          programs.

During the open house, Lacey Hotlosz, community outreach coordinator, and John Orosz, who handles community respite, assisted clients as they made candy-pretzel treats for the event.

One of Russell Nesbitt’s best-known services is day treatment, with programs that provide training in daily living skills. Day treatment, open to all individuals admitted to Russell Nesbitt Services, is offered on the first and second floors of the main center.

Heather Ramos, a behavior support professional, said, “We work in the programs for developing daily living skills and cognitive skills.”

Noting that some clients have behaviorial issues, Ramos said the staff will develop a behavior plan if needed.

The  behavior support professionals conduct an assessment for each person in the program. “We map a path for their hopes and dreams,” Ramos said. “We get recommendations from family members to help us in the program.”

Staff members also help clients to learn social skills and encourage them to participate in outside activities, such as the Tim Tebow-sponsored dance on Valentine’s Day, bowling outings and visits to restaurants.

“We’re getting them to have a better quality of life, a social life, and going outside in the community more,” Ramos said.

Russell Nesbitt’s nursing department serves the medical needs of its community, with nurses and authorized medication administration technicians. For the open house, Paula Knight, head registered nurse, and Teresa DeVore, licensed practical nurse, set up a display to promote healthy eating.

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