At Richmond House, one of our core values is that our residents engage in meaningful activities that continue their growth and development. We strive to match our residents’ work or education plans with their interests and abilities. Some residents do volunteer work or work for wages, while others continue their education. Choices are directed by each individual’s life skills plan.

Sometimes finding meaningful employment or suitable postsecondary education presents a significant challenge. At Richmond House, we find pathways for success, through programs such as the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College P.A.V.E. program and in-house training activities such as the use of public transportation or even role-playing for job interviews with house staff. If necessary we even drive our residents to work or school using the Richmond House van. Recently, we have experienced great success with Virginia Commonwealth University, the Consortium on Handheld Technology (cognitive prosthetics like Ipods). And for many years, we have worked closely with jobs services through the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services. We do what it takes to help our residents succeed.

Another instrumental part of the life plan is open communication between residents, staff and parents\guardians.  While we respect the privacy of our residents, “touching base” and “staying connected” are critical to the team-oriented living environment of Richmond House.  By keeping lines of communication open, we remain sensitive to the needs of our residents in order to resolve any conflicts, identify opportunities, and to reward and celebrate successes.

To encourage our residents to live “own their own” as much as possible, we provide them with the tools and training to manage money, to share household responsibilities, to plan nutritious meals, and to learn about and manage their own health and wellness. Of course, our Managing Counselor and staff provide supervision, but through the individual’s life plan and by living in an organized community, residents acquire the tools and confidence to gain a true sense of self-governance and independence.

Perhaps the best-kept secret of Richmond House is its camaraderie. The house is full of laughter, friendships and fun.  A look at our calendar reveals birthday parties, field trips, outings to the mall, to the movies, to the bowling alley, to comedy clubs, to the theater and to anywhere where we find fun-filled activities.