MISSION
Strengthening Our System, Inc. (SOS) is a private, for-profit human services agency serving the New River Valley and surrounding areas. Our mission is to promote independence, increased daily living skills, personal empowerment, and improved quality of life through the provision of home and community based services and supports to children and adults with Mental Retardation (MR), Developmental Disabilities (DD) and/or Mental Health (MH) issues.
SERVICES
These services are available to clients through MR and/or DD Waiver and MH services, through vendor agreement, or private pay contracts.
1) In-home Residential Support Services – This program is funded for individuals with a diagnosis of mental retardation under the MR Waiver program, or development disabilities under the DD waiver program. This program offers home based training, assistance and supervision services for the individual to help them become more independent in all areas of their life. Services may include training in personal care activities, accessing community resources, adapting behavior related to developing friends, handling social encounters, anger management, monitoring health and safety, and assistance with transportation.
2) Mental Health Support Services – a home and community based program which includes training, assistance and monitoring for adults with a mental health diagnosis and who meet eligibility criteria. The goal is to prevent future hospitalizations and to improve daily living and functioning skills. Services may be reauthorized every six months depending on the need of the individual. The maximum number of units per month is 31.
3) Therapeutic Consultation (Psychological) - This agency offers the services of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to provide expertise, training, and technical assistance to assist family members, care givers, and other service providers to improve upon their knowledge, skills and abilities while serving your child.
4) Crisis Stabilization and Supervision Services – A qualified professional will offer direct intervention to the individual if they are experience serious psychiatric or behavioral problems. This service is designed to stabilize your child so they can be maintained during and beyond their crisis. This service is limited to 60 days per calendar year.
5) Service Facilitation – This position assists the family to set up consumer directed respite, companion care and personal attendant care for the individual. Responsibilities of the Service Facilitator include: assessment of the individual, development of a plan, submission of paperwork for authorization of this service, and periodic employee management training. This service is authorized to cover certain expenses related to hiring staff including processing a criminal record check, paying for CPR training, TB screens and annual flu shots.
6) Intensive In-Home Services – A home based counseling, education, crisis intervention, and case management service provided by a QMHP for children with a mental health diagnosis who meet eligibility criteria. The goal of this program is to prevent out of home placement. Services must include a minimum of five hours per week of intervention, and services last no longer than six months per year.
SPECIALTY AREAS FOR SERVICES
- Pervasive Developmental Disorders (such as Autism)
- Chronic Mental Illness
- Life Skills Training
- Independent Living Skills Development
- Community Integration
- Family System Issues
- Socialization
- Education
- Team building
CREDENTIALS
Strengthening Our System, Inc. is a licensed provider with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services. This company is owned and operated by Parris Stafford who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 17 years experience in serving at-risk and special needs children, families, and adults.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This company does not maintain a waiting list for services. All inquiries will be served promptly. If this company is unable to respond within a reasonable time frame (two weeks) contacts will be notified immediately and offered referral options to similar professional organizations for services. Individuals, families, and organizations are encouraged to express their preferences for staff. Every effort will be made to accommodate these preferences through available staff or special recruitment.
HOW TO ACCESS SERVICES
To make a referral contact the local Director by phone 540-585-4078, email sos@swva.net, or fax 540-745-6710 to request information and to discuss your needs. A referral form will be provided by the Director to any interested party. Once the referral form has been completed and returned, the Director will contact you to determine availability of funding, and to arrange a meeting with the individual, family or group.
FUNDING
Strengthening Our System, Inc. (SOS) accepts the following payment methods:
- Medicaid
- Private insurance as authorized
- Vendor Agreements with local FAPT's and individual human services organizations including Schools, Court Services Units, Departments of Social Services, and local Health Departments as well as other related human services organizations
- Grant funding (when available)
- Private pay contracts with individuals, families and organizations
SOS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.