When adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) compete in the Special Olympics, they can develop social and emotional soft skills.
Many residents at Gabriel Homes compete in sports all year...
... from powerlifting to bowling to softball.
Rich, a resident at Gabriel Homes, is a slugger who wrapped up his spring softball season with the Fairfax Cougars. Meeting with the team on Saturday mornings at Eakin Park, Rich plays first base and hits sixth in the batting order.
“I’ve liked the Mets since I was a boy, and baseball is my favorite sport to watch and play. Batting and fielding are always fun for me, even in hot weather.”
Rich
Gabriel Homes Resident
Marc Egan met Rich at the Special Olympics when Marc was 12. Marc’s brother David competed in many sports with Rich. Growing up as an IDD advocate and now as a Special Olympics coach, Marc has built a lifelong friendship with Rich by seeing Nats games together and spending time with each other’s families.
Rich and I have been mentors to each other all my life. We’ve grown closer together because of the camaraderie at games and memories of traveling to different tournaments. On long car rides, we’ve bonded over our admiration for baseball.
Marc Egan
But as the saying goes, there is no “I” in “team.”
Like Rich, teammates like Austin and Matt have competed in the Special Olympics for years. Austin calls every tournament a blast and hopes more people come out to play, and Matt is thankful for chances to play since he didn’t compete as a kid.
“Playing in the Special Olympics is a dream come true,” Matt says. “You get to do something fun with people with IDD, and there’s so much support from the community to play in whatever sport you want.”
If you’re curious about what residents do during the week,
... see what a day in the life is like at Gabriel Homes. Learn MoreRead more stories about our residents!
Gabriel Homes Enjoys Local Ice Cream at MooThru Herndon October 16, 2024 Read More Gwen Murugu: Champion of Independence at Gabriel Homes October 4, 2024 Read More Sisters Share Their Passion for Animals August 13, 2024 Read More dddcd
Gabriel Homes is excited to announce that registration for the 2024 Golf Tournament is officially open!
Register Today
Sign up for a fun-filled day and empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dear friends of Gabriel Homes,
Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket, Virginia, is excited to host our 29th annual Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Each of you have a special place in your heart for Gabriel Homes residents living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you for your past involvement in this beautiful tradition, and we encourage you to again participate on the third Monday in September to golf on behalf of those with disabilities.
Your support makes each tournament possible.
We have held this tournament for 28 years and celebrate the amazing outpouring of generosity in support of our residents who meet challenges every day with joy and determination.
I thank each of you for supporting this year’s tournament. We could not keep up the great work of Gabriel Homes without you. Please join me, our board members, staff, and residents on September 16, 2024, for a fun day for a great cause.
Blessings,
Father Bob Cilinski Honorary Member, Gabriel Homes Board of Directors
Past Tournament Photos:
Directions:
Evergreen Country Club
From I-66 to Exit 40.
Go NORTH on Route 15 (toward Leesburg).
Go 3½ miles and turn left onto Waterfall Road/Route 601.
Take the first right (about ½ mile) onto Mill Creek Road.
Go 1¼ miles and turn left onto Berkeley Drive.
Go ⅓ miles to the club entrance on the right.
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Celebrating 42 years of empowerment
Since 1982...
...Gabriel Homes has empowered adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently. Thanks to your support, our residents have been able to reach their potential and achieve their dreams.
Your contributions have made a real difference. Donations to Gabriel Homes help us provide vital services like home maintenance and renovations, allowing our residents to focus on their goals. These services are essential for creating a safe and comfortable living environment where our residents can thrive.
Residents flourish because of your impact.
As we celebrate our 42nd birthday, we reflect on the countless lives touched and the progress made. Our success is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our residents, and the generosity of our supporters.
Thank you for being part of our journey and helping us create a brighter future for our residents. We look forward to continuing this important work together.
Give the gift of a donation today!
When you donate to Gabriel Homes, we can continue to provide high-quality services so residents can focus on achieving their goals.
The latest success stories at Gabriel Homes:
Announcement: Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament 2024 Registration is Now Live July 1, 2024 Read More
Gabriel Homes Celebrates 42nd Birthday! June 25, 2024 Read More
Waiting for a Developmental Disability Waiver? Here’s the Process: June 25, 2024 Read More
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Note: Much of the content from this article is based on the Arc of NOVA’s May 20 webinar, “What to Expect While Waiting for a DD Waiver Confirmation.” Visit their website to learn more about free, upcoming webinars.
A Huge Win for IDD Advocacy
Over the next two years, Medicaid Waivers will be approved quarterly for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The budget approved by the Virginia legislature allows Medicaid to accept thousands of applicants through the end of June 30, 2026.
If you’re one of the thousands who need waiver benefits, Gabriel Homes is here to help.
Getting Started
Your main point of contact must be your Community Services Board (CSB) representative. Applicants for benefits are considered for slots based on need according to Virginia Individual Developmental Disability Eligibility Survey (VIDES) assessments done by CSB support coordinators (SCs).
If you don’t know your SC or need their contact information, reach out to us if your family member is a resident at Gabriel Homes. If you’re looking to start the process of applying for benefits or becoming a resident, contact your county's CSB.
Next Steps
After your VIDES assessment, the CSB may then place you on a waitlist based on your results. You must be on the priority one waitlist to be taken off the list and start the process of applying for benefits. Please keep in mind: Developmental Disability Waiver approvals can take months, even if you’re on the priority one waitlist.
Once you’re off the waitlist, you’re assigned a Waiver based on the level of support you need and the living situation that suits you best. Thearcofnova.org does a deep dive into the types of waivers and the benefits they provide.
Remember that accepting Waiver benefits is like receiving acceptance to college.
You must reply to all communications and submit your documentation on time, or the Waiver can be withdrawn. The Virginia Department of Medical Assisted Services (DMAS) then lets someone else in the slot instead. You can reapply for benefits if you miss your acceptance window, but your application and waitlist processes start over.
If you have more questions on the Medicaid Waiver process...
...The Arc of NOVA has countless free webinars on YouTube. Also, visit our FAQ page for more questions about applying for and receiving Waiver benefits.
See what a day in the life of a resident is like...
Sisters Share Their Passion for Animals August 13, 2024 Read More
Finding Purpose: Chris’ Journey of Faith and Service August 8, 2024 Read More
Sean’s Enchanted Journey: A Dash of Magic July 31, 2024 Read More
Baseball Builds Beautiful Bonds July 22, 2024 Read More
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Cleaning is more than an everyday chore.
According to the American Cleaning Institute, spot-free spaces protect us from and prevent the spread of illness and disease.
One Gabriel Homes resident goes the extra mile every day to keep her workplace in safe, healthy, and tip-top shape. Lucy works in cleaning for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and has been there for 15 years.
Like many, Lucy works Monday to Friday.
She takes the local bus to get to and from the office, but when the weather is nice, she’s close enough that she can walk. At work, Lucy clocks in and out of her shifts and partners with a team of cleaners for their assigned areas of the day.
“Lucy is a good teammate to have,” says Nicole, a teammate of Lucy’s for over four years. “We rotate who leads the team every shift, and Lucy is great at delegating where all of us should clean.”
Like her coworkers, Lucy has her routine down to a science. She folds her cloths into perfect squares before wiping surfaces. Windows, doorknobs, chairs, tables, and more get the right amount of cleaning spray so they’re squeaky clean. Lucy can tackle an entire cafeteria at a breakneck pace and is keen to wipe every nook and cranny.
“I have fun working here. The different rocks are cool to look at, and I feel good getting the job done when it’s time to head home.” 
Lucy Gabriel Homes Resident 
Many shifts end with Lucy having walked about 8,000 steps.
The building may have eight stories and endless hallways, but no challenge is too daunting for her.
Still, Lucy challenges herself so she can keep growing at her job, guided by the support of her job coach, Kim Gladney. As the project manager at DC Goodwill, Kim also serves as Lucy’s mentor. He helps support a government program that provides adults with disabilities employment opportunities. One of Lucy’s greatest strengths as a teammate, according to Kim, is that she exceptionally manages her routines.
“There aren’t enough workers like Lucy,” Kim says. “Her work ethic and productivity are top-notch, and she’s great at following her schedule and going the extra mile.”
There are endless success stories like Lucy’s at Gabriel Homes!
See the stories section on our website to get the latest news from residents and the organization.
The latest resident stories:
Fast, Efficient, and Quality Cleaning June 17, 2024 Read More
Dinosaurs, ABBA, and Snickers Cheesecake June 13, 2024 Read More
The Treehouse: June 2024 June 10, 2024 Read More
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What do these three things have in common?
They were all part of Rich’s favorite birthday party to date!
The date fell when Rich was lucky to have the day off from work and could spend the day with his housemate John. The two spent most of the day enjoying their favorite daytime programming, namely General Hospital.
Heading Out
Getting ready to get out and stretch their legs, the gents were amazed at the weather when Lucy came over to join them for their regular walk. It felt humid outside, but it was the perfect day to take their usual trail. On the walk, Rich talked endlessly about how much he looked forward to his party. The evening was dinosaur-themed, a subject Rich loves.
“Dinosaurs may look silly on TV, but they’re actually huge,” Rich said. “The Tyrannosaurus Rexes is my favorite type of dinosaur because they look scary and are like the leader of all the dinosaurs.”
The Night Kicks Off
A couple of hours passed once Rich’s friends came over for his birthday. Rich D., Stephen, and Chris came over excited to chow down on dinner. Chinese food was Rich’s meal of choice, with Rich having his personal favorite, shrimp fried rice.
Rich opened his presents after cleanup and got exactly what he wanted: a set of new Army hats since he has long admired the military. Adding some energy to the evening, Rich and John requested all the greatest ABBA hits to play in the background.
Hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me” played in the background when it was time to hit the T-Rex-shaped piñata. The guests had chances to swing at the dinosaur, and Chris dealt the final blow when candy burst out of the bag.
I chased for the Kit Kats first. I like how they taste with the wafers on the inside, and the chocolate coating is delicious.
Stephen
Gabriel Homes Resident
Friends are Family
Everyone collected their treats, and the night ended with Rich’s favorite sweet: Snickers cheesecake made by Gabriel Homes.
After having his slice of cake, Chris shared in sign language with the group: “I love you all.”
Rich called the night his favorite birthday he ever celebrated and was thankful to celebrate it with some of his best friends.
Want to see ways you can help with parties and birthdays?
Learn more about how you can get involved. gabrielhomes.org dddcd
The Latest...
Gabriel Homes Crushes the Powerlifting Competition
In a Special Olympics tournament held in Manassas, Gabriel Homes residents showed up in full force with first- and second-place finishes.
See more photos from the latest competition at gabrielhomes.org, and stay tuned for the recent state tournament results by following us on social media.
Check it out!Highlights from the competition:
Rich Celebrates His Promotion at Work
A popular face across Fairfax County, Rich has worked at Giant for 15 years and is loved by everyone. He's recently celebrated a well-earned promotion at work!
More about Rich
Ladies' Night at Gabriel Homes
Every Wednesday after work, the women at Gabriel Homes gather for ladies' night.
The group sits together and gets to catching up right away. They often talk about how their weeks have been and what their weekend plans are.
Ladies' Night Story
Happy Birthday, Darcy!
Darcy celebrated her birthday with her roommates by visiting Lake Thoreau and feeding the animals along the path.
“I truly enjoy celebrating the residents’ birthdays. It’s rewarding seeing their big smiles when the evenings come together.”
Naomi Pariona
Program Coordinator, Gabriel Homes
Community Corner
Ultimately, you should always give yourself opportunities to engage with adults with IDD. When you share a little about yourself, you get a lot of joy coming back to you. My relationships with Rich goes two ways, and we both equally benefit from it. He's just a joy to have in our lives.
Amy
Friend of Rich
Read more about Amy's friendship with Rich
We want to hear from you!
Do you have a favorite memory with Gabriel Homes? Do you have advice for family members? If there's something you've been longing to share, now is your chance! Email Lynn with your story or idea.Spotlights
Board Spotlight
Elaine Bickel
The current treasurer of the Board of Directors, Elaine returned to Gabriel Homes in 2016 after working here in the early 1990s.
“Success requires boards with visions for the future, including strategic plans and business decisions, so I believe I bring the ability to see the forest from the trees.”
-Elaine
Learn about ElaineStaff Spotlight
Marlene Stevens
Marlene joined Gabriel Homes early this year, and she has become an immediate champion for the residents at Gabriel Homes #6 and #8.
“Being with the residents - these are my favorite types of days. I hope being a residential counselor is the last job I have, and I plan to live another 60 years!”
-Marlene
See Marlene's storyUpcoming Dates
Reminder!
Let staff know at least 24 hours in advance if you make plans with your family member. Giving Gabriel Homes notice assures us that every resident is taken care of if they’re not home.
Use the on-call phone number or email staff to notify us.
Remember to email us your feedback if you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas for future editions of The Treehouse.
Feel free to send our newsletter to any friends or family who don’t receive it. Share our newsletter sign-up link so they can join today.
Follow Gabriel Homes on all your favorite social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Threads.
We appreciate donations of any amounts
Consider making a donation to Gabriel Homes today. Donate today dddcdIf you crave joy and inclusion, experts recommend you stay in touch with your community.
Loved by Family and Friends
One Gabriel Homes resident, Rich, has been friends with Amy, a Fairfax County resident, for over 15 years. Rich often comes over to see Amy and is usually greeted by her extended family. From Amy to her children to her mother, Rich is a popular face across the household.
Gabriel Homes had the chance to speak with Amy about her friendship with Rich. Here’s what she had to say:
How did you two become friends?
“Rich was the cart returner at the Giant I shopped at. We struck up a conversation every time I was there, and he helped me unload groceries in my car. He was eager to communicate with people and made himself open.
“Often, I talk about my extended family with Rich. He knows many of them by coming over or having dinners with us. He usually asks how everyone is doing and kindly asks if I want him to pray for anybody. His concern is a testament to how much love he has for everybody.”
What do you like to do together?
“We talk about football a lot. Rich is a Cleveland Browns fan, and he can quickly list all the coaches and players and how each of them is doing. Browns games are hard to get on cable since we live in Virginia, but I always invite him over when we see them playing.
“Outside work, I sometimes pick Rich up from his shifts, and we go out to dinner. His favorite order is a cheeseburger. I care about Rich being confident in ordering what he wants, so we always tell the server what we want separately.”
What advice do you have for the community about befriending adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD)?
I have a background in special education, so I’m comfortable with different populations since I’ve worked with them. When Rich started coming over to our house, my kids still lived with me. For them, it was like having their friends over. Everyone was comfortable with Rich from the start.
Ultimately, you should always give yourself opportunities to engage with adults with IDD. When you share a little about yourself, you get a lot of joy coming back to you. My relationship with Rich goes two ways, and we benefit equally from it. He's just a joy to have in our lives.
Want to learn about how you can support your family member with IDD?
Check out how they can become a resident at gabrielhomes.org.
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Any nonprofit looking to steer itself toward success needs a quality board of directors. One crucial team member, the treasurer, helps create annual budgets and plan financial rollouts for long-term projects.
When Past Meets Present
It’s especially helpful when your treasurer already knows your organization’s lay of the land. Elaine Bickel returned to Gabriel Homes to assume the treasurer role in 2016 after working there in the early 1990s.
Gabriel Homes caught up with Elaine recently to share her story. See what we talked about below:
Get to Know Elaine:
How did you first get involved with Gabriel Homes?
“I originally joined Gabriel Homes as a part-time bookkeeper. My children were little, so I couldn't leave home much. I set up Gabriel Homes’ accounting structure, and tasks included many of the usual things: taxes, financial advisory, and check recording.
“Gabriel Homes had four properties at the time, so the most exciting days were the purchases of new homes and the growth of the organization.”
What brought you back to Gabriel Homes?
“The former executive director called me about 20 years after I returned to full-time work asking if I could fill in as treasurer for the board of directors. Returning was a full-circle moment: I was amazed how Gabriel Homes oversaw its team and finances, and it was cool to see the growth from the structure I set up.
“Organizations face new challenges when they grow. Gabriel Homes grew to a point where the bookkeeping and recording got more sophisticated. Coming back, I was glad to see everything at a point where the budget, expenses, and fundraising were so robust. The work became even more exciting.”
What at Gabriel Homes has impressed you the most?
“I have been so pleased to see the growth since serving on the board. Gabriel Homes has taken the step it needed to so it could build a foundation for the future. Codifying and standardizing the processes has made the organization even more refined. I’ve been proud of everything the board has done to make change happen.”
What makes numbers and accounting exciting in your eyes?
“They tell stories. You learn about how an organization is doing at a point in time and how fundraising is going. The numbers at Gabriel Homes show the story of its growth – the growing number of residents and properties and how long both have been part of us.
“Accounting also shares the story of the health of the business. All homes need upkeeping like repairs and renovations, so the books show how we maintain our houses.
“Gabriel Homes’ story shows we have an obligation to the families to make sure we’re being wise with the money we receive from them and the state. Fortunately, the story also proves we’re in a place where we can hire who we need.”
What do you like about serving on the board?
“Not many people want to serve as treasurer for boards of directors. For me, bookkeeping keeps my mind sharp, so it’s the perfect way for me to give back. I love doing the books so much that I also do them at Great Falls Little League even though my kids haven’t played in years.
“You need lots of discipline serving nonprofits like Gabriel Homes, though, because you need to make sure the residents are supported and have what they need. Success requires boards with visions for the future, including strategic plans and business decisions, so I believe I bring the ability to see the forest from the trees.
“But ultimately, I love giving back to my community. I’ve lived in Northern Virginia for 25 years, and I love the people and community here.”
What’s something the community should know about adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
“When you get to know the residents, you realize they’re not much different from you or me. They may have some limitations, but they’re funny and friendly, and they work and play. Some residents have unique talents like art.
“Adults with IDD have strengths people may not see. Our community is enriched by getting involved with our residents and people similar to them around the county.”
What interests do you have outside of Gabriel Homes?
“I love seeing my grandchildren the most and seeing them change in every stage of life. They live locally and are my heartbeat.
“I also have family in New York City, so I have the chance to see them in lots of Broadway shows. When I watch musicals, I admire the voices and performances, especially when I can get enraptured by what goes on onstage. Theatre is like an escape: Even my young nieces and nephews have been bitten by the performing bug.
“Another spectacle to me is hockey. As a big Caps fan, I try to see the action when I can. My son skated through college, so he got me hooked on ice sports.”
Get to know the entire board of directors at gabrielhomes.org.
The Latest From Gabriel Homes:
Community Corner: You’ve Got a Friend in Me June 9, 2024 Read More
Dinosaurs, ABBA, and Snickers Cheesecake June 6, 2024 Read More
An Inside Scoop: Get to Know Elaine Bickel June 4, 2024 Read More
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When men come together and support one another, they can better take care of themselves and create more respectful cultures for all genders. Every Tuesday night, the gentlemen from Gabriel Homes #3 (GH3) meet everyone at #1 (GH1) for men’s night.
Rest & Relaxation
The men tend to sit together and catch up on how the week has started for them. Since the nights usually start around 5, many talk about what they did at work. Some residents like John play music for the group to wind down after long days.
“I like playing Nat King Cole because his music is slow but happy,” said John. “I like when my friends ask me to take my headphones off so we can listen together.”
Meals are always a hit on men’s nights. Sean takes the lead preparing dinners every Tuesday evening. The meal of the night is a familiar favorite with best friends – grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with tomato soup.
I can be more comfortable and relax more on men’s nights. Then it’s fun to see if I can set new records when I lift after dinner. 
Sean Gabriel Homes Resident 
Off to Training!
After everyone cleans up, the athletes head off to IMP Fitness for another night of training. Most of the group trains together for powerlifting tournaments. The athletes who compete change into T-shirts and sweatpants and put on their powerlifting belts and gloves when they hang out together.
“Tuesday nights are one of my favorite nights of the week,” said Chris, a Gabriel Homes resident. “After powerlifting, I look forward to it next week because these guys are some of my best friends!”
See more stories about residents having fun with their friends at gabrielhomes.org.
Gabriel Homes Crushes Powerlifting Competition May 28, 2024 Read More
A Day of Ducks and Delight May 24, 2024 Read More
True Strength in Men: Positive Male Spaces May 23, 2024 Read More