Birch Lane Group Home
Birch Lane Group Home is located in a quiet residential neighborhood within walking distance of downtown Romney. This residence is home to six teens in need of emotional and behavioral supports. Using the team approach, youth and staff work together to identify priority goals and develop individualized plans for their future. The primary focus is to support these youth as they ready themselves for adulthood. In a fun, family atmosphere, they learn to budget money, get along with others, deal with disappointment and make positive choices.
The teens at Birch Lane attend Hampshire County schools and are involved in after-school activities. In the summer months, they are kept very busy, biking, gardening, traveling to amusement parks and swimming.
Staff at Birch Lane is specially trained to assist and support young people with challenging behaviors.
For more information or to make a referral, contact the Services Coordinator at 304-822-3759.
Specialized Family Care
With more than 3,000 of West Virginia's children currently living in foster care, it is clear that professionally trained families are needed to care for those children with special needs. Potomac Center, a licensed child placing agency, recruits and trains such families.
Staff located in one of our three strategically placed offices take special care to match families with the right child or adult in need of a loving home. Families assist with personal care and social skills, provide emotional and behavioral supports, and provide a feeling of self-worth and belonging. Many of these unions result in permanent placements and even adoption.
For more information, contact the Specialized Care Coordinator in our Moorefield office at 304-538-8111.
Kids on the Block
Kids on the Block is an educational program that enlightens elementary school children on the issues of disability awareness and social concerns. Using life-sized puppets, each with their own unique personalities, the program helps children understand and value individual differences and teaches them how to stay healthy and safe. As the puppets discuss each topic in a clear, nonthreatening manner, they interact with the children to address their questions, concerns and needs. They dispel myths through accurate information and allow children to feel positive about who they are.
Kids on the Block is a fun and meaningful way to help kids in your community--at no cost to you! To learn more, call 304-822-3861, ext. 156.
Where Are We Located?
Potomac Center's administrative offices are on Blue Street in Romney, along with some of our homes and one of our Specialized Family Care (SFC) Program offices. Two additional homes are in Romney, with an additional home south of Moorefield. We also have two other SFC offices located in Moorefield and Elkins. Our many SFC homes are spread throughout the following counties: Morgan, Jefferson, Berkeley, Hampshire, Mineral, Grant, Hardy, Tucker, Randolph, Pendleton, Barbour and Upshur.
Services provided by this program are funded in part by the WV Department of Health and Human Resources and will not be denied to persons solely because of age, race, sex, handicap, or inability to pay.
Washington Street Group Home
Washington Street Group Home sits in a quiet residential section of Romney, where the neighbors are friendly. The group home accommodates eight adults with mental retardation/developmental disabilities. Our staff, which usually numbers a 3 to 8 ratio, provides 24-hour continuous supports in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
The majority of those living here attend the local community workshop for day programming and vocational skills training. Those who do not attend the workshop stay at the group home for skill training in basic needs and community development.
Throughout the year we engage in community activities such as: walking at local tracks or parks, trips to the river for fishing, visiting various state parks, using the local library, and trips to movie theaters, stores, restaurants and bowling alleys. Summer trips include amusement parks and aquariums.
For more information or to make a referral, contact the Services Coordinator at 304-822-3330.
"My Vacation" is how one young man describes his respite stays with us. When care givers need to be away from their loved ones, they want a safe, comfortable place for them to stay. Family emergencies may arise or people may just need some time apart to reenergize. Potomac Center's response to this need is short-term routine Respite Services for families.
This service is offered at two locations--Moorefield and Romney. Each home has 24-hour awake staff, private bedrooms, cable television and home-cooked meals. These three-bed, ranch-style houses are attractively decorated and have yards with picnic areas. Days are structured and include off-grounds recreational activities.
Who Are We?
Potomac Center, Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit, private organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Since 1980, we have provided residential assistance and support to both children and adults with developmental disabilities as they learn the skills needed to live successful lives. Our primary goal is to return people to their family homes. Since this is not possible for some, alternate living places are sought. At Potomac Center, a team of people, including the individual (and guardian if appropriate), develop and implement plans and activities to ensure all needs are met.
What's Our Philosophy?
We believe that all people, regardless of ability, are capable of learning and growth. They also have the right to enjoy the same privileges and benefits available to all community members. Respect for the individual and the right to be treated with dignity are paramount as we support each person in their chosen life experiences.
What's Our Mission?
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities by providing quality services to all individuals and their families.
What Do We Do?
Potomac Center provides a variety of residential support and assistance to people with developmental disabilities including: ICF/MR group homes; Specialized Family Care home; Respite homes; and Crisis Respite. Each comfortably furnished home provides a safe and structured environment designed to meet the needs of its residents. Activities are centered around individual need to ensure that each person lives the fullest and most enjoyable life possible. Our participation begins even before a person moves to one of our programs, and continues as they transition into the next stage of their life.
Who Do We Serve?
We serve children and adults with a primary diagnosis of developmental disability who meet eligibility criteria for our various services. Each applicant must be a West Virginia resident or, if living in an out-of-state facility, must be funded by West Virginia DHHR.
Intensive Training Program
The Intensive Training Program is a short-term (6-24 month) residential placement designed to assist children, ages 5-17 years, with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues. Each of three homes, located in the northern section of Romney, holds eight children of similar ages and promotes a family-oriented atmosphere. The program teaches adaptation skills to enable the child to function more independently with their family or other group setting. Highly supervised and structured, a team approach is used to develop programs focused on individual need, which vary depending on functioning level and/or behavioral challenges. Programs/supports may include, but are not limited to:
_ Behavior Support
_ Personal Care/Self Preservation
_ Safety
_ Sexual Awareness/Appropriateness
_ Community Skills
_ Domestic Skills
_ Educational Support
_ Social Skills
_ Nursing
Educational placement is determined by each child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and team. Most attend Hampshire County schools, while others go to an on-ground classroom operated by the State Department of Education. During the summer months, children participate in a day habilitation program.
Recreational activities include sporting events, shopping, skiing, skating and bowling, plus the campus has a gymnasium, activities room and large playground.
Referrals to this program should be made to the Program Director at 304-822-3861, ext. 135.
Health, Wellness and Nursing Services
To ensure the health and wellness of your loved one, each house has a staff nurse to attend to all medical needs and follow-up, providing continuity of care. This enables us to quickly attune to any health problems your child may develop. In addition, we proactively provide health and wellness education to individuals and staff. Daily physical activity and healthy eating choices are encouraged. A state-of-the-art medication delivery system provides efficient, quality medication delivery and RN coverage for "as needed" medications.
If you have any questions, call Health, Wellness and Nursing Services at 304-822-3861, ext. 168.
Camp Hanging Rock
Camp Hanging Rock is a 22-acre wooded site located about 4.5 miles north of Potomac Center's main campus. Those served by the Center can enjoy a large picnic pavilion with a stone fireplace and barbecue, campfire circle, beach volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pits and hiking trails.
The camp was named after a nearby local landmark, Hanging Rock, a rock outcropping along the South Branch of the Potomac River.
Employment Opportunities
Are you looking for employment opportunities? Do you desire to have a rewarding job? If you answered "yes"--Potomac Center is looking for you. Potomac Center hires Social Workers, Nurses, Clerical and Accounting Personnel, Direct Support Professionals, etc. to assist and support individuals with developmental disabilities. So what are you waiting for? Complete our online application or call 304-822-3861, ext. 129. Potomac Center is waiting to hear from you.
For any other information, please contact one of the following people: 304-822-3861
David Plowright, Executive Director: Extension 136
email: dplowright@potomaccenter.com
Rick Harshbarger, Administrative Services Director: Extension 124 email: rharshbarger@potomaccenter.com
Linda Ward, Community Services Director: Extension 134 email: lward@potomaccenter.com
Jason Umstot, Program Director: Extension 135
email: jumstot@potomaccenter.com
Kim Helmstetter, Employment and Training Coordinator: Extension 129 email: khelmstetter@potomaccenter.com
Crisis Respite Services
In cooperation with the West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, Potomac Center offers Crisis Respite Services for children. When a child or family experiences a temporary disruption in placement, this 30-day service provides housing and supports for children, allowing social workers and families time to meet and develop permanent plans.
Crisis Respite offers all the same services as our Respite program, with the addition of specific Individual Treatment Plans that may require more intensive staffing.
For more information or to make a referral, contact the Services Coordinator at 304-822-3861, ext. 153.
