CRi - Community Residences, Inc.

A key goal of CRi's work is to achieve optimum independence, well-being and community integration for all. CRi's efforts are a partnership with those we support and the family, friends and advocates of those we support.

CRi's services are based on the recognition that individuals are autonomous beings endowed with esteem, constitutional and legal rights and with the capability for achieving their full potential. Critical to achieving the goal of individual potential are the concepts of dignity, respect and self- determination. It is CRi's philosophy that for growth and success to occur, all services must value and incorporate these basic tenets. The Oxford American Dictionary's definition of dignity is “the state of being worthy of honor or respect." At CRi we integrate the meaning of this concept into all daily organizational activities and never forget what an honor it is for CRi to work alongside such admirable individuals.

This means that an individual with a disability should have the same options as all members of a community:

A. The opportunity to live in a community, participate in neighborhood life and to contribute to the richness of an area's diversity and its common well-being.
B. The opportunity to exercise control of life's choices and to be directly involved in program management and life decisions.
C. The opportunity to experience a network of community and natural supports.
The Mission in Action Statement is a living document that puts into operation CR's mission and establishes an environment at all levels of the organization that embodies these important core values.

Inherent in CRi's Mission in Action is that the relationship between the staff and the individual is of utmost importance and establishes the foundation for all interventions. A staff member can be the “best" at service planning, crisis intervention or case management; however, if they are unable to make a connection with the individual, their ability to assist the individual reach their person-oriented goals is compromised. Relationships in the programs between staff and individuals are non-hierarchal and non-authoritarian. Just because someone has the title of “staff" does not mean he or she knows best what an individual needs. A collaborative relationship that uses flexible and creative engagement strategies provides an atmosphere where individuals can access services in a way that supports the goal of most integrated environment for all individuals. All services provided by CRi are voluntary and non-coercive, easily accessible, culturally appropriate and focus on the development of living, social and coping skills while promoting community inclusion.

CRi maintains effective and meaningful treatment with the following principles:

A. A person-centered approach to assessment and service planning that ensures individual involvement and individualized support while ensuring choice and maintaining dignity.
B. Compliance with standards of care and service enhancement through ongoing monitoring, evaluation and improvement of clinical practice and programs.
C. Effective resource allocation through strategic analysis of the individuals

A. Assessment, which consists of face-to-face interviews, staff observations and review of clinical record information to determine the appropriateness for admission. This helps identify and prioritize individual needs and provides information to initiate and monitor the effectiveness of the individualized service plan. While assessment is an on-going process, it begins with the first inquiry or referral and continues throughout an individual's stay with the program. Information from other service providers is considered during all phases of the assessment. Assessment is inclusive of all social, emotional, spiritual and medical needs.
B. Service Planning: Staff provides support and guidance to individuals that assist in their development of a person-centered plan that sets achievable goals and objectives based on the individual's strengths and desires. Both staff and the individual formally review and if necessary revise the service plan as needed. Ongoing reassessments are made informally during regular counseling/case management sessions. This flexibility in services allows staff to adjust the program to meet each individual's changing needs and reinforces individual responsibility and opportunities for choice in his/her environment. Input from family members and other service providers are used in service planning whenever appropriate.
C. Community Integration: Staff supports individuals in a variety of activities designed to assist in accessing service systems and community resources. This may include linking individuals with entitlements, therapy, life skills classes, recreational opportunities and employment training programs, monitoring health and safety issues, helping individuals in making and keeping appointments, linking individuals to natural supports and arranging for other interventions when needed. Staff encourages individuals to explore the community at their own pace. Community integration may include providing information on civic, vocational, cultural, spiritual or volunteer opportunities.
D. Advocacy: Staff supports individual's rights, feelings and opinions. Each individual takes an active role in formulating his or her service plan. An individual's ability to express personal preferences is integrated into activities and continuously reinforced. Staff advocates for the individual with systems inside and outside the agency. Individuals are encouraged to participate in individual advocacy groups and other available peer focused organizations.
E. Case Management: CR's case management and non-residential programs staff works with each individual individually to ensure the same philosophy of safe, secure and comfortable housing. This means staff not only helps find suitable housing but also assist the individual in creating an environment that enhances his/her well-being.An interdisciplinary team approach provides case management services that are flexible, comprehensive and mobile.

From a grass roots organization providing residential and clinical support to a handful of adults with mental health needs, CRi has grown to be Virginia's largest provider of services to people with disabilities. Admired and respected by colleagues, community leaders, and the families of those we support, CRi is synonymous with best practices and industry leader.

Currently undergoing an extensive strategic plan (as of 7/2016), CRi is exploring opportunities for healthy growth in order to help fulfill the needs of the thousands of individuals who remain on wait lists for the types of services provided by CRi.