Resources for Human Development

URGENT: MISSING RHD PARTICIPANT – HIGH RISK – UPDATE

A resident from one of RHD’s programs has been missing since August 7, 2024, at 9:33 pm. We urgently need your help in locating him. RHD is collaborating with Philadelphia police, local hospitals, SEPTA, and his frequented locations in the community. This isn't the first time he has left his residence. His family and support team are extremely concerned and hoping for his safe return. Please share this post to help spread the word.

Name: Woodley (prefers to be called "Qwan")

Age: 41 years old

Race: Black male

Height & Weight: Approximately 5'4" and 163 lbs.

Last Seen Wearing: Royal blue shirt, grey pajamas and sweatpants, Crocs, black bookbag, Walmart and Target bags

Recent Sightings: Near Rising Sun Plaza, Olney Plaza, Bridge/Pratt area, Frankford area, Northeast Tower Center, Cedarbrook Plaza, and Cheltenham Plaza.

Places He Likes to Visit:

Stores: Forman Mills on Aramingo Ave. and MacDade Blvd. in Glenolden

Public Transit: SEPTA El train (Market/Frankford line)

Other Locations: Wawa, Rite Aid, and other food and convenience stores

Important Information:

Communication: He is non-verbal. Please call him "Qwan" to increase the chances he will respond.

Safety Risks:

He is at high risk of being victimized, hurt, or exploited.

His awareness level is limited—he may run into traffic and is not good with navigation or managing money.

He may go with someone if they show or offer him money or food.

Health Concerns: He has an intellectual disability and serious health conditions that require daily and weekly medication, or else his health is at risk.

What to Do If You See Him:

Stay Calm: Speak in a calm voice and call him "Qwan."

Keep Him Safe: Try to keep him with you and immediately contact one of the following:

Lakisha Brown: 215-694-4930

Amira Thomas: 215-834-6923

Aissatou Diallo: 267-252-3663

David Asare: 215-983-4722

Please share this post to help bring Qwan home safely. Your help is crucial.

THANK YOU!

We are relieved to share that Rashad, an RHD participant who was missing, has been found. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire RHD Community for your unwavering support and dedication.

URGENT: MISSING RHD PARTICIPANT – HIGH RISK
A resident from one of RHD’s programs has been missing since August 7, 2024, at 9:33 pm. We urgently need your help in locating him. RHD is collaborating with Philadelphia police, local hospitals, SEPTA, and his frequented locations in the community. This isn't the first time he has left his residence. His family and support team are extremely concerned and hoping for his safe return. Please share this post to help spread the word.

Name: Woodley (prefers to be called "Qwan")
Age: 41 years old
Race: Black male
Height & Weight: Approximately 5'4" and 163 lbs.

Last Seen Wearing: Grey or green shirt, pajama pants, Crocs, and carrying Target and ShopRite bags. He may have changed to all-grey clothing.
Location: Southwest Philadelphia, near Lindbergh Blvd. and Bartram Ave.

Places He Likes to Visit:
Stores: Forman Mills on Aramingo Ave. and MacDade Blvd. in Glenolden
Public Transit: SEPTA El train (Market/Frankford line)
Other Locations: Wawa, Rite Aid, and other food and convenience stores

Important Information:
Communication: He is non-verbal. Please call him "Qwan" to increase the chances he will respond.

Safety Risks:
He is at high risk of being victimized, hurt, or exploited.
His awareness level is limited—he may run into traffic and is not good with navigation or managing money.

Health Concerns: He has an intellectual disability and serious health conditions that require daily and weekly medication, or else his health is at risk.

What to Do If You See Him:
Stay Calm: Speak in a calm voice and call him "Qwan."

Keep Him Safe: Try to keep him with you and immediately contact one of the following:
Lakisha Brown: 215-694-4930
Amira Thomas: 215-834-6923
Aissatou Diallo: 267-252-3663
David Asare: 215-983-4722

Please share this post to help bring Qwan home safely. Your help is crucial.

Personifying RHD’s Value of Quality Service, our employees deliver outstanding care and selfless support to those who need it most. Join us today in celebrating one of RHD’s own heroes, AnnJane (AJ) Battallio, Residential Manager at The Young Adult Learning Environment (YALE). Her nominator shared, “Throughout the years, AJ has upheld the values of RHD while working with our participants and staff. Many participants who have transitioned to independent living still stay in touch with AJ, sharing their continued success and expressing gratitude for the lessons and skills they learned from her.” YALE provides educational, vocational, and social supports to young adults 18 to 22 years old with mental illness. For more information, visit https://www.rhd.org/program/new-foundationsyale/.

Today, we come together to celebrate International Day of the World's Indigenous People. RHD is committed to honoring the diverse cultures, rich traditions, and invaluable contributions of Indigenous communities worldwide. This day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples who have guarded their heritage and fought for justice and recognition throughout history.

URGENT: MISSING RHD PARTICIPANT – HIGH RISK
A resident from one of RHD’s programs has been missing since August 7, 2024, at 9:33 pm. We urgently need your help in locating him. RHD is collaborating with Philadelphia police, local hospitals, SEPTA, and his frequented locations in the community. This isn't the first time he has left his residence. His family and support team are extremely concerned and hoping for his safe return. Please share this post to help spread the word.

Name: Woodley (prefers to be called "Qwan")
Age: 41 years old
Race: Black male
Height & Weight: Approximately 5'4" and 163 lbs.
Last Seen Wearing: Grey or green shirt, pajama pants, Crocs, and carrying Target and ShopRite bags. He may have changed to all-grey clothing.
Location: Southwest Philadelphia, near Lindbergh Blvd. and Bartram Ave.
Places He Likes to Visit:
Stores: Forman Mills on Aramingo Ave. and MacDade Blvd. in Glenolden
Public Transit: SEPTA El train (Market/Frankford line)
Other Locations: Wawa, Rite Aid, and other food and convenience stores
Important Information:
Communication: He is non-verbal. Please call him "Qwan" to increase the chances he will respond.
Safety Risks:
He is at high risk of being victimized, hurt, or exploited.
His awareness level is limited—he may run into traffic and is not good with navigation or managing money.
Health Concerns: He has an intellectual disability and serious health conditions that require daily and weekly medication, or else his health is at risk.
What to Do If You See Him:
Stay Calm: Speak in a calm voice and call him "Qwan."
Keep Him Safe: Try to keep him with you and immediately contact one of the following:
Lakisha Brown: 215-694-4930
Amira Thomas: 215-834-6923
Aissatou Diallo: 267-252-3663
David Asare: 215-983-4722
Please share this post to help bring Qwan home safely. Your help is crucial.

Personifying RHD’s Value of Quality Service, our employees deliver outstanding care and selfless support to those who need it most. Join us today in celebrating one of RHD’s own heroes, Amber Seawright, Program Supervisor at Critical Time Intervention (CTI). Her nominator shared, “Amber works tirelessly (and at all hours) to provide trauma-informed care to the homeless population of Montgomery County. She thinks outside the box, using her creativity and resourcefulness to help people through difficult situations.” CTI is a blended case management service that provides support, for a duration of nine months, to adults in Montgomery County who are experiencing homelessness and have significant mental health needs. For more information, visit https://www.rhd.org/cti/.

Our next in-person hiring event is just around the corner! RHD is currently hiring Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) for our Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) programs. Join us for an Open House at the NEPA Regional Office (3895 Adler Place, Building A, Suite 150, Bethlehem, PA) on August 5th, 10 am to 2 pm. Full-time and part-time DSP positions are available across all shifts: 7 am-3 pm, 3 pm-11 pm, and 11 pm-7 am. RHD is an organization committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others, and we’re excited to add new members to our team. To register for the event, visit tinyurl.com/nepaopenhouse. See you there!

Personifying RHD’s Value of Quality Service, our employees deliver outstanding care and selfless support to those who need it most. Join us today in celebrating one of RHD’s own heroes, Tracy Corchado, Residential Nurse from New Perspectives Crisis Residence. Her nominator shared, “Tracy ensures the highest quality of personalized care for all participants at New Perspectives. She supports the staff with the same level of dedication. Tracy is truly one of the front-line heroes of the mental health field.” New Perspectives Crisis Residence provides supervised mental health stabilization services as an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for individuals who are in crisis. For more information, visit https://www.rhd.org/program/new-perspectives-crisis-residence/.

Today, RHD is celebrating National Disability Independence Day, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. We’re also continuing our celebration of Disability Pride Month by sharing inspiring stories from our Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) division. Every year in July, Disability Pride Month recognizes individuals with disabilities, celebrating their identities, culture, and positive contributions to society.

On March 27, 2024, RHD Lifesharing participants Paul Ahner-Hein, Holly Wilkinson, and Jeanette Loch received plaudits during the 18th Annual Celebration Awards, which recognize the amazing achievements of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania. Read the full story: https://www.rhd.org/rhd-lifesharing-participants-garner-accolades-18th-annual-celebration-awards/.

Personifying RHD’s Value of Quality Service, our employees deliver outstanding care and selfless support to those who need it most. Join us today in celebrating one of RHD’s own heroes, Megan Furman, Peer Support Specialist from Tennessee Chattanooga ACT. Her nominator shared, “Megan is truly the beating heart of our team. No matter what is happening, she shows up with a winning attitude and genuine love and care for our participants.” Tennessee Chattanooga ACT provides opportunities for housing support, treatment, and support services for homeless adults. For more information, visit https://www.rhd.org/program/tennessee-chattanooga-act/.

“I want employees to have pride in their work, program or teams, and in the organization. This internal pride will enhance our external reputation.”

The July issue of RHD Connections is available now. This month, in an exclusive interview, Brian Matthew Rhodes, Esq., the Acting President and Chief Executive Officer for RHD, reflects on his extensive legal career and his journey to the organization’s top leadership role. He shares his immediate priorities, the challenges RHD faces, and his vision for the organization. Read the interview: https://www.rhd.org/new-acting-ceo-rhd-shares-vision-revitalization-commitment-service

In honor of Disability Pride Month, we're celebrating inspiring stories from our Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) division. Every year in July, Disability Pride Month recognizes individuals with disabilities, celebrating their identities, culture, and positive contributions to society. Lamont became a participant at RHD’s Mainstay WEPA in May of 2023. He faced challenges upon entering the program and grappled with familiarizing himself with his new environment. However, a breakthrough occurred during the week of September 15th. Read Lamont’s story and learn about his amazing progress. https://www.rhd.org/lamonts-journey-embracing-new-beginnings-mainstay-wepa/.

Personifying RHD’s Value of Quality Service, our employees deliver outstanding care and selfless support to those who need it most. Join us today in celebrating one of RHD’s own heroes, SoYoung Ahn, Director of Operations for Positive Resolutions! Her nominator shared, “We appreciate SoYoung's hard work and dedication. Her efforts ensure our team runs efficiently, benefiting both staff and residents. Everyone enjoys visiting our main office, thanks to her warm and energetic greetings. SoYoung embodies RHD's Values and is a true team player.” Positive Resolutions is dedicated to enriching the lives of mentally ill adults by focusing on reducing the barriers to reaching their fullest potential and establishing supportive partnerships in recovery-oriented settings. For more information, visit https://www.rhd.org/program/positive-resolutions/.

In honor of Disability Pride Month, we're celebrating inspiring stories from our Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) division. Every year in July, Disability Pride Month recognizes individuals with disabilities, celebrating their identities, culture, and positive contributions to society. Bill Carpenter spent most of his life battling depression, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of not fitting in. He desperately needed a creative outlet and a place to escape. In January 2020, his caseworker suggested he try RHD’s Outside the Lines Studio, and Bill embraced the opportunity. Read Bill’s story and learn about how he found redemption through art. https://www.rhd.org/bill-carpenter-found-redemption-art/

RHD mourns the passing of our co-founder, Bertram Wolfson, on June 24, 2024. Bert's decades-long journey with RHD shaped the organization through his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. Bert co-founded Resources for Human Development in 1970 and served as President of the Board for five decades, retiring in 2020. His commitment to social justice and compassionate advocacy was evident in all he did, and Bert's legacy continues to inspire us. We invite you to share your memories and reflections of Bert, honoring his memory and the RHD Values he embodied. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 3:00 pm at the Main Line Unitarian Church, Devon, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Main Line Unitarian Church or Nationalities Service Center.

Personifying RHD’s Value of Quality Service, our employees deliver outstanding care and selfless support to those who need it most. Join us today in celebrating one of RHD’s own heroes, Abby Haydt, Assistant Director for RHD Lifesharing! Her nominator shared, “Abby works tirelessly to ensure our participants are safe, their needs are met, and they live their lives to the fullest. She manages situations and circumstances without complaining and embodies RHD Values every day." RHD Lifesharing program offers community-based residential services, unlicensed home and community habilitation, and respite services for people with intellectual developmental disabilities and/or autism. For more information, visit https://www.rhd.org/program/rhd-lifesharing/.

Happy 4th of July from Resources for Human Development! As we celebrate Independence Day, let's honor the values of freedom, unity, and community. Enjoy a safe and joyous holiday!

“It was the happiest day of my life!” In honor of Disability Pride Month, we're celebrating Kirk’s inspiring story. Every year in July, Disability Pride Month celebrates persons who experience disability, their identities and culture, and their positive contributions to society. Kirk, diagnosed with Huntington’s disease and facing homelessness, found hope and support through RHD’s Street2Feet. Thanks to a generous donation, Kirk received a motorized wheelchair, granting him newfound independence. We’ll be highlighting stories like Kirk’s all month long. Read more about his journey and the incredible support from our community: https://www.rhd.org/happiest-day-life/.

Personifying RHD’s Value of Quality Service, our employees deliver outstanding care and selfless support to those who need it most. Join us today in celebrating one of RHD’s own heroes, Emily Flemming, Counselor for NOVA III! Her nominator shared, “Emily is a team player! She is a great clinician and helps the participants every change she gets." NOVA III provides residential treatment services to medically fragile people with mental health diagnosis and co-occurring substance abuse disorders. For more information, visit https://www.rhd.org/program/n-o-v-a-iii/.

This summer, RHD’s Center for Creative Works (CCW) has launched the Art Hub, a vibrant pop-up shop, gallery, and studio space in West Philadelphia. Located at 3425 Walnut Street on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, the CCW Art Hub is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 AM to 5 PM and select Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM. Meet talented CCW artists working on special projects, explore unique art exhibitions, and shop a variety of creative products -- including t-shirts, greeting cards, tote bags, prints, ceramics, and more. Don't miss out—the CCW Art Hub is open through September 2024. Come by and support local art! Learn more here: https://www.centerforcreativeworks.org/art-hub.

Happy Caribbean Heritage Month! Join RHD in celebrating the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Caribbean community. It’s a great time to enjoy Caribbean music, art, and cuisine, and to learn more about the vibrant heritage that enriches our lives. Together, let's honor the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean!

An RHD community member recently received a commendation for an amazing act of bravery, kindness, and compassion. Samantha Blagus, a participant at the Montgomery County Recovery Center, stopped to help a shooting victim at an Exxon station in King of Prussia, PA. Holding the hand of the mortally wounded Tamara Cornelius, she relayed crucial information to 911, showing incredible courage and compassion. For her selfless act, Samantha was awarded a commendation for exceptional service from Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele. Thank you for being an inspiration, Samantha! Read the full story here: https://www.inquirer.com/crime/samantha-blagus-civilian-commendation-montgomery-county-murder-20240525.html

Personifying RHD’s Value of Quality Service, our employees deliver outstanding care and selfless support to those who need it most. Join us today in celebrating one of RHD’s own heroes, Marvin White, Director of the Christine Gibson Peer Support House! His nominator shared, “Marvin shows strong leadership skills, takes the initiative, and motivates his team. He actively seeks opportunities to learn and grow and takes on new challenges.” The Christine Gibson Peer Support House aims to reduce justice involvement for people with mental health issues by offering 24/7 peer-driven residential services that empower individuals, minimize reincarceration, and improve connections to community resources. For more information, visit https://www.rhd.org/cgpsh/.

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! Today, we honor the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Let’s celebrate and learn from the diverse traditions that enrich our world.