Q&A Associates recently celebrated ten years of service to young adults and their families.  The company was launched in October 2010 by Founder and CEO Angie Shockley.  Initially, Q&A consisted of one program, Journey to Authentic Self.  However, within a couple of years, Shockley realized there was a need for three distinct programs to serve the unique young adult clients who were enrolling.  Q&A now consists of Applewood Transitions for Young Women, The Journey Transitions for Young Men, and Cabin Mountain Living Center.  To mark this significant occasion, the staff and clients of Q&A Family of programs put together a surprise luncheon for Shockley.  “We had planned to celebrate ten years during one of the national conferences,” said Keith Bishop, Chief Operating Officer, “but with COVID, that wasn’t possible; this was the next best thing.”

Bishop reached out to several leaders in the therapeutic field and colleagues of Shockley, along with former employees and asked them to record a video with their congratulations and wishes.  Several Q&A graduates also sent in best wishes, sharing memories from their time in the Q&A programs.  He then compiled each video into a presentation that was played during the celebration.  “It was so humbling to see and hear such kind words from people that I have admired for many years, people who have been mentors and leaders for me,” said Shockley, “and hearing from our graduates was just incredible!”  The presentation can be viewed on the Q&A Facebook pages.

The staff and clients also surprised Bishop with a framed poster full of photos and handwritten good wishes, celebrating his nine years of serve at Q&A.  “We would not be what we are without Keith,” said Kelly Pennington, Director of Cabin Mountain and Journey, “so we want to recognize him and show our appreciation for all of his hard work and dedication.”  Sandy Schmiedeknecht, the Q in the Q&A, also attended the celebration. She helped Shockley launch the company in 2010 and dedicated seven years to the clients before retiring in 2017 and moving to VA to be closer to her family.  She is currently completing a doctoral program through Liberty University, and her research has been centered around the clients of Cabin Mountain Living Center.

“I am incredibly grateful for the past ten years and am looking forward to many more,” said Shockley.  “We work with some of the most difficult young adult clients, helping them find a path forward when they and their families are not sure what to do.”  Shockley recognized her staff, stating, “none of this would be possible without the people who dedicate their lives to these young adults; our staff is our biggest asset.”  Bishop agreed, “this is not easy work, so finding folks who can work through the hard times and help these young adults find their highest level of independence is critical to our overall success; we are blessed with great staff.”

Applewood Transitions for Young Women and The Journey Transitions for Young Men provide opportunities for young adults to gain independent living skills as well as the real-life experience they need to achieve successful independence.  Cabin Mountain Living Center provides opportunities for young adults who need much longer-term care and perhaps even lifetime supports.  These young adults can live on the Cabin Mountain farm for as long as needed.  Each of the Q&A programs is small and operates as a family unit, giving clients and staff time to build real and effective relationships.  “This type of relationship is key to the success of our clients,” said Shockley, “having larger programs would not create the correct environment for these young adults.”

To learn more about the Q&A family of programs, please contact Anngela Starnes, Director of Admissions and Marketing at 304-704-6383 or astarnes@qa-associates.com.

About Q&A Family of Programs

Q&A Family of Programs works with young adults ages 18 and up, providing opportunities for each of them to develop independent, functional, and happy lives with a high level of quality. Our clients have struggled to reach independence for a variety of reasons such as the inability to develop and/or implement the life skills needed to be successful, or struggling to obtain consistent employment. Our goal is to help these individuals find meaning and an authentic purpose for their lives and a practical path to achieve their goals.