Spring is beginning to make its way to West Virginia and the clients at Q&A Associates are eager to begin their projects and activities for the spring and summer months. The clients at Cabin Mountain Living Center have begun the germination process of seeds for the greenhouse and gardens with the help of mentors and the Director of Student Services, Marci Jones. In the next couple of weeks, once the temperatures begin to stay above freezing, the clients will assist in tilling the garden so that when the time comes, they are able to transplant their germinated seeds into the ground. The clients are also looking forward to new and exciting Community Based Instruction (CBI) outings during the warmer months. 

Gardening is a very beneficial process for Q&A cleints at Applewood Transitions for Young Women, The Journey WV for Young Men, and Cabin Mountain Living Center. “I think it is an awesome opportunity for our clients to be able to grow and consume their own produce; it gives them a greater appreciation for the process and usually encourages the clients to try new foods,” Jones said. Gardens provide a naturally calming environment, and the clients enjoy being able to have their hands in the ground while planting, caring for, and harvesting the fruits and vegetables. The clients also have the opportunity to sell the excess produce they have grown at The Old Mill, which is part of Q&A property. The Old Mill is one of only two working grist mills in West Virginia; the establishment is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Clients can also sell excess produce at the Saddles and Smiles Farm, where they operate a weekly vegetable stand. This has become an opportunity for the clients to learn and practice social skills, business development and operation, and many vocational and academic skills.

Q&A Associates is also eager to announce Donna Fridley as Coordinator of Client Education and Activities. Fridley has been a part of the Q&A staff since 2019, previously acting as Assistant Director at Cabin Mountain Living Center and Interim Director of Cabin Mountain Living Center and The Journey WV for Young Men. Fridley has begun planning Community Based Instruction outings for the clients on a weekly basis. The first activity Fridley coordinated was at Blackwater Falls State Park. The clients had the opportunity to work with the park naturalist and learned a lot of information about flora and fauna around the area. “The clients had a wonderful time hiking, playing educational outdoor games, and learning about nature here in Canaan Valley,” Fridley explained. “The clients are very excited to see what the next activity will be,” Fridley continued. 

Spring is a time of rebirth and new growth, a perfect theme for young adults working toward independence and self-discovery. “We love this time of year in West Virginia,” said Keith Bishop, COO; “after a long winter, it is wonderful to begin getting outside more and reconnecting with the earth and all our animals, especially the horses!”

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.