Please allow individuals who qualify to use their Medicaid waiver-funded services at Vanguard Landing.

My name is Tom Meakem, and I am writing on behalf of my daughter, Lizzy Meakem, aged 23, who has Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) and has chosen Vanguard Landing to be her new home.

Since graduating from school in 2024, Lizzy has been very lonely and unable to make friends, despite best efforts by Sudy (my wife and her mom) and me to help her. She is not getting the stimulation and challenges that she needs to continue to grow and thrive.

She loves Vanguard Landing for many reasons, including the loving and compassionate leadership team, her ability to choose the privacy of her own bedroom and bathroom, or to open her door and walk down the hallway or to the next cottage to visit friends; her feedom to use the cottage kitchen to make food and have support as needed, and the ability to choose classes and a wide range of activities. Lizzy will also have access to the broader Virginia Beach region which will provide her with opportunities to shop, stop by a coffee shop, go to church, go to the beach, and explore job possibilities.

It is important to Sudy and me that people from all socioeconomic groups have access to Vanguard Landing. That can only happen if you allow individuals who qualify to use their Medicaid waiver-funded services at Vanguard Landing.

In addition to Lizzy having Intellectual/Developmental Disability, I am also disabled because of a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2019. I am thankful to receive SSDI.

I respectfully request that you allow people who qualify fo use their Medicaid waiver-funded services at Vanguard Landing so that they, too, can choose to make Vanguard Landing their new home.

All of the cottages are complete, and the beautiful Vanguard Landing community is ready. Lizzy, Sudy, and I are hoping and praying that Lizzy will be able to move into her new home soon.