THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 15, 1995 TAG: 9501130211
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Rebecca Myers
LENGTH: Long : 101 lines
Ronnie Ratliff is determined to make a difference in children's lives.
That's probably why he's spent the last 15 years working at the Holiday House, a home for profoundly retarded children.
``It's very challenging in that we meet young people who are 15 or 16 years old chronologically, but maybe have a mental age from 6 months to a year to 2 years old,'' said Ratliff, assistant program director.
``But what I like best about it is the opportunity to work with young people. When they're first admitted to the facility, I see a lot of deficits and weaknesses and problems . . . but through the patience and the training, I begin to see some progress, and it kind of brings a lot of joy and inspiration to my life,'' Ratliff said.
The Holiday House, located in the 4200 block of County St., is home to 28 children, ages 4 to 21, from throughout Virginia. Training involves physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as lessons in independent living skills.
``Our young people do attend school also, and this is more of their residential placement,'' said Ratliff, 37, who serves as a liaison between the home and the school system.
At the Holiday House, Ratliff writes programs designed especially for the residents and trains staff to implement the programs. He also serves as the public-relations coordinator, giving tours of the facility and participating in public speaking engagements.
Ratliff, who has a degree in special education from Norfolk State University, began working at the Holiday House as a volunteer and eventually was hired full-time. Currently he is enrolled in the master's program in the same field at NSU.
``I did my practicum experience here, so I was fortunate to receive training in the same field that I was studying,'' he said.
Ratliff's work with young people - as a coach in recreational leagues, as an active member in his church's youth organizations and with the Boy Scouts - all contributed to his calling, he said.
``That's really what led me to want to work with children and people in the special population,'' said Ratliff, a father of two.
``I'm always trying to be a very positive role model in the community, especially for African-American males because of some of the problems and difficulties a lot of them have. I do a lot of community work there to let them know that there is a positive side to setting positive goals in their lives.''
Name: Ronnie Eric Ratliff Sr.
Nickname: Duke
Neighborhood: Grew up in Norview, but now lives in Lake Forest (Cavalier Manor)
Number of years in Portsmouth: 16
Birthplace: Norfolk
Birthdate: Aug. 8, 1957
Occupation: Assistant program manager, Holiday House
What other job than your own would you like? Professor at a local university
Marital status: Married
Children: Ronnie Eric Ratliff Jr., 14, and Vania Barbriana Ratliff, 6 months
Fondest childhood memory: When my parents gave me my first car to drive, a green 1969 Cadillac
First concert: The Edwin Hawkin Family at the Hampton Coliseum in 1978
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you'd buy? I would buy my wife everything her heart desires.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? I would trade places with President Clinton. I would implement policies that would strengthen our communities. I feel that the deterioration of the American society is mostly felt in our black community. I would work with religious leaders in transforming the community into a safer place to live.
Biggest accomplishment: Receiving my bachelor of science degree in mental retardation from Norfolk State University
Most embarrassing moment: When I fell asleep in church, my mother called my name out on the intercom. Everyone in the church turned around and looked at me.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? There isn't anything that I would like to change about myself.
Perfect way to spend the day: Spending a private day with my wife and children at the park and at church
I can't resist: Banana pudding
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: The Max
Favorite Portsmouth hangout: Portside
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: There is too much internal fighting going on with our city officials (i.e. City Council). It's time for council members to work together to resolve the problems facing the city.
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
Safer schools
Curtail the illegal drug movement in the city
More recreational facilities for young people
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? Going downtown and visiting the Olde Towne area; the Children's Museum ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHRISTOPHER REDDICK
by CNB