At its monthly meeting on Nov. 28, 2022, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the following staff member, individual served, and community organization.
- Staff Person of the Month: Sharese Wilburn, Community Connections Trainer
- Special Recognition: Mark Nolan, individual served by the Board
- Special Recognition: First Christian Church of Sylvania
Sharese Wilburn
Sharese Wilburn is the definition of someone who is passionate about our mission of helping individuals live their best lives.
Her goal with every individual is “how can I help them help themselves?” With this mindset, individuals gain more independence and the self-confidence necessary to tackle difficult things.
Over the course of more than 28 years here at the Board, Sharese has built lasting relationships with individuals by helping them overcome employment barriers, gain access to food and other resources.
Sharese takes each referral, meets the client wherever he/she is in regard to skillset and mindset, works through obstacles with the least amount of support necessary and then slowly backs away offering support from a distance until the individual feels comfortable and confident.
Beyond her role as a Community Connections Trainer, Sharese regularly helps out with SALUTE, our pilot program, Emerging Advocates, Best Buddies, FANS and event assists Employment Navigators with some strength-based interest inventories as needed. She has also helped out with Special Olympics and Travel Training. And from TARPS tickets to PPE, Goodwill vouchers and hygiene kits, she is always willing to help personally get things in the hands of people who need it.
Sharese is also a member of the DEI Task Force and the Trauma Informed Care and Human Trafficking Coalition. She regularly volunteers at Board events and works outside of her regularly scheduled hours.
Many clients know her by name and are excited to share a conversation with her. Just as we are excited tonight to share that Sharese Wilburn is the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Staff Person of the Month for November 2022. Congratulations, Sharese!
Mark Nolan
Tonight, we honor Mark Nolan in an achievement that, not that long ago, seemed like it would be years away if at all even possible.
For the longest time, Mark would consistently call and complain about his dissatisfaction with life and daily choices. There were many problem-solving conversations and visits. But thanks to his Service and Support team here at the Board as well as consistent and positive interactions from Above and Beyond Supportive Living Services, Mark has been progressing towards independence, maturity, and understanding his self-worth. Mark has managed to overcome a history of involvement with the criminal justice system and gone to great lengths to ensure this is no longer an issue. Mark understands that staff are around to help make positive, healthy choices. He now considers others’ ideas, and instead of pushing them away or not listening, he leans on others as resources for positivity in his own life. Mark has made bonds and friendships with staff, especially Lulu.
Talk about teamwork makes the dream work!
Mark is currently living in an apartment, by himself, and continues to be supported by staff. Through his own demonstration of safe and healthy choices, he and his team came together and agreed that there was no reason that Mark could not live in an apartment setting. He continues to demonstrate knowledge of making safe choices. He is also in the process of gaining community employment, which will give him further connection to his community.
It is with great pride that we present Mark Nolan with the November 2022 Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Special Recognition Award!
First Christian Church of Sylvania
First Christian Church of Sylvania is a small but mighty generous congregation.
For 14 years, First Christian has been helping children and adults who receive services through the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Church members reach out through their annual programs, which include Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gifts. Through these two programs alone, First Christian Church has brought holiday joy to more than 400 of our individuals and their families!
Aside from their annual programs, First Christian Church has been instrumental in assisting individuals during some of their most trying times. The church has provided food when individuals faced a food shortage or were in transition waiting on their next Food Assistance payment from the state. When they hear of an individual who is moving into their first apartment or a new home, church members have been there with donated household furniture, towels and kitchen items.
At the start of the pandemic, when our individuals were having difficulty stretching their monthly food budgets or finding hygiene and cleaning products, members of First Christian Church were there. They organized a special drive to provide these items to individuals. Even after food and hygiene products became more readily available, church members continued to open their food panty for individuals and their families whenever help is needed.
“First Christian Church of Sylvania is honored to join with the Lucas County Board of DD in the meeting of the needs of our Developmental Disabled fellow citizens and we do it, first and foremost, to honor the name of our Savior Jesus Christ in order to show our undying gratitude for the grace granted to each of us every day,” Pastor Ernie Unholz said.
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is honored to present First Christian Church of Sylvania with its Special Recognition for the month of November 2022!