The saying, “When there’s a will, there’s a way,” comes to mind when talking with Bethany Henry, an individual who has been served by the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities for the last few years.
She was adopted when she was two and moved to Toledo, where she was dependent on family for nearly 29 years. Six years ago, despite several personal obstacles, Bethany moved into her own apartment, where she has remained remarkably independent. She even obtained her driver’s license after having her temps for three years. It took four tries for her to pass the test, but her unwavering determination ultimately helped her prevail. Bethany notes, “When I failed the driving test the first time, I had to go back and do the written test, and that was a 4-hour class. So I passed that for me to continue to do the driving test.”
Bethany feels her extra driving classes with Amanda Trala through 419 Driver Education were essential to her success. Amanda states, “We worked each day on building her skills and confidence with her driving ability. She never tried to give up. If she made a mistake, she would work harder and harder to fix it. That determination is why she was able to pass and get her license.”
Teresa Boraggina, a Community Service and Support Specialist who works with Bethany, echoes Amanda’s observations, saying, “She’s a very hard worker. One of the hardest working individuals I’ve met in a long time. She’s always worked two jobs!”
Bethany has been working two jobs since she graduated from Whitmer High School in 2004. She currently works for Washington Local Schools as well as a daycare, and is basically working from about 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. She has been with Washington Local Schools for 19 years and with the daycare for nearly 5 months; prior to working at the daycare, Bethany worked for Hungry Howie’s. And because she is still saving for a car, she walks everywhere or gets rides from her friends or SASS.
“Bethany is very independent. If something needs to be done, she figures it out on her own. She will ask for help, too, when she needs help. She’s also very responsible, makes sure she pays all her bills on time, even if she has to walk somewhere to pay them. She is great to work with!” Teresa praises.
Bethany is happy to work with Teresa as well. “She is a good person,” Bethany says about Teresa.
For leisure activities, Bethany enjoys going to the mall to shop and hang out, watching all kinds of movies, and going to Cedar Point. She’s also a big fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and has a 1-year-old dog, Snickers, who keeps her busy.
“She came to the [Lucas County] board to get help obtaining health insurance. Since she’s considered part-time at Washington Local Schools, she doesn’t get benefits… even though she works there every day. But Medicaid denied her several times because she was making just a little bit more than she was allowed to make.” Once again, persistence paid off, and Bethany was approved for health insurance.
Recently, Bethany was approached by a colleague about a full-time position, which hopes to secure soon. With this new position, she will have full benefits, including health insurance. It will be another incredible accomplishment for Bethany, whose tenacious spirit keeps trudging on.