At its monthly Board of Directors meeting, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the retirement of longtime Provider Supports specialist George Woodget, gave a Special Recognition Award to MemoryLane Care Services, and honored Service & Support Specialist Emmett Campos as the Staff Person of the Month.
Special Recognition: MemoryLane Care Services
MemoryLane Care Services is a strong community partner with Lucas DD. Taking the lead and organizing the Toledo Dementia Coalition, they were instrumental in having Toledo designated as a “Dementia Friendly Community” by Dementia Friends America. MemoryLane acknowledges the need for community awareness to include individuals with developmental disabilities.
In 2019, when they received a grant from the Administration for Community Living to develop a dementia-inclusive community in our region, MemoryLane reached out to Lucas DD, among other agencies, to be a partner on this grant. Through that partnership, our staff were trained as trainers on:
- Dementia Friends with a focus for those with I/DD;
- Basics of I/DD and Dementia;
- Behavioral Interventions When Caring for Someone with Dementia; and
- Brain Health.
Because of MemoryLane’s dedication and the partnership of this grant they were instrumental in bringing Dr. Phil McCallion, professor and director of the School of Social Work within the College of Public Health at Temple University to the area. The world-renowned expert in dementia and intellectual/developmental disabilities also provided training and consultation for Lucas DD. The partnerships of this grant due to the leadership of MemoryLane worked through the Covid pandemic with a “never give up“ attitude.
MemoryLane is supportive of individuals with I/DD. They believe in inclusion and are working with an Adult Day Services/Vocational Habilitation provider as a volunteer site. These individuals will volunteer alongside other community volunteers. Being proactive as MemoryLane Care staff are, Lucas DD was invited to train on Dementia Friends to the individuals we serve. Provider Supports staff presented the “Dementia Friends for individuals with I/DD” as part of the orientation for these individuals
Thank you, MemoryLane Care Services, for this wonderful and growing partnership. It is an honor to work with such passionate and enthusiastic people. Your leadership and effort to better our community, especially those with developmental disabilities is so appreciated. Lucas DD is pleased to present you with the October 2023 Special Recognition Award.
Lucas DD Staff Person of the Month: Emmett Campos
Statistically, SSA Emmett Campos consistently meets all expectations of the Service & Support Administration Department including ISP timelines, deadlines and productivity standards. He takes detailed notes and responds to all e-mails and phone calls in a timely fashion.
But you don’t become Staff Person of the Month on statistics alone.
Emmett demonstrates excellence in everything he does, especially when it comes to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals on his caseload. From identifying needs and finding emergency respite to after-hours well visits, his go-getter attitude helps him navigate, coordinate, and integrate services and resources for individuals regardless of the complexity of their case.
Earlier this year, Emmett was able to effectively manage having multiple Major Unusual Incidents open during a 2-week period. He worked collaboratively with MUI Investigative Agents, Lucas County Guardianship Services Board, Assistant Directors, hospital social workers, providers, and families to ensure that the individuals’ needs were still being met.
When he identifies needs during monitoring or meetings with individuals, Emmett takes almost immediate action, reaching out to places like our FANs Network to obtain Goodwill vouchers, or the Ability Center to obtain a wheelchair, or helping a client join the Best Buddies Program.
Emmett ensures clear and accurate follow-up and follow-through no matter the scenario. Despite difficult situations, Emmett ensures he responds with empathy and understanding. He does not shy away from tough conversations and has shown that he can navigate conflict. When a parent became upset with a Board process and a provider issue, Emmett took control of the situation by obtaining the needed information and responding to that parent with compassion.
Thank you, Emmett, for all your hard work, your commitment to our individuals, and your kindness to your colleagues. The Board is honored to present you with the October 2023 Staff Person of the Month Award.
Lucas DD Retirement: George Woodget
George Woodget, Provider Support Specialist, officially retired September 30th, 2023 after 30 years of service to the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
George served in several capacities for the Board, beginning on the first day of spring in 1993 as a Job Procurement Specialist. From there, his work experience evolved to include roles as a Habilitation Specialist, Job Coach, Vocational Specialist, and Job Procurement before coming to Quality Assurance, now known as Provider Supports, in 2014.
It is fitting that we are honoring George during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. He enjoyed working with so many individuals to prepare them for gainful employment in the community and the opportunities that afforded them.
George is well organized and displayed those skills in always providing detailed communication. He monitored provider services and ensured quality service provisions to meet individuals’ needs. George also spent time offering provider trainings and coaching to enhance knowledge of providers and quality of services for people served.
George always displayed great care and respect for individuals served. He placed individuals first and it showed in his customer service and communications. Working with George left little doubt about how passionate he was about the people we serve and bettering the services that affect them.
For all the years of work and dedication to our individuals, commitment to your colleagues and the Board, we want to recognize your efforts and thank you for your service, George. Congratulations on your retirement!