At its Oct. 28 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities gave a Special Recognition award to Luther Home of Mercy, and recognized an Early Intervention Developmental Specialist as its Staff Person of the Month.
Special Recognition
Luther Home of Mercy’s Day Programs are full of life, excitement, adventure and variety.
The team at LHM prides itself on person-centered services and providing all those who attend the programs a meaningful day, says Amanda Esquivel, Director of Community Day Habilitation Services.
Luther Home of Mercy has multiple Adult Day Services sites in multiple counties. Four of the sites provide services to Lucas County residents.
Emmaus Community Center is located in Oregon. Emmaus offers a supportive environment that explores the interest of each individual. Emmaus offers volunteer opportunities and employment for individuals. Throughout Emmaus you will find a wide variety of colorful indoor and outdoor plants, especially in the summer where a vibrant garden nicely complements the outdoor game sets.
Genesis Community Center is located in Northwood and is high energy with its 35 individuals. If you’ve ever seen any LHM logo apparel and tumblers, they were likely made by individuals served at Genesis. Individuals also find gainful employment opportunities through document shredding, janitorial duties and stocking vending machines at Genesis. There are also volunteer opportunities as well as art and cooking classes.
Advent Lutheran Center is located in Sylvania. The individuals that attend Advent love to give back to their community. In partnership with Lutheran Social Services, Advent has created a personal needs pantry to help support those in need in their community. Individuals take weekly requests and add a personalized coloring page to each bag filled. The bags may include, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, razors and toilet paper. Individuals participate in a daily exercise class that includes cardio drumming, art and cooking class as well as a book club that happens around the fireplace.
Portage Trails is located in Elmore. Its quiet country setting offers a relaxed environment for individuals with complex medical needs. Genuine, supportive staff help individuals explore sensory stimulation, art projects, cooking groups and community outings.
For its commitment to the betterment of our individuals and their surrounding communities, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to recognize Luther Home of Mercy with the October 2024 Special Recognition Award.
Staff Person of the Month
There is no doubt that Lucas DD Early Intervention Developmental Specialist Teresa Miller is passionate about what she does.
She loves all the kids that she interacts with, whether they are part of her caseload, or those on the caseloads of her fellow EIDS’. She wants all those in Early Intervention to grow up and reach their full potential.
Teresa thinks outside the box when she encounters different issues and finds creative ways to address them. Her positivity at work is contagious and her creativity seemingly endless. From seeing the Snowy Social come to fruition to playing a vital role in the success of the EI Play Groups to all her contributions to Project Happiness. I don’t think any of us can hear Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” without thinking of Teresa’s REFIT flash mobs during our events this past year.
If you have an idea that is for the betterment of our individuals or our agency, she never says no. She works with you and gives suggestions to enhance your idea. No matter what Teresa has going on, she'll take the time to talk and listen to colleagues. She can explain things multiple ways if families, individuals, or coworkers don't understand a concept.
With that kind of commitment, excellent customer service is almost a given in every interaction. When the Records Department got a request for someone on her caseload, they emailed Teresa for the documentation requested. Within minutes, Teresa was knocking on the Records Department door with the proper paperwork in hand. She could have emailed it or delivered it via intraoffice mail, but she was committed to personally delivering the items herself.
Thank you for your continued dedication to your families, work and your coworkers, Teresa. The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities congratulates you on this well-earned October 2024 Staff Person of the Month Award.
Prior to the Board meeting, Lucas DD Superintendent Michele Myerholtz presented the Stranahan Parent Teacher Assocation with a $50,000 donation for its Community Inclusive and Accessible Playground Initiative.
"We're building an inclusive and accessible playground for the entire community to enjoy," said PTA President Tara Haye. "We're ultimately creating a space for children of all abilities so that everyone can play together."
The playground will be on the Stranahan Elementary School campus on North Holland Sylvania Road near Sylvania Avenue. Construction on the $650,000 project is tentatively scheduled to start summer of 2025.
"We are excited to participate in projects within our communities that will open our community up to be inclusive for all individuals of all abilities," Myerholtz said. "Projects like this one at Stranahan will bring folks together to form friendships and create normalcy for everyone."