The annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities was on April 28. Eric Chase, of Cumulus Media, was the keynote speaker for the event. The Board also gave out its Community Partnership Awards as well as the Lucas DD Manager of the Year and Staff Person of the Year, and the Self-Advocate of the Year, and the Spirit Award, annually given to an individual for a lifetime of service on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities.
Lucas DD also premiered its annual year in review video capturing all the people, places, and things that made 2024 the year that it was for the Board, its 4,700 individuals served, 500 provider partners, and 300+ employees.
Self-Advocate of the Year: Shalanda Lawrence
Manager of the Year: Kathy Nail
Staff Person of the Year: Elizabeth Waldron
Community Partnership Awards
Rep. Michele Grim
State Representative Michele Grim takes the title of representative to heart. Rep. Grim has hosted our self-advocates at her office in Columbus on multiple occasions and will return that visit on June 9 during a SALUTE meeting right here in this room. Last year, shortly after Michele Myerholtz was named Superintendent of the Board, Rep. Grim, stopped by for a visit to get to know the new superintendent and get to tour our South Toledo headquarters and better understand our operations. Not only do they share the same name, but both of their parents decided to hold on to the French roots of the name Michele by spelling it with one L.
“Michele Grim is a down-to-earth person,” one of our advocates said. “She takes her time sitting down with us to hear our issues.”
Rep. Grim’s office regularly reaches out to the Board ahead of events where individuals served are competing or participating. From Special Olympics to the Lucas DD Art Show and the CommUNITY Film Festival, among others, Rep. Grim sends letters of commendation to those individuals that live in her district. The joy and excitement individuals tell us they get from receiving this recognition is exactly what partnerships like this are about.
You do not just represent your hometown of Toledo, and so many constituents throughout our county, Rep. Grim, you embody it. Your passion for the well-being of our community is evident in every action, decision, and initiative you champion. Thank you for creating real and lasting impact for the people we, and you, serve. Your commitment to ensuring that every person in your district feels seen, heard, and valued inspires us and encourages our individuals.
Toledo Police Department
The collaboration between the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Toledo Police Department has been an invaluable partnership over the years. Tonight, we’d like to honor 2 of the finest in policing at TPD.
Captain Bryan Hollingsworth is an instrumental figure in supporting our investigative agents. Captain Hollingsworth exemplifies what it means to be a responsive community partner. His commitment to timely communication has allowed the MUI unit to maintain momentum in time-sensitive matters. This level of responsiveness is not simply appreciated; it is essential to our operational success. Captain Hollingsworth has also facilitated referrals to specialized units within the department, including Lieutenant Kelli Russell.
Lt. Russell has seamlessly continued this legacy of outstanding partnership and advocacy for the individuals we support. She naturally embodies the mission and values of our board in her daily interactions. Lt. Russell offers insightful guidance on complex situations, drawing upon her extensive experience and knowledge to identify the best course of action. She is always willing to dedicate the extra time needed to help, no matter the circumstances. She has made a genuine effort to understand the unique needs of the individuals we serve and how police processes and procedures can best support those needs. One Lucas DD staff person described her as the most helpful community partners they have ever worked with.
In every interaction, Lieutenant Russell conveys an incredible sense of calm and unwavering support. She consistently leaves the impression that no situation is too challenging and that she is always ready and willing to assist.
Captain Hollingsworth and Lieutenant Russell, your dedication and collaborative spirit have made a profound difference in the lives of the individuals we support and have fostered an invaluable partnership between our organizations. We are deeply grateful for your commitment and are honored to present you both with a well-earned Community Partnership Award tonight.
Proclaim FM
Proclaim FM’s on-going support of our Lucas County Special Olympics programs is a partnership that goes back more than 10 years now. The non-profit, listener-supported Christian radio station, based in Holland, Ohio, has allowed our Special Olympics teams to utilize their gymnasium and equipment for basketball and volleyball practices and games free of charge. And if that wasn’t enough, on gamedays, Proclaim lets us use the kitchen to sell concessions, including the always popular fresh popcorn, which helps raise money for our Lightning athletes. As Special Olympics programs continue to grow, gym space is becoming more and more difficult to find. But our friends at Proclaim remain constant, welcoming our teams and allowing us to use their facility for multiple sports and seasons 7 months out of the year. And we’ll never forget the COVID years, when other facilities were leery about having outsiders in their buildings, Proclaim provided a gym so that our athletes could still work on their game. If you’ll pardon the cliche’ here in describing a Christian radio station, they have truly been a godsend for our athletes. Thank you, and congratulations, 102.3 Proclaim FM, on this well-earned recognition.
Julie Sanderson of the Franklin Park Mall
When we approached Franklin Park Mall about an idea for an art show to show off the talents of our individuals for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Lucas DD was introduced to Julie Sanderson.
From the beginning, Julie and the team at Franklin Park were all in on the idea, providing the space to display the artwork free of charge for a whole week, supplies to help us set up the show and display the pieces of art, and promotional materials throughout mall and all its digital outlets.
Overwhelmingly positive feedback and smiles from the artists, their families, and the general community, only reconfirms the great success the show has been on all accounts.
The great results come from great partnerships, when an organization is as all in on helping individuals reach their full potential as we are. Not only do our individuals get to show off their creativity, but they get to do so at a community hub that makes them feel like their work is being seen and valued by the thousands of people walking by their displays throughout that week.
Julie, thank you for embracing this project from wild idea all the way to fruition and for your community-minded engagement with the Board, the artists, and our friends at Franklin Park Mall.
Toledo Fire & Rescue Department
From Chief Allison Armstrong all the way down to the newest recruits, the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for our community. Time and again, they show up—whether it's bringing a fire truck to our Family Fun Day, volunteering at our Trunk & Treat, or taking part in our Cops & Conversation and National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day events. They don't just show up, they show up with heart, ready to connect, engage, and give back.
But it doesn’t stop there. TFRD members have rolled up their sleeves to participate in events like Bowling for Heroes, where they’ve shared laughs and strikes with our Special Olympians and let me tell you, these firefighters have some serious bowling skills! They’ve also been there to support and engage with us at our SALUTE meetings, offering their presence and encouragement, while also taking the time to host SALUTE members at their downtown facilities, making us feel like true partners in this work.
And in a truly unique way, they've even brought their passion and energy to the arts! Lt. Gina Shubeta and others have been part of movies featured in our CommUNITY Film Festival, contributing their time and talent to help bring to life local films made by our individuals.
The TFRD has been more than just a department. They are partners, friends, and true pillars of our community. Their dedication and kindness inspire us all, and it is with deep gratitude and respect that we present this Community Partnership Award.