1. DD Director Jeff Davis Talks about Adult Day Services under Health Department Order
As the gradual process begins to restart Ohio, Department of Developmental Disabilities Director Jeff Davis discussed in a short video adult day services under the existing order issued by Dr. Amy Acton, Director of the Ohio Department of Health.
Davis said the Department of DD will work closely with stakeholders to develop a purposeful strategy for reopening day services to ensure the health and safety of everyone receiving and providing those services.
2. Former Board of DD President Dr. Bob Huss dies
It is with heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Dr. Bob Huss, a former president of the Lucas County Board of DD.
A longtime member of LARC, the Lucas County Association for Retarded Citizens, he also served as Treasurer and President of the organization. He served as the statewide ARC convention chairman. Dr. Huss was a member of the Board of Developmental Disabilities and served as its President three times. He was also a past president of Lott Industries.
Dr. Huss and his wife Sharon, who also served as the Board of DD president, were presented the Board's Spirit Award in 2011.
3. Finding Funds information updated
Parent Partner Tammy Eisenreich has updated the Finding Funds information on the Board website. The Finding Funds page includes information on available grants as well as advice on how to prepare to apply for a grant.
4. Talk From the Board is live on the Internet
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is podcasting! A podcast is an audio presentation on the Internet. Talk From The Board discussions focus on how the Board is addressing its Mission to support LIFE so individuals with developmental disabilities reach their full potential.
Guests for the first three episodes are Parent Partner Tammy Eisenreich, SALUTE president Nate Turner, and FANS network coordinator Gary Arbuckle.
The first three podcasts are available on the Board's website at this link. Give a listen!
5. TARTA to discuss safety and the sales tax initiative
An online discussion is scheduled on May 14 at 10:00 a.m. with TARTA leader Kim Dunham to share current TARTA services, processes in place to keep riders and drivers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the future direction of the organization. Follow this link for more information and to register https://www.abilitycenter.org/event/tarta-service-webinar/
6. Ability Center conducts flower fundraiser
The Ability Center is inviting people to shop Lakewood Flower Market this weekend to support our youth program. 20% of sales will be donated back if you mention The Ability Center. More information can be found here.
7. Job Postings
Many providers in Lucas County are adding staff. We have up-to-date information on who is hiring on the welcome page of the Board of DD website. Use this link for the latest update.
Providers are also encouraged to post job openings with ohiomeansjobs.com. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is working with the Department of Jobs and Family Services in a marketing campaign urging people to become Direct Service Professionals.
8. Preferred Properties spring newsletter
Follow this link to read the Preferred Properties spring newsletter.
9. Donations are being collected
A big thank you for the generosity shown in donations. Pictured to the left are donations from our friends with the Ohio Highway Patrol. The following items, though, are still requested:
• Toilet paper • Hand Sanitizer • Paper towels • Cleaning supplies • Clorox wipes • Bleach
The times to drop off donations are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and noon to 1:00 pm. Thank you for the tremendous support that has been shown. You make a difference!
10. 2020 Season canceled for Courageous Acres
Courageous Community Services has canceled the 2020 summer season at Courageous Acres, formerly Camp Courageous. Executive Director Laura Kuhlenbeck issuing the following statement:
"The CDC guidelines and the Lucas County Health Department requirements have been taken into consideration. The health and safety of our campers will always come first. This has been a guiding point in all decisions made collaboratively with the board of directors. We simply cannot guarantee the health and safety of our campers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This has been a difficult decision, yet we know it is the right decision. We wish we could personally tend to the disappointment felt by our campers and caregivers, but we are doing the next best thing which is to find creative ways to bring the spirit of camp directly to you in an online format. In the upcoming weeks, you will hear more about our plans for virtual camp. We know it will not replace camp, but our goal is to provide a forum for engagement with the outdoors in your home, yard, or neighborhood."
11. Worth Repeating
"The welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all." -Helen Keller
The Friday Update is published on Friday mornings by Lon Mitchell, Public Information Manager of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. You may subscribe by sending your email address. You may also read the Friday Update on the Board website and on the mobile app