1. Thank you to our DSPs!
Please watch this special message addressed to all our direct support professionals. You are appreciated!
2. Support Lucas County Special Olympics at Chuck A Puck Night
Lucas County Special Olympics is selling tickets for a special Chuck A Puck Night during the Toledo Walleye hockey game on Nov. 7. The puck drops at 5:15 p.m., and tickets are $17 each. Lucas County Special Olympics has 100 tickets available for sale.
During this fundraising event, fans can purchase pucks to “chuck” onto the ice for a chance to win prizes during the game. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Kelley Watson at 419-380-5109 or kwatson@lucasdd.org.
3. The Ability Center needs puppy raisers!
The Ability Center needs puppy raisers to help potential assistance dogs with basic manners and obedience training.
This role requires a lot of time and extra effort because puppies have a variety of needs along with a lot of energy to learn and explore. Puppy raisers provide safe homes for puppies for 10 weeks. This position requires new handler training classes, class observation, puppy orientation classes and a home evaluation/visit. Puppy raisers attend weekly classes and outings with their puppies, too.
For more information, please contact The Ability Center at volunteers@abilitycenter.org. Ready to sign up? Complete the volunteer form here.
4. Zepf Center’s Crisis Care Helpline now available
About the helpline
The Zepf Center’s Crisis Care Helpline is now available at 419-904-CARE (2273). The helpline is staffed by qualified mental health professionals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What happens after I reach out?
If it is determined, based on the phone call, that a face-to-face screening is needed, a crisis screening will be arranged in the safest environment for the individual and the Crisis Care Mobile Outreach Team.
The Crisis Care Mobile Outreach Team will determine the next course of action, including providing a community referral, referring to a behavioral health center for an intake or referring to the appropriate level of care.
For more detailed information about crisis care from the Zepf Center, please visit www.zepfcenter.org.
5. Best Buddies to hold meet-and-greet social
Best Buddies will hold a meet-and-greet social at the Memorial Field House (room 1120) on the campus of University of Toledo from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27.
This social is for people 18 to 30 years old who are looking to get paired up with new friends, including some without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
You must wear a mask at all times while inside the building, and no food is allowed. This event is best suited for individuals who are somewhat independent and able to access the community with minimal support needs. If you require support staff, please bring them with you. The Memorial Field House is located at 3000 West Centennial Drive in Toledo. Parking is free at University Hall, and there is paid parking in Lot 13.
Best Buddies is an international volunteer organization that promotes leadership development and inclusive living for people with IDD by fostering one-to-one friendships between those with IDD and those without. To learn more, visit www.bestbuddies.org.
6. Use TARTA? Tell people about it!
As election day approaches, The Ability Center wants your help in spreading the word about the importance of TARTA’s services. So, if you fill a seat on the bus, tell people about it by submitting a video. These video testimonials will be used to encourage people to vote for Issue 12 and TARTA. If you don’t currently use TARTA’s services but still feel a connection to the service, you’re welcome to create a video or submit comments.
Visit The Ability Center for more information and instructions.
7. Request your TARTA yard sign here
To request your TARTA yard sign in support of Issue 12, click here. Thousands of working people use TARTA every day to get to and from work. Thousands of retirees rely on TARTA as their means of primary transportation. And people with disabilities count on TARPS for basic quality of life.
8. Applicants sought for opening on the Board
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities seeks to fill a vacancy on its Board of Directors. Applicants must be residents of Lucas County; citizens of the United States; interested and knowledgeable in the field of intellectual disabilities and other allied fields; and, to the maximum extent possible, have professional training and experience in business management, finance, law, health care practice, personnel administration or government service. This appointment is for a four-year term lasting from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2025.
Interested applicants should submit the Application for Public Volunteer and a résumé to:
Benjamin Pushka
Board of Lucas County Commissioners
One Government Center, Suite 800
Toledo, OH 43604
The application deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021.