1. Hearing scheduled on the Board’s 2022 Action Plan
The Lucas County Board of Development Disabilities will present a public hearing on its draft 2022 Action Plan as part of Superintendent Lori Mariucci’s scheduled Family & Advocate Forum on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Zoom link information will be included in the Nov. 5 Friday Update and posted on the Board’s website.
Read the draft Action Plan here.
2. Board posts 2022 operating calendar
The Board has finalized and approved its 2022 operating calendar. View it here.
3. Board endorses TARTA sales tax on the November ballot
The Board is committed to serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) provides valuable services within our community and allows citizens to participate in all aspects of life, including work, school, community activities and medical appointments. At its October Board meeting, the Board endorsed Issue 12, which will repeal the current property tax collected by TARTA and replace it with a 0.5 percent sales tax countywide for a 10-year period. This is on the Nov. 2 ballot.
4. Lutheran Social Services announces food pantry hours
Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio (LSSNWO) has announced its Toledo Emergency Choice Food Pantry hours for November.
The dates for distribution are Nov. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and 30 from 10 a.m. to noon as well as Nov. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. In observation of Thanksgiving, pantry will be closed Nov. 25-26.
All visitors to the food pantry must preregister by calling 419-283-9178 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in November. To receive food, visitors will need a photo ID, proof of Toledo residence, and a social security or Medicaid number.
The Toledo Emergency Choice Food Pantry is located in the LSSNWO offices at 2149 Collingwood Blvd. in Toledo. This is not a drive-through pantry. You will need to enter the building; therefore, masks are required.
Further information can be found on the LSSNWO website.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. October Board meeting recognitions
During the October 2021 Board meeting, the Lucas County Board of Development Disabilities recognized several individuals.
London Mitchell retires after 34 years
The Board recognized London Mitchell, public information manager, who retired in October after 34 years of dedicated service to the Board and its constituents.
Mitchell began his career with the Board in September 1987. Throughout his tenure, he was known for his professionalism and dedication, chairing several committees that focused on the betterment of the Board and the individuals it serves. Mitchell’s leadership of these committees helped reach identified goals that promoted positive perceptions of people with developmental disabilities and educated the public about the Board’s mission. He worked with many community stakeholders over the years on various projects, videos, public speaking events and more.
Mitchell maintained strong media relations and is well-respected in the community. His skills and expertise were wide-reaching, and he was truly a “jack of all trades.” He maintained the Board’s website and social media platforms, and he handled the communication to, and education of, the community regarding the Board and all the services it offers. His tireless dedication to the Board’s mission is truly commendable.
Dave Marrufo and Tireman Auto Service Centers recognized
The Board presented Dave Marrufo, of Tireman Auto Service Centers, with a Special Recognition Award for October 2021.
Marrufo and Tire Man Auto Service Centers have helped direct support professionals (DSPs) from the Employer Resource Network (ERN) overcome barriers in traveling for work so they can continue to support people with developmental disabilities in living quality lives.
Marrufo did not hesitate when the Board’s success coaches approached him for his automotive expertise more than two years ago. Since then, Marrufo and his staff at Tireman Auto Service Centers have continued to offer VIP services to all DSPs referred through the ERN.
Marrufo goes above and beyond to see that the DSPs receive fair, affordable and quality automotive service. He demonstrates a high standard of leadership and excellent customer service that helps ensure continuity of care for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Lucas County Trauma-Informed Care Coalition recognized
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the Lucas County Trauma-Informed Care Coalition for dedicated service and its commitment to making Lucas County a trauma-informed community.
Formed six years ago, the Coalition is comprised of a diverse group of representatives from the disability community; mental health, education, medical and emergency services; the courts; and many other sectors. The Coalition has assisted numerous local agencies by providing free training, which includes “train-the-trainer” sessions to equip staff to train within their own agencies. Coalition meetings are open to the public, and they include quarterly guest speakers on important topics that are timely and relevant to the group.
Diane Harrah named October 2021 Staff Person of the Month
Diane Harrah, physical therapist in the Children’s Department, was named Staff Person of the Month for October 2021.
Harrah is proficient at looking for ways that parents can play active roles in their children’s development. Harrah is the perfect person to provide real-life suggestions to help get their children rolling, sitting, crawling, walking and climbing. She succeeds in encouraging parents so that they feel like a valued and important part of the team.
Harrah consistently demonstrates dedication to families and children in the program. She does a lot of coaching behind the scenes with the developmental specialists, and she willingly and graciously provides support to staff so they can be successful with their families. This makes her a valuable resource for the families and her colleagues.