1. Board approves 2022 Action Plan
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities has approved its Action Plan for 2022. This Action Plan outlines the Board’s goals and priorities for the coming year. Read the Action Plan here.
2. Giving Tuesday is Nov. 30
Giving Tuesday this year is Nov. 30. Created in 2012, this global day for generosity encourages people and organizations to do one simple thing: do good. During the past decade, Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement that encourages millions of people to celebrate generosity in some fashion.
According to GivingTuesday.org, the day is about so much more than monetary donations. “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.”
Your favorite nonprofit organizations seek donations on Giving Tuesday; many are eligible for matching donations from corporations. The Board encourages you to give back in ways that are meaningful to you. Visit GivingTuesday.org for more information.
3. Board issues urgent call for DSPs via new landing page
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) has called for more direct service professionals (DSPs) to assist individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Lucas County. The Board created a new webpage to help community members learn more and find open DSP jobs within the Board’s provider network.
According to the Board, DSPs are essential to the developmental disabilities service delivery system; they are the front line of assistance for individuals in need of support to live, work and participate in the community at their full potentials.
“We are facing a critical shortage of DSPs in Lucas County and throughout Ohio. The recruitment and retention of DSPs are top priorities. We’re hoping our new landing page will assist community members to find and apply for these much-needed DSP positions,” said Lisa Poiry, provider and development coordinator for the LCBDD.
“The mission of the Board is to improve life so individuals with developmental disabilities can reach their full potential,” Poiry continued. “In order for individuals with disabilities to live their lives in the same manner as we do, they require support services and the assistance of DSPs.”
4. Lutheran Social Services announces food pantry’s final day
The final opportunity to visit the Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio (LSSNWO) Toledo Emergency Choice Food Pantry will be Tuesday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.
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. Coffee, Tea and Autism set for Mondays in November
The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio invites you to a virtual chat every Monday in November at 7 p.m. Coffee, Tea and Autism is designed as a resource for people feeling overwhelmed, alone or confused about what to do next. If you seek others who understand your situation, join Coffee, Tea and Autism every Monday to chat.
Coffee, Tea and Autism can be joined via Zoom here.
6. Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
The Ohio Department of Health has issued the following updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses:
- Certain recipients of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are eligible for booster doses to prevent serious outcomes from COVID-19. Eligibility for booster doses is currently limited to individuals at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 based on their age, certain underlying medical conditions, or occupational/institutional settings.
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen booster doses are now authorized for all recipients of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone age 18 or older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a second booster dose at least two months after the initial dose.
- Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. This mix-and-match approach only applies to booster doses. A primary vaccination series should be completed using the same product.
Click here for the booster dose fact sheet.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave final authorization of the pediatric dose for children age 5-11 in early November. Children can be vaccinated through many different providers, including local health departments, pediatricians, family physicians, community health centers, adult and children’s hospitals, and pharmacies. Click here to find a provider or here for the pediatric dose fact sheet.
7. Corey Pappas to present Holiday Piano Concert
Pianist Corey Pappas will present an evening of holiday music at the Maumee Indoor Theater on Dec. 21 at 6 p.m.
Pappas will be joined on stage by members of the St. George Cathedral Choir along with family and friends. This performance is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Maumee Indoor Theatre is located at 601 Conant Street in Maumee, Ohio.
8. November Board meeting recognitions
During the November 2021 Board meeting, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized several groups and individuals.
Anna Markley retires after nearly 24 years
The Board recognized Anna Markley, service and support specialist (SSA), who retired in October.
Markley began her career with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities in November 1997. She held multiple positions over the years, including habilitation specialist, provider support specialist, vocational specialist, employment navigator, and service and support specialist.
When Markley returned to the SSA Department in August 2020, things were very different. The SSAs were working solely from home, many policies and procedures had changed, providers were struggling, and in-person meetings were extremely limited. Markley had a great attitude, and she strived to be successful to support the individuals on her team. She was an exceptional SSA.
Returning to the SSA Department during a global pandemic, Markley was faced with crisis situations and diagnoses that were not widely recognized when she started her career. She strived to push her individuals towards community employment, supported a victim through court testimony and educated herself on new ways to support individuals dually diagnosed with mental health concerns. As Markley has repeatedly stated, “Training and continued education are keys in this field.” Her positive attitude, especially over the past year, is something to be admired.
Markley was awarded the prestigious Josina Lott Award in 2014 for the Hill Adult Services Center. The Board is proud of the hard work and dedication she has demonstrated during her tenure.
Linda Woodard retires after more than 33 years
The Board recognized Linda Woodard, who retired after serving the Board for more than half her life. She began her career in January 1988 and went on to work in almost every building that was owned or operated by the Board, including Telegraph, the Neill Building, Hill Avenue, Larc Lane Center, Holland Road and the Administration Building.
Woodard began as a substitute teacher working for the Larc Lane School. As the Board continued to progress in the services it provided, she advanced in her career, moving to supportive home services specialist, habilitation specialist, habilitation coordinator, specialized support coordinator, adult options manager and assistant director of adult options.
Woodard made her way to the Human Resources Department as the assistant director of human resources as the workshops closed. Although this was not what she envisioned as her final destination, she embraced the new opportunity to learn and be challenged. Having Woodard in HR was a change not only for her, but also for everyone in the department. She questioned the status quo and challenged staff to see things from an outside perspective. Woodard brought a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge that leaves a void that will be hard to fill.
Woodard’s list of accomplishments is lengthy. One that stands out is the prestigious Josina Lott Award, which she received in 2006 for the Lott Business Office. There have been endless problems solved, countless projects completed, and lots of meetings and phone calls. There have been many lifechanging experiences, everlasting friendships, and so many changed lives.
G&M Healthcare Services receives Special Recognition Award
The Board recognized G&M Healthcare Services for the care and support it has provided to clients over the past year.
Because of the current provider shortage, services have been difficult to arrange. Yet G&M Healthcare has continued to be a wonderful resource. Shanté Mitchell and her staff have continued to offer respite and support to new clients, especially those who have struggled with finding a provider. G&M Healthcare is not afraid of a challenge and has specialized in serving clients with dual diagnoses and significant mental health challenges.
Mitchell has set a standard of strong advocacy for the clients she serves, and this resonates with her staff. The agency thrives as it helps clients navigate throughout the community. G&M Healthcare Services ensures that not only its own support is covered, but also that state plan services are in place and that all needs are met. G&M Healthcare Services has provided last-minute respite to a client who had family going out of town and so much more. The agency continues to go above and beyond in the services they provide.
Zoe Hamblin receives Special Recognition Award
The Board was proud to recognize Zoe Hamblin with the November 2021 Special Recognition Award. Hamblin had a full and exciting summer working as a ZooTeen in the ADAPT program. One of her favorite things about the program was feeling useful in the concession venues. She would call out guests’ names when their orders were ready. She enjoyed the ADAPT experience so much, she applied and was accepted into the year-round program. She looks forward to the winter enrichment classes that focus on living skills such as cooking and finance.
With assistance from her caregiver, Hamblin flourished, especially her cooking and general understanding of the kitchen, cleanliness and safety. Hamblin and her caregiver developed a routine for picking recipes, making a list, checking the pantry for items already stocked, making a list for the grocery store, finding the items in the grocery store, looking at prices, checking out and paying. The pair also worked on crossing roads safely, walking and riding bikes for wellness.
Fall activities brought their own wonderful opportunities. Hamblin is cheering for her high school on the varsity team, so participation in team dinners and Friday night games have been amazing for her. Her confidence and social skills are increasing to a point of noticeability. She loves the crowds and student section. Additionally, she dances twice a week in jazz and musical theatre classes. Hamblin will soon participate in the Special Olympics bowling league, which she loves but has not been able to do for some time because of the pandemic. She is excited to get back to it!
Supervisors from Lucas County Children Services honored
The Board recognized Lucas County Children Services, specifically supervisors Tionna Jackson, Amy Cox and Sheila Funches, with the November 2021 Special Recognition Award.
The children’s SSA coordinators have had the pleasure of working with several supervisors from Lucas County Children’s Services since April 2021 as a part of a newly formed collaborative.
After discovering that many children and their caregivers use services from both entities, it was decided that the groups should work more closely together. Thus, a collaborative was formed, and team members meet monthly.
The collaboration has tackled a wide variety of issues and concerns related to youth who are emancipating and youth who have behavior support needs. The two teams have discussed the systems’ myths and truths to better understand each system and address some of the communication challenges between the two agencies.
Overall, this collaborative has brought the two agencies together to better support frontline staff and the children and families they serve. The children’s SSA coordinators truly appreciate the willingness of Lucas County Children Services to participate in these team meetings and share their knowledge and expertise.
Kylie McLaughlin named Staff Person of the Month for November 2021
The Board recognized Kylie McLaughlin, service and support specialist, as Staff Person of the Month for November 2021.
After three years with the Board, McLaughlin has been very successful in her role as an SSA. She is great with getting her teams on the same page and working together for the individuals they serve. McLaughlin is a strong advocate, and she is always willing to do what needs to be done so that her individuals are healthy and safe. McLaughlin approaches her co-workers in the same manner. Recently, after encountering a fellow SSA who was visibly shaken over the death of an individual she served, McLaughlin finished a meeting for this SSA.
McLaughlin treats individuals, families and providers with the same kindness she treats her co-workers and friends. She acts with composure and compassion, even during rough situations. McLaughlin has developed into a leader in her department. She has become her team’s go-to person for the e-sign genie and the new Brittco system. Regardless of how busy her schedule is, McLaughlin helps new staff members with meetings, paperwork and visits to ensure they get the help they need, all with a pleasant and positive attitude. She has been awarded a mentor position, which only makes official what she has already been doing from the start.