Trunk or Treat with LCCS tomorrow
You’re invited to join us for the Lucas County Children Services’ Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 22, from noon to 2 p.m. at the former Libbey High School site at 1250 Western Ave. This event is for everyone, not just for children and families served by LCCS. We’re expecting 1,000-1,500 kids to attend, with 100+ trunks stretching from one end of the property to the other.
Free monthly Sibshops program starts tomorrow
Brothers and sisters ages 8-16 who have a sibling with special needs now have a program that’s just for them! At Sibshops, they’ll have a chance to meet other kids whose brothers and sisters have special needs and talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with a disability. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio and Education Service Center of Lake Erie West, gatherings are free and run by a team of people who have a professional and, in some cases, personal understanding of the impact a child’s special needs can have on their siblings. Sibshops will have fun, outrageous games, cooking activities and hands-on activities that will keep kids engaged in an energetic way. Gatherings will be in person from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Alternate Learning Center, 3939 Wrenwood, Toledo, with the first to be held on Saturday, October 22. Spaces are limited! For more information and to register, contact Wendy Smenner, Lucas County Parent Mentor, at wsmenner@esclakeeriewest.org or 419-214-3066.
FANS Goodwill Donation Drive all day October 23–24
You're already doing some fall clean-up to tidy up the house. Why not help the Board's FANS Network while you're at it? To participate in the FANS Goodwill Donation Drive, just print this voucher and attach it to your Goodwill donations when dropping them off anytime on Oct. 23 and 24. You must have the voucher with your donation for the Board to receive credit for it. Your donations will help get Goodwill vouchers in the hands of individuals in need of clothing and household items. Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is driven to help people with disabilities get jobs by providing vital workforce training programs.
Inclusive Pumpkin Farm Event on October 24
Bring the family for some fun on the farm at the Inclusive Pumpkin Farm Event on Monday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gust Brothers Farm, 13639 Mulberry Rd., Ottawa Lake, MI. The Ability Center will provide donuts and apple cider for everyone and a small pumpkin for children. This event is geared towards children 12 and under and costs $5 per family upon registration here. Credit cards will not be accepted at the event; please bring additional cash or check as needed. Questions may be addressed by email at Jengelmann@abilitycenter.org.
Next LCBDD Board Meeting to be held October 24
The next LCBDD Board meeting is Monday, October 24, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at 1155 Larc Lane, entrance O.
Classes for providing direct support to people with DD start Oct. 24
The Lucas County Board of DD is hosting a two-week preparatory curriculum for anyone looking for entry-level employment in the Direct Support field, serving people with developmental disabilities. Starting October 24, those 18 years of age with a HS diploma or GED interested in this field can receive FREE training and be ready for onboarding with employers of Disability services in two weeks. The class is open to up to 12 participants, and those who complete and onboard are eligible to receive an extra $900 sign-on bonus after 90 days of active employment. For class information, contact Provider Development Coordinator Lisa Poiry at 419.380.5167 or dspapplicants@lucasdd.org.
Meet Your US Representative event on October 24
Disability Rights Ohio is partnering with Centers for Independent Living to host meet-and-greets with the in-district offices of Ohio’s U.S. Representatives. Join us for the Toledo-area event on October 24 at The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania, to connect with your district’s congressional office, speak about issues important to the disability community, and learn about what Ohio’s US Representatives do on local and federal levels. Find more information and the link to register here.
2022 Holiday Assistance Program Application Deadline Oct. 24
The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots 2022 Holiday Assistance Program will be accepting applications Oct. 17–24. Toys are for children up to 12 years old only. Must have a valid email and reside in Lucas County. Apply online here.
Lunch and Learn at The Ability Center on October 26
The Ability Center and Courage Community Services will host ADA Coordinator and Ohio Secretary of State Brett Harbage and Director of Lucas County Board of Elections LaVera Scott for a Lunch and Learn to educate voters with disabilities about secure and convenient absentee voting, accommodations, timelines, and more. The event takes place on October 26, 11 a.m.–noon, at 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration is required and only 20 spots are available, so please register here as soon as possible.
Flu Vaccine Clinic on November 3
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department are partnering up once again for their annual Flu Vaccine Clinic. COVID booster shots will also be available. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Family & Advocate Forum on November 8
The Family & Advocate Forum is hosted by Board leadership and staff and provides an opportunity to meet informally with the Board and fellow families to discuss current topics of importance within the developmental disabilities’ community. The forum is open to family members of persons served by the Board, advocates, providers, and anyone else who is interested in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. The Nov. 8 meeting will also include a presentation and public hearing for the Board’s 2023 Action Plan. So, save the date and stay tuned for the Zoom link!