Recent e-blast news
11/21/11
Food, Funding and Furniture at the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Funding...Food…Furniture? What do these three things have in common? They are all noteworthy news items from the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities this month. Read on…..
Funding - MCBDD Awarded Grant to Provide More Job Training
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) has been awarded a grant from the State of Ohio to provide vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with developmental disabilities in our Career Connections program. The grant is a matching fund program that will allows us to bring over $300,000 dollars of taxpayer money back into Medina County. Our agency is one of eleven agencies in Ohio that have an agreement with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) to provide vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.
“The grant provides us (MCBDD) with additional funds as well as a vocational counselor to help individuals with developmental disabilities gain employment in the community,” said Ed Dryer, Community Employment Manager. “The additional funds will be used to expand our job development, placement and training for our consumers, as well as perform vocational assessments and evaluations.” For example, we recently opened a Snack Shack at the Brunswick Recreation Center that is staffed by our consumers. The vocational counselor assesses their work skills and evaluates what types of jobs may be a good fit for them. Based on this information, we look for jobs for them in the community. Once an individual is employed, it helps defray the cost of their care and most importantly allows that individual to be as independent and successful as possible.
Food – 983 Items!
That’s the total number of food items the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities collected as part of our annual “Starving for Donations” food drive. All donated items were delivered to Feeding Medina County for distribution to local food pantries. Families in need throughout Medina County will surely benefit from your caring donations this holiday season. Thank you to everyone who helping make this year’s food drive another great success!!
Funding - Board Approves 2012 Budget and Operating Plan
During the October and November meetings, the board members for the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) passed the agency’s 2012 Budget and Operating Plan.
2012 Budget - Through new contracts with unions and changes in staffing, the MCBDD projects a total savings of more than $600,000 in wages and benefits, which will help reduce the operating budget 2.8 percent from 2011. Despite increased savings in wages and benefits, the MCBDD will still experience state funding cuts that total $692,882, and expenses are projected to exceed revenues by more than $2 million. The MCBDD also faces additional potential cuts from the federal, state and local levels.
2012 Operating Plan - This plan has been adopted by the Board based on surveys and direct input from individuals served, parents/guardians, service providers, management members, staff and community representatives. The plan contains goals that identify the Board’s priorities and directs how we will fulfill our mission to serve and support individuals and their families.
Furniture - Thank You Westfield Insurance
Westfield Insurance has proven that they truly are a community partner. Westfield Insurance, which believes in positively impacting its community, recently donated more than one hundred pieces of office furniture to the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Achievement Center. Everything from office cubicles to file cabinets, chairs and tables were welcome additions to many offices throughout the building.
"This is an example of a great community connected company. I applaud the generosity of Westfield Insurance and the donation which they have given us,” said Dr. Greg LaForme, Superintendent of MCBDD. "With decreasing budgets and trying to maintain financial accountable to Medina County taxpayers, our agency has not had the funds to replace many office items. This donation will impact our agency and ensure that we are equipped to succeed.” Like many other non-profits, the Medina County Board of DD has experienced an increased demand for services. Important donations such as this allow us to make sure our funding is used for providing quality services and supports rather than spending funds on purchasing items such as office furniture.
11/2/11
A Thankful November at the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities
November is here and we have many things to be thankful for, read on to find out more.
Thank You Medina County Employers
October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month and provided an opportunity for the Medina County Board of Development Disabilities (MCBDD) to celebrate the successes of individuals with developmental disabilities who hold jobs in the community as well as the companies that employ them.
“Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, more and more employers are seeing the value of employing those with disabilities,” said MCBDD Superintendent Dr. Greg LaForme. “Even in a small community like Medina County, we have had numerous employers work with us and our consumers, and should be recognized for doing so.” Over 60 Medina County businesses work with the MCBDD to employ individuals with developmental disabilities.
However, the unemployment rate for Americans living with disabilities is still 60 percent higher than the rest of the population, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of those that are working, one-third only have part-time jobs. “There is a large percentage of the population that is capable and willing to work,” said Ed Dryer, MCBDD Community Employment Manager. “That is why we celebrate those that employ our consumers, but also try to raise awareness for companies who may benefit from employing someone with a disability.”
Thank you to these companies for helping individuals with developmental disabilities succeed in the workplace:
Albrecht Trucking, Alexandri's Restaurant, Applebee’s Restaurant, Medina County Workforce Development, Auntie Anne's Bil-Jac, Blue Heron Bob Evans, Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Brunswick Recreation Center, Buehler’s, Bullies BBQ, Bunker Hill, Burger King, Central Processing Facility, Cool Beans, CVS, Dairy Queen, Dollar General, Farmer Boy Restaurant, Galaxy Restaurant, Giant Eagle, Goodwill Industries, Happy Tails Dog Ranch, Hawkins Market, Hinckley Hills Golf Course, Home Depot, KFC, Kids Town, Lodi Community Library, Madd Chef, Marc's, Marie's Café, McDonalds, Medina County Home, Medina Health Dept., Medina Plating, Minnehaha Water, Pinnacle Sports, Pizza Hut, Rockne's, Ruby Tuesday', Santo Sousso's, Sears Hardware, Society for Handicapped, Steak N' Shake, Stop-N-Go, Supro Spring and Wire Forms, Technical Tool and Gage, The Inn of Medina, The Sharon Center Golf Club, Truck Stops of America, UniSand Inc., United Dental Labs, United Way, Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital, Wendy's, Westfield Country Club, Westfield Inn,Windfall Industries
Thank You Brunswick Rec Center
It’s official, Brunswick residents now have a new place to pick up their morning “cup ‘a Joe”, grab a quick lunch or just tame those mid-day munchies…The Snack Shack. The Snack Shack, conveniently located in the Brunswick Recreation Center (4095 Center Road, Brunswick, Ohio), is not your typical rec center snack bar. It proudly boasts the mission of “Service with Purpose.” From the moment an ordered is placed, customers are helping an individual succeed in achieving greater independence.
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities in collaboration with Windfall Industries, the City of Brunswick, Brunswick City Schools and the Brunswick Recreation & Fitness Center/Southwest General have developed this unique business venture to offer important on-the-job training to adults with developmental disabilities while they are in the comfort of a supportive learning environment. More importantly, Snack Shack employees are realizing their dreams of earning a wage while they are developing important work skills such as customer service, sales techniques, computer skills, money management, and other skills they need for outside employment.
When individuals with disabilities develop job skills and confidence, they become a community asset. They are able to find outside employment which allows them to earn a paycheck which they in turn invest in our community. It allows them to pay rent, shop at local businesses, and pay taxes. As individuals become more independent, they rely less on state and locally funded programs for their daily needs. In short, they truly become contributing members of our communities.
The Snack Shack is open daily to the general public (no rec center membership needed to enter) between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. The morning menu features breakfast sandwiches and coffee while the lunch menu offers a series of daily specials including sub sandwiches, wraps and salads. Prices are very affordable, with lunch specials ranging in price from $2.00 to $5.00.
Thank You for Supporting Windfall School
Thank you to everyone who has voted for Windfall School to receive a “Clorox, Power A Bright Future” grant. We still need your votes to help us receive funding for a new accessible outdoor classroom and play area for our students. Vote today!!! Anyone 13 years old and up can help and voting runs through December 9. You are allowed to vote only once per day, but you can vote everyday if you wish! To vote for our school or to learn more about our project, go to http://www.powerabrightfuture.com/gallery/detail/?nid=1721
10/25/11
Noteworthy News from the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities
It’s hard to believe that October is almost over, time seems to be flying by this year! As the month wraps up, there are many noteworthy items from the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Windfall School Needs Your Vote!
Windfall School has been nominated for a “Clorox, Power A Bright Future” grant. Now, we need your votes to help us receive funding for a new accessible outdoor classroom and play area for our students. Vote today!!! Anyone 13 years old and up can help and voting runs through December 29. You are allowed to vote only once per day, but you can vote everyday if you wish! To vote for our school or to learn more about our project, go to http://www.powerabrightfuture.com/gallery/detail/?nid=1721
Money Matters
As part of its commitment to Medina County taxpayers, the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) continues to revaluate and enact cost savings and revenue generating measures.
To control budget costs, MCBDD has recently:
• Consolidated operations by moving its Service and Support Administration operation to the Achievement Center saving approximately $47,000 annually.
• Renegotiated contracts with all three of its unions to extend pay freezes for an additional two years saving $800,000 over the course of the next two years.
• Studied all vacated positions, due to resignation or retirement, and have either reorganized or eliminated those positions. The cost savings thus far realized in 2011 has been approximately $450,000.
• Benefited from over 315 volunteers providing over 2500 hours of help, saving the Board over $50,058 last year.
• Revamped its purchasing approval process and optimized collective buying power with other organizations by participating in group purchasing.
The savings realized from these actions have helped the Board offset a deficit of $300,000 this year as well as address the impact of substantial state budget cuts. Currently 82% of MCBDD’s funding comes from local tax dollars. Cost cutting has become critical for MCBDD to achieve its objectives and survival.
A Busy Few Weeks!
October has been a busy month for MCBDD, take a look at some of the things we have been up to:
• Fall Fest and Access Fair was a success with over 500 individuals and families attending to receive information from over 30 vendors about services, programs and products for people with disabilities.
• Aktion Club welcomed new members and elected new officers to help guide the club through the next year. Aktion Club is a community service club for adults with developmental disabilities and presents chances to develop initiative and leadership skills while providing meaningful service to our community.
• Our Fight the Flu Clinic (especially designed for individuals with developmental disabilities) provided flu vaccines to over 90 individuals who are in a more health vulnerable position during flu season.
Upcoming Events
• Windfall Industries Halloween Dance
Friday, November 4 from 6:00-8:30 pm
The annual Windfall Industries Halloween Dance is coming. Adults with developmental disabilities are welcome to join the fun, wear a costume and dance the night away. For more information click here or contact Jim Brown, Windfall Industries Director, at 330-334-4491 ext .102 or jbrown@windfallindustries.com.
Tiny Tidbits….
Did you know that the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services to individuals from birth to death? We have quality programs for early intervention (ages birth-3), preschool (ages 3-6), school age (ages 6-22), adults (ages 22-65) and senior citizens (ages 65 and up). Talk about life-long impact!
9/27/11
Fall at the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Fall is an exciting time of the year. The leaves are beginning to change colors, the temperatures are getting cooler and some exciting (and helpful) things are going on at the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Fall Fest and Access Fair are Coming!
Have questions? Need answers? Want information? Then mark your calendars for Thursday, October 20 from 6:30-8:30 pm for our annual Fall Fest and Access Fair at the Medina County Achievement Center (4691 Windfall Road, Medina). Sponsored by the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities, this event is a free showcase of services and products. Better than that, it’s a showcase of services and products that can simplify or enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. We’re talking about everything from recreational opportunities, educational products, financial planning, home modifications and everything in between.
Fall Fest and Access Fair are a chance for families to connect with the services available in Medina County. This year’s event features:
• Vendor Fair - Find out what resources are available for your family in our community, everything from recreational activities to financial planning and housing.
• Scholastic Book Sale - Back again for another year, help our school earn free books each time you purchase an item from our book sale.
• Activities – spend some time connecting with other families while enjoying some fun crafts and activities
• Food - food and drinks for all!
• Informational Booths - Chat with agency staff about the various services and supports we offer.
• Clubs and Activities - Find out what local organizations are available to individuals with disabilities, including AKtion Club, Special Olympics, Adapted Martial Arts and more.
For more information check out our website calendar.
Three Simple Words
Three simple words…… Recently Good Morning America asked: How much can you say in just three words? Can you express your thoughts, your feelings, your sadness or joy? Could your three words be a celebration or a thought on everyday life? The response they received was overwhelming. So we wondered, if you only had three simple words to describe to someone what we do at MCBDD, what would they be? Log onto our website at www.mcbdd.org to submit your thoughts.
Tiny Tidbits….
Did you know that the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves about 1100 people each month? Yes that’s right, 1100 people from ages birth through death, each with their own unique needs for support. Now that’s a number to be proud of!