Discovery Center welcomes back peer mentors for 2021-22
The Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities delved into the agency’s three-year strategic plan and goals during a board training prior to their regular virtual meeting Thursday evening.
The strategic plan began with input from nearly 200 surveys from individuals, families, providers and staff. Based upon those respondents, the Logan County Board of DD received a satisfaction rating of more than 90 percent.
“Our community supports us and recognizes us for the valuable and essential services we provide to people with developmental disabilities,” Superintendent Saul Bauer said.
“The Logan County Board of DD commits to continue to provide excellent services.
“Our goals and objectives came from listening and respecting the ongoing input we received from the individuals we support, their families, employees, our provider partners and other key stakeholders.”
Continuing that commitment in forming the strategic plan, the agency “supports a diversity of services that inspire and assist people with developmental disabilities to become contributing and valued members of their community,” members said. “The Logan County Board of DD believes that all citizens have equal access to opportunities and supports that lead to a life that is purposeful and fulfilling. The Board envisions a future where all individuals will be accepted, included, and appreciated as contributing members of their communities.”
In 2019, the agency served nearly 500 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
These individuals were served in a variety of capacities, including: 98 children in Early Intervention (including the PLAY Project); 235 children were served by the preschool; 125 K-12 school age children received services, 73 adults were offered community employment service; 107 people were served through Adult Day Services including sheltered employment and the seniors program; 151 people received Supported Living Services (Including Medicaid Waivers); 56 received Family Resources and nearly 250 people received SSA (Case Management), several providers received support for onboarding and training, and community projects were supported, such as housing for people with disabilities and the Come Play at the Peak and Come Play at the Lake projects.
Bauer said the strategic plan, included on the LCBDD’s website, www.logancbdd.org, also incorporates the lessons and the skills acquired during the pandemic within the past year.
“This has been a wearisome and demanding year for DD services. First, I want to acknowledge the employees, providers (DSPs), families and community for their dedication to the people we serve.
“Our staff at both the Discovery Center and our administration building along with the providers (DSPs) have found innovative ways over this past year to support people safely by using technology, remote learning, outdoor events, assisting with vaccines, supplying PPE and offering encouragement and providing many other ways of creatively and safely serving people with disabilities while maintaining the excellent services people expect from LCBDD.
“Many of our operations will remain remote until it is safe to fully return in-person, and we are hopeful that we will return to in person services soon.”
During the regular meeting that followed, the superintendent also announced that peer mentor students will be returning to the Discovery Center preschool classrooms in the fall.
Individuals with children ages 3 to 5 who are interested in enrolling them for the 2021-22 school year should call (937) 292-2009 to register. Morning and afternoon class times are available for children.
“It’s been a long year and we’re excited to see our friends return to the classroom,” Bauer said.
The LCBDD Foundation’s annual flower sale is under way, with orders accepted through April 28. Hillside Greenhouse and A New Leaf Florist are the vendors for this year’s sale.
Nearly 20 different flowers are for sale. The proceeds benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and the Come Play at the Lake Project. Orders can be placed by calling (937) 292-3008 or visiting the agency’s website or Facebook page.
The flowers will be available for pick up May 7 at the Discovery Center, in time for Mother’s Day weekend. The HUB (a provider) will also be at the Discovery Center that day showcasing and selling some of the plant markers that they have made using their 3-D printer.
In financial, business the board ended February 2021 with the general fund at 13.43 percent utilization and the Community Support Fund is 19.42 percent utilized.
Revenues in the general fund are 4.21 percent collected while the Community Support Fund is 0 percent collected and the Capital Fund is 0 percent collected. Year-to-date expenses in the general fund are 0.236 percent higher than this time last year and the revenue general fund is 15.99 percent lower than this time last year.
The finance committee will meet virtually at noon April 30. The next virtual board meeting takes place at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 6. These meetings are open to the public.
Contact Deb Morrison at (937) 292-3011 to receive the link to join the meetings.