Message From The Superintendent - March 2024

Greetings! 

We hope everyone is doing well! Here are the updates.     

Portage DD has shared grant instructions and an application for an Accessibility and Inclusion Grant for the Portage County Community.

Our goal with this grant is to make Portage County more accessible and inclusive. Portage DD will award the funding to Portage County programs, agencies, and companies for things such as accessible playground equipment, universal changing tables, accessible paths/trails, etc. We have received five applicants so far and hope to receive many more. The grant application and instructions can be found on our website or at this link. https://www.portagedd.org/grant 

We have the flyer for our annual Trailblazer Camp at the Happy Day Services Building. Registration opens March 1st at 9 am. The Trailblazers Camp will be for seven weeks. Each camper can register for a maximum of four (4) weeks to allow everyone to come to camp this summer. If spots remain open closer to summer camp, we will allow families to sign up for additional weeks. The weeks of camp will be June 10th-14th, June 17th-21st, June 24th-28th, July 8th-12th, July 15th 19th, July 22-July 26th, and July 29th- Aug 2nd. See the registration link: www.gotcamp.org 

March is DD Awareness Month and what we call DD Pride Month. We have a great list of free activities for all to enjoy. Click on the events link below to see everything.  

https://www.portagedd.org/events

Each month, at Portage DD Board Meetings, we take the time to recognize Portage County Direct Support Professionals (DSP). The DSP Award is for those staff who provide direct support or direct services for individuals served throughout Portage County. People who are nominated to receive this award go above and beyond to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in Portage County while also promoting independence and inclusion.

As an agency, we are excited about everything we have accomplished and the opportunity to research and develop new programs, partner with agencies in Portage County, and assist and support individuals in developing their abilities through advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment. Follow the link to nominate someone to be the next DSP Award recipient. https://www.portagedd.org/awards

Believe in People! 

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Sincerely,

John Vennetti