Message From The Superintendent - April 2023
Greetings!
We hope everyone is doing well! Here are the updates.
We added two new members to the Portage DD family in March. Emma Murphy started on 3-6-23. She will be an administrative assistant here at Portage DD. Emma has a BS in Middle Childhood Education from Kent State University. Most recently, she worked as a deputy clerk at the Portage County courthouse. She lives in Portage County. We also added Angelia Werner on 3-27-23. Previously, she was an SSA in Mahoning County for the last 1 ½ years. She was also a case manager, community employment specialist, and supervisor. She has a master's degree in Anthropology from Kent State University. She lives here in Portage County. We are excited to have Emma and Angelia here!
We wanted to say farewell and good luck to Maria Bednarik. Maria has been an Instructor Assistant at Happy Day School for the last 15 years. Maria’s last day with Portage DD was March 24 and she has started a new position with Hattie Larlham. We know Maria will continue to do amazing things for Hattie Larlham just like she has with Portage DD. Good luck, Maria!
This summer, we will continue having the Portage Trailblazer camp at the Happy Day Services building. This is free for anyone eligible for services ages 6 to 21. We again have contracted/partnered with Akron Rotary to have this camp for eligible people. It is an inclusive camp. Registration is now open. Each camper can sign up for four weeks. It starts June 12. It is a 7-week camp that runs Monday- Friday from 9-3. There will be no camp the week of July 3. See the link below to register.
"Thank you" to our Community Provider Relations Department and the DD Awareness/Pride Committee for their excellent job planning and coordinating the numerous events showcased in March for DD Awareness/Pride month. Thank you!
We are reminding everyone again that OPRA, OACB, the ARC, Ohio Waiver Network, Ohio Health Care Association, and Values and Faith Alliance have joined together to work on the Direct Support Professionals (DSP) crisis. The concerned group of organizations is working together to address the crisis. There are two ways that you can assist. You can share your stories and or sign a petition. The website has more information regarding the DSP crisis. https://ohioddcrisis.com/
Portage DD Special Olympic athletes competed on Friday, March 3, and Saturday, March 4, in the 2023 indoor winter games. Congratulations to the athletes!
We had two gold medal winners, five silver medals (one was from the competitive cheer team), two bronze medals, five fourth place, and one fifth-place finish from the athletes. Great job! Believe in People!
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.
Sincerely,
John Vennetti