Message From The Superintendent - May 2024

Greetings! 

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

We have shared grant instructions and an application for an Accessibility and Inclusion grant with the Portage County community. This grant, a testament to our collective commitment, aims to make Portage County more accessible and inclusive. We are thrilled to share that Portage DD has already awarded funds to several Portage County agencies for projects such as accessible playground equipment, universal changing tables, and accessible paths/trails. This is a direct result of your support and engagement. We have now received 11 applicants and have granted funds to all 11.  We continue to accept applications. The grant application and instructions can be found on our website or at this link.  https://www.portagedd.org/grant 

We wanted to welcome Crystal Stone.  Crystal was hired as an SSA at Portage DD on March 18th, 2024. Welcome Crystal!  Crystal previously worked as an SSA at the Summit County Board of DD.   

We had a busy month of April. We had the solar eclipse, Transportation Options Fair, Project Stir hosted by Portage DD at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, the 33rd Annual Bowling Invitational sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, and the 2nd annual Inclusive hiring event. Hats off to the wonderful Portage DD team for all they did in this busy month. I am very appreciative of all the great people who work here.   

We are thrilled to announce that Jeanne Schmidlin has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Mary and Earl Lohr Award. This recognition is a testament to her tremendous advocacy, dedication, and support for people with developmental disabilities. Jeanne, you truly exemplify the spirit of this award.  Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! 

We also wanted to say good luck and thank you to Betsi Orth. For the last 31 years, Betsi has been an outstanding SSA at Portage DD. She retired on April 30th, and the staff, individuals, and families will miss her greatly!  Best of luck in her next journey!

Believe in People! 

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Sincerely,

John Vennetti