From Our Executive Director
WOW! How is it Spring of 2022 already? Where does the time go??!! So much continues to happen surrounding the (what seems to be never ending) pandemic, Ohio-wide issues such as the direct workforce crisis, and even locally with getting county residents set up with on-going food supplies, information on COVID vaccinations and reliable internet. The work is always a joy, but never done. At the end of 2021, SIL said goodbye to a 5-year grant project, Leadership Academy, which had its final graduation on December 14th. This amazing opportunity was provided to us by the Department of Developmental Disabilities and headed up by Laura Gold (Community Services Specialist) whom SIL also said goodbye to after 25 years of service. We wish Laura the best in her future endeavors.
With 2021 being just as busy as 2020, SIL is proud to note that we never had to close our doors due to the pandemic, we just “went with the flow” and altered service delivery as needed.
- SIL proudly serviced 62 individuals with the PCA (Personal Care Assistant) Program
- Answered 1823 requests for information and/or referrals
- Transitioned 12 people from nursing homes back into the community of their choice.
- Increased community education by 23% through workshops, trainings, and hosted conferences
- Had an 89% satisfaction rating amongst surveyed consumers
This is just a small amount of the amazing things SIL accomplished this past year!
SIL is excited that 2022 started off with our re-certification survey with CARF that resulted in another 3-year accreditation! Also, we have our NEW 5-year project funded by DODD: Young Adult Council: A program designed to allow young adults with disabilities to form their own community led council; a hands-on/internship approach that will give young adults the opportunity to participate in a realistic policymaking environment; they will learn to make decisions, solve problems, and promote systems change on all levels. We also made new enhancements to S.P.I.C.E., our virtual cooking class. Stay tuned for all the details surrounding these exciting events!
SIL also continues to grow as we added three new staff members to assist in serving individuals with disabilities and supporting advocacy efforts at individual, local, state, and national levels. See their pictures and bios below!
I hope every reader has started off 2022 safe and healthy. I personally look forward to what this year will bring. I see it as a time to try something new (a food, a hobby, a sport, etc.) It is a blank canvas for everyone to paint something on!
Together we can make it another great year and remember WE ARE IN IT WITH YOU!
Shannon Monyak
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