Board Member Robin Kurtz (left) and New Board Member Michael Elkins (right)
At Monday’s Board meeting, June 18, 2018, Michael Elkins was sworn in as the newest board member of the Williams County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD). Elkins is the lead pastor at New Hope Community Church, and he was appointed by the Williams County Commissioners.
Debra Guilford, WCBDD Superintendent, shared that there were about 75 people in attendance at the public forum on Supported Decision-Making on June 7th. Video interviews were a huge success and can be viewed on the WCBDD Facebook or YouTube page.
Guilford also announced that the van, purchased by New Hope Community Church and donated to WCBDD has arrived. Other announcements included the retirement of Doreen Mohr, the Executive Director of NOWAC (Northwest Ohio Waiver Administration Council). WCBDD is one of seven county boards that are members of NOWAC.
Heidi Hull, Director of Community Services for WCBDD, reported that they are working on more social services agency collaboration in the county. Improved agency collaboration from job searching to mental health services will provide more comprehensive services to individuals.
Dennis Myers, Director of Children’s Services, reported that 44 children are being served through Early Intervention programs. Myers is working with a pilot Trees Program focusing on tools and resources for engaging and empowering families. Three key principles are to support responsive relationships between adults and children, strengthen core life skills and reduce stress for families.
Joan Miller, Community Inclusion Specialist, is looking forward to an upcoming trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 9th – 11th with 39 registered individuals. Trip stops include the Jelly Belly Factory, the Milwaukee Natural History Museum and the Original Cheesehead Factory. Upcoming events include a Voices of the People Advocacy Movie Night at New Hope Church on Friday, July 13th from 6-8:00 p.m.. Advocates will also be volunteering at the June 20th Edon Summer Lunch and Fun program. Want to learn more about the Voices of the People Advocacy Group? Contact Joan at 419-485-8331 or email jmiller@wmsco.org
