Summary: The first look at the new Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service and Support Center at an open house held on Tuesday July 19 was a hit with visitors. Many said they found the building, which consolidates numerous services, a welcoming place where those with developmental disabilities can find the assistance they need in one stop.
A ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday July 19 marked the official opening of the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities new Service and Support Center. The center is located at 610 Commercial Avenue SW in New Philadelphia between Starlight School and Starlight Workshop.
Michael Mason (L) of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, Natalie Lupi, superintendent of the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and TCBDD Board President, Robert Preston did the honors at the ceremony. The new center will allow the organization to provide services more efficiently while saving money and eliminates two offsite offices.
Several years back this was just a concept that we thought would help us to fulfill our mission to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through quality services and community partnerships, said TCBDD Superintendent Natalie Lupi. We also heard from our customers that with all the various locations throughout the county, it was confusing for families to know where to go for assistance.
This concept allows us to focus on efficiencies within our operations and to plan for the future so we can be sustainable for the long run for the over 500 individuals that depend upon our services, said Lupi.
A number of area dignitaries attended the event including New Philadelphia Mayor Michael Taylor. Zach Huaghawout the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Deputy Director of the Division of Legislative Affairs and Communications also addressed the crowd.
Janel Travis and Richelle Lefler, both special education teachers from Newcomerstown attended the open house to get more information on TCBDD services.
We wanted to see what resources were available so we can coordinate better with our families in Newcomerstown, said Lefler.
Lefler is the legal guardian of Chelsea Gardner, 16, who receives services from the TCBDD; Gardner will be a student at Newcomerstown High School this fall. They worked with TCBDD staff members Cathy Ferguson, Family Support Services Coordinator, and Service Facilitator Julie Ronald to obtain services for Gardner. Theyve been such a help so far, said Lefler.
Gardner plans to continue to utilize TCBDD services in the future. Aside from her transition into high school, Chelsea is learning how to cook at home and her dream is to work at a Bob Evans restaurant as a cook.
Travis and Lefler also liked the concept of all services being at one location. Its less intimidating. Its impressive that they are looking for cost effective ways in a tight economy so theyll be able to provide even better services, said Lefler.
I never realized until I was a teacher how important it is to get people connected to services. Parents sometimes feel all alone, said Lefler.
Ground for the project was broken on March 29, 2010. A slide show presentation of photos of the project from start to finish was shown at the open house.
The building incorporates green concepts that include systems for more efficient heating, cooling, and lighting. Existing furniture and equipment was used to save additional costs.
With the new building, travel costs for out of county trips will be saved with the use of video and web conferencing. Immediate travel and time savings will result from the agencies Service Facilators moving closer to those they serve. The SFs are responsible for coordinating individuals serve plans and meet with those they serve on a regular basis throughout the year.
Contractors for the project were General Contracting, Ivan Weaver Construction of Fredericksburg, Ohio; HVAC, Henry Heating and Cooling of New Philadelphia; electrical, Wood Electric of New Philadelphia; plumbing, Peterman Plumbing and Heating of New Philadelphia; phone system, ACY; landscaping, Schoenbrunn Landscaping of Dover; and the sprinkler systems, RNL Fire Systems of Struthers, Ohio. Architect for the project was Dick Fisher of R. Fisher Architects, LLC.
