News Release

Richland Newhope 2024 March Awareness Activities

The Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities 2023 Strategic Plan is now available for review. Please contact us if you have questions or comments.

Over the past 18 months we have seen a lot of changes, not only with this agency but in the world as a whole. The pandemic has left us all in a wake of disarray and a constant feeling of unsettledness that no one could have predicted, let alone planned for.

October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) - a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of workers with disabilities. NDEAM also highlights the importance and benefits of inclusive workplaces.

Statewide developmental disability organizations representing providers, county boards, and other stakeholders have drafted a joint informational letter outlining the current state of Ohio's DD workforce crisis.

Richland County Special Olympics (RCSO) slowing started back last month after a year and a half off due to Covid. The first two sports to start back up were bowling and golf. Softball will begin in mid-July. All sports, for now, are intrasquad, which means that only Richland County athletes can compete against Richland County athletes.

Governor Mike DeWine recently announced that Friday, June 18th would officially mark the end of Ohio's public health state of emergency that was declared in March of 2020. This is a date we should all celebrate with great enthusiasm and optimism.

Richland Newhope's 2020 Employee of the Year is described as a wonderful, kind, considerate, and positive person.

We had winners this year in four different categories. Congratulations to the following recipients: Self-Advocate Award – Mitch Berger; Hero with Heart Award – Molly Mallory; Direct Service Award – Krista Grove; Community Partner Award – Richland Public Health

It's hard to believe that one year has passed since COVID-19 first turned our world upside down in March 2020. When I reflect on early communications, information was being released at such a high rate of speed and sometimes changing by the hour for our staff and providers.

When we started down this very long COVID road in early March of 2020, I don't think any of us could have imagined that we would still be battling this virus 11 months later and how much it would have impacted our lives and the lives of those we support.

Mike Ziegelhofer and Regina F. Jefferson are the newest members of the Richland Newhope/Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Mike and Regina, appointed by the Richland County Commissioners, took the oath of office at the Commissioners office on Thursday, January 7.