Studies have shown that inaccurate eyewitness testimony is responsible for nearly ½ of all wrongful convictions in the U.S. There are many reasons for this. One is that whatever the eyewitnesses experienced, they experienced it from their perspective.
Everyone has a perspective. Each person’s perspective, the lens they use to view life and work, is unique and different. People can be in the same place, at the same time, and have an experience completely different from one another because of our unique perspectives.
Since its revision approximately 12 years ago, the Fairfield DD mission statement has been viewed from many different perspectives. It has served us well, but there was some ambiguity about it. This made it hard for us to define key parts and to help team members, people we support, and the community understand what it meant. We decided it was important to clarify it.
At Fairfield DD we are committed to a vision, a dream of building a community that recognizes the value of every person. As we pursue that dream, understanding our core purpose, and why we are here is important. That’s why Fairfield DD recently adopted a revised mission statement. While our mission has not changed, the slight change in the mission statement makes a big difference in understanding why we exist.
Fairfield DD exists
to bring about a vibrant community
where people lead lives of greater independence
and make meaningful contributions.
This is our mission. This is why we exist. This is why we are here.
You are going to be hearing a lot more about our vision and mission in the coming months. But for now, this is a good start. I hope you will continue to partner with us as we build a community that recognizes the value of every person and supports people on their journey toward greater independence.
Living the Mission,
David
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Vibrant Community Connection |
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Enjoyment After Retirement |
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Retirement can be an exciting time of life and Janna Wicks is ready! She has enjoyed her job at McDonald’s for the past 20 years. In her role, she has been a dependable hard worker and brought a kind and caring personality. She had many regular customers who looked forward to seeing Janna when they visited the restaurant. Janna was part of a great team at McDonald's; her co-workers, supervisors, and customers will miss her!
During Janna’s retirement party, most of the lobby at Memorial Drive McDonald's was filled with friends. Visitors shared lots of sentiments, smiles, and hugs throughout the celebration. Janna made an impression on many customers and has created countless friendships over the two decades that she worked there. She loved her job and enjoyed helping the customers and making a difference every day.
Retirement comes with a transition and an opportunity to reflect on new routines and adventures. As Janna works through the change, she is looking forward to having more time for playing her favorite sports, attending church with her roommates, and going on weekend trips with her friends. Janna will also be moving to Oregon next year, to be near family.
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Community Partnership Corner |
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Fairfield County Transition Collaborative |
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Fairfield DD coordinates the Fairfield County Transition Collaborative. This group of professionals, from across the county and local schools, meets twice a year to share resources and discuss topics for transition services for students around age 14 and in high school. The group met earlier this month at Fairfield Medical Center (FMC) to tour the Project SEARCH Program and hear information from Eastland-Fairfield Career Center and Fairfield DD about programming for additional training opportunities, behavior support resources, and relationship building.
Fairfield DD values the collaboration with these local organizations to share knowledge and learn from one another, so we may better support people as they lead more independent lives.
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Throughout the month of September, Fairfield DD staff collected specific food items to donate to the Victory Center Food Pantry, through Connexion West, for their PB & Joy Program.
This program provides students, throughout the 10 schools in Fairfield County, with a weekend meal. Registered students receive a package of food to take home once every month to make easy meals and snacks.
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Fairfield DD takes pride in our partnerships around Fairfield County, one of which is with WLOH Radio Station – The Wolf.
Over the years of partnership with WLOH, they have provided support in sharing Fairfield DD’s message to an audience, while we provide high-quality content that listeners love all over Fairfield County.
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Fairfield DD Feature Department |
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Art & Clay on Main and Square 7 Coffee House, the non-profit social enterprises of Fairfield DD, recently celebrated in honor of completing renovations to the popular downtown location. Attendees were able to stop by during an open house to view the updates and changes. Additionally, Art & Clay/ Square 7 will soon begin to ramp up for the holiday season with new items for visitors to paint and freshly handcrafted beverages to enjoy.
Throughout the renovation project, the staff at Art and Clay continued to put their mission first. They partner with Lancaster Schools to offer an internship for students to teach positive work habits and employment skills. Students gain experience in the areas of customer service, retail, maintenance, and food service. Art & Clay/ Square 7 also continues to operate a voucher program, partnering with several local agencies. It provides opportunities to people or groups who would benefit from a creative outlet, whether that be with family, a mentor, or a group to continue growing and building relationships.
Through these partnerships and more, Art and Clay and Square 7 Coffee House continue, above all, to recognize the value in every person.
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An important role of the members of any Board is the responsibility to ensure the organization is fulfilling its mission and achieving its goals. The Fairfield County Board of DD is no exception, and Board Member Matt Wideman takes that role seriously. Matt is fully behind the mission of Fairfield DD. He stated that he “cannot think of a more meaningful mission than helping people lead more fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions.”
Matt has personal experience, as well as stories from friends and co-workers with examples of the exceptional support from the Fairfield County Board of DD, and he is excited to continue to have the opportunity to contribute to our mission.
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11th Annual Stephy's 5k Walk/Run |
Stephy's 5k Walk/Run is now a family event! Strollers and pets on leashes are also welcome. Join together as the race begins at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. Proceeds benefit victims of domestic violence.
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Fairfield County Provider Meeting |
Each month, providers of Fairfield County gather together with other stakeholders to learn, grow, and share ideas.
This month, Dr. Uhl will present interactive DISC personality profiles and help participants understand who they are, who their teams members are, and how to effectively communicate given team member personalities and preferences. MUI quarterly updates will also be presented.
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Whether you are a homeowner, tenant, landlord, property owner, or curious citizen, join Fairfield County District Library for a presentation/discussion about the basics of fair housing. Discussion will include information about protected classes, prohibited practices, reasonable accommodations, filing a complaint, advocacy, and more.
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Healthy Habits with Fairfield Medical Center |
In this seminar, Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center coordinator Heather Luttrell, RN, will offer tips to reduce symptoms of GERD, and registered dietician Emily Schmelzer, RD, will speak to the importance of enjoying all things in moderation.
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