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John's usual--
Thanks to everyone who came out last Friday for the 40th reunion of the Workshop! It was really neat to see so many friends that we haven't seen for years! I feel like I really need to especially thank a few CLI staff and also Firelands Local staff who went above and beyond to make this event special for everyone. Those would be CLI staff Rhonda, Donna & Courtney-- and Firelands Local staff James & Roxanne. I also want to thank John Hoffman for bringing in all the pictures documenting CLI & the original Christie Lane School programs across 5 decades. Looking through those was a real treat. Quite a few people were pretty interested in the jobs that Firelands Local had on display-- particularly the "foam" job. I really can't think of an easier way to make $9.30 per hour-- and it's weirdly satisfying in the way that popping bubble wrap is.
Completely unrelated-- I was interested to see that politico.com has been running a number of stories about the workforce crisis in lots of personal care jobs-- obviously including the DD field-- but also nursing homes, home health, and others. I've put links below if anyone is interested in reading any of these. There really aren't any surprises, but I think national attention can't hurt the cause.
If you know any kids with developmental disabilities still in High School-- CLI is hosting free pizza & bowling on Friday evening, September 30th. In my tenure here with CLI, I've seen how jarring the transition from school programs to adult programs has been for families-- even back when the original workshop model was an option. We need to help parents understand the resources they will have to work with in the adult services world-- and how to advocate for the wrap-around services that their child will need to be successful. OOD services are great for kids ready to begin working right out of high school, but there are many kids that need additional vocational training. Even for the kids who are ready & able to start working right out of high school, they will need services to maintain that job, to plan for the future, and to have a social life outside of work. So, if you know any parents of high school kids with DD, please share the 9/30 flyer with them. I believe that we will have at least one HCBDD SSA there to answer questions-- and I'll have the contact info for the Erie County Board of DD SSA Department to share as well.
Have a great week. COVID seems to be flaring up again locally, so maintain that social distance & keep those hands clean. Oh-- I still have about 150 reverse raffle tickets left to sell, so please hit me up if you'd like to get in on a 1/300 chance to win $1000!
John
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