Fairfield County is growing. A few weeks ago, I attended the State of the County address given by the Fairfield County Commissioners. Through many of the updates, growth was an underlying theme. Our county has grown more than 2.5% in population in just the past 2 years. Since 2010, Fairfield County has been the 5th fastest growing county in the State of Ohio. With the economic development activities in and around Fairfield County, there is no doubt we will continue to grow over the next decade.
Fairfield DD is also growing. New families are moving into the area every day, and some of those families are supported by Fairfield DD. Currently, Fairfield DD supports 1,600 people and their families. As growth continues, the executive team at Fairfield DD has started the budget process for 2024 and beyond. The budget is a roadmap where we focus on our plan for growth in services and the number of people supported, all while working to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer funds.
As we continue to prepare for the future, we know that collaboration with everyone in our community is important. Fairfield DD is committed to partnerships and innovation as our community grows and recognizes the value of every person.
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Vibrant Community Connection |
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United Way Community Care Day |
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Fairfield DD staff participated in United Way’s 28th Annual Community Care Day. A large number of volunteers from many local agencies and businesses come together to head out into the Fairfield County community and improve the lives of others by completing various tasks. Fairfield DD completed many tasks ranging from painting to tearing down an old metal shed frame. This yearly volunteer project kicks off the annual United Way Campaign. This one day of action is a great example of how we can come together to make an impact in our community. |
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Direct Support Professional Appreciation |
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Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are so important in the lives of those they work with. In homes and throughout various community locations these professionals aim to assist others in realizing their full potential by working on specific goals the person and team developed.
Being a DSP requires teamwork, coordination, flexibility, and interpersonal skills among many other strengths. The providers of Fairfield DD’s Early Intervention team play an integral role in helping young children and their families grow to enhance more independence and success in their everyday lives.
Amy, a physical therapist, said “Working in the home with families and helping a child learn to be their best self is amazing. They may not be learning at the same rate as someone else, but they are making strides every day." The excellence of DSPs is achieved by education and building relationships with those around us. Amy provides a great example of the relationship between DSP and family.
There are many other DSPs who achieve that excellence as well, and during September, we want to say thank you to them. They are the dedicated, innovative support throughout our community that supports others in becoming more independent.
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Community Partnership Corner |
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The Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities is the latest local entity to be accredited as a Heart Safe Business by Community Heart Watch.
"Our team members are committed to ensuring we have the right tools, information, and knowledge to act when someone is having a cardiac episode, whether that is at work, with our families, or in the community," said Dr. David Uhl, Superintendent of the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities. "This is a great program, and I highly recommend all businesses and organizations in Lancaster and Fairfield County become Heart Safe accredited."
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Fairfield DD Feature Department |
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At Fairfield DD, attracting, recruiting, and maintaining highly qualified personnel is an essential part of moving our mission forward. Led by Assistant Superintendent Cindy Hillberry, the Human Resources department is responsible for this task. The pandemic brought changes in the workplace around the world resulting in employee turnover with 2022 being named “the year of the great resignation” and Fairfield DD was affected as well. The HR team has worked diligently through this crisis to fill positions with some of the best candidates in the field. In addition, many existing staff had the opportunity to take on new roles and Human Resources assisted staff through each of these changes.
Human Resources supports employees in a variety of ways as well. They serve as the staff’s liaison to the Fairfield County benefits process. Amanda Scheidegger, HR Generalist, plays an instrumental role in many areas including onboarding, staff assistance, workers’ compensation, records management, and legal requirements. In addition, they are partnering with the County to move much of the new hire paperwork into a digital format. Fairfield DD staff and leadership work with Cindy and her team to create professional development goals on a yearly basis, as part of the employee development program. The HR team keeps up to date with all the new laws and regulations so staff can focus on their work of moving the mission forward!
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Board members are not only beneficial for the organization in which they serve but also for the development of their own skills. Elizabeth Burwell, Secretary of the Fairfield County Board of DD says that she is "constantly learning from her experience of being a board member and it is rewarding to see all the different teams that collaborate to make this a successful organization."
Elizabeth also views Fairfield DD's part of the mission of leading a fulfilling life as essential. She says that this part of the mission is crucial for all individuals to be successful, regardless of how much support and assistance is needed.
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7th Annual Blue Ribbon Run |
The Citizens to Protect Children and Elderly are holding their 7th annual 5k walk/run. The race begins at 9 a.m. at Victory Park in Pickerington, Ohio.
The event is open to all who wish to participate. This year, team pricing options are available.
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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.
September's meeting brings you two leaders from Fairfield DD. Dr. David Uhl, Superintendent, to discuss teamwork, and Jenna Trager, Early Intervention Supervisor, to share best practices around the coaching model of support.
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Early Intervention Fall Family Gathering |
Come join the Fairfield DD Early Intervention staff and other early intervention families for a fun evening at Van Buren Acres. Fairfield DD will cover the admission cost and provide a pumpkin for each child enrolled in the Early Intervention Program.
Additional family members can enter the farm for $10 each. Children under 2 years of age are free.
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Living with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder |
Fairfield County District Library partners with Mid-Ohio Psychological Services to present a series of free classes about the realities of living with and maintaining Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder aka "ADHD."
This class will discuss caring for children with ADHD. Other classes explore different age groups and relationships.
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