Director’s Letter for June 2011
Redefining Contribution…
Most people believe that the only contributions not-for-profits really need are financial. This newsletter highlights the contribution that one of our community partners is making, which is literally changing someone’s life.
The Ability Center focuses on creating quality opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be a productive part of this community. We salute organizations like The Andersons, whose opportunity contributions truly support the Center in pursuing its mission.
Tim Harrington
Executive Director
tharrington@abilitycenter.org
The Andersons: A Long Time Friend and Partner
by Dan Wilkins
I’ve been connected in one way or another to The Ability Center since 1981, when, fresh out of rehab, Otto Kniffke built my first ramp. And for as long as I can remember, The Andersons has been a very good friend and partner.
In the late 1980′s, when, as Recreation Integration Coordinator, I helped people with disabilities push their boundaries through recreational experiences, it was not uncommon to have supplies for my program donated by the company. It was also not uncommon, at a time when employing people with disabilities was much rarer, to roll into the Maumee store only to find Chris, one of our young consumers, living with Cerebral Palsy and non-verbal, sitting inside the front door greeting people and sharing information about the day’s specials on her touch talker.
Over the years, employees of The Andersons have sat on our Board of Trustees, volunteered on numerous ramp builds and provided our Supporting Organization with a Board Room in which to meet. And, when the son of one their own was injured in a dirt bike accident, and the employees rallied as a family to build an accessible addition on the young man’s home, it came as no surprise that Julie Payeff, Community Commitment Manager for The Andersons, asked Sam Irmen, head of the project, to contact us for an experienced perspective. The addition, by the way, is beautiful and serving its purpose.
These days, The Andersons continues to recognize the potential of people with disabilities as employees and works with this Center and other agencies to support young people with disabilities looking for employment training and opportunities.
Partnership: Meghan and The Andersons Working Together
by Dan Wilkins
Coworkers Meghan and Heidi, part of The Andersons family
Monclova native, Meghan Hagemeyer, participated in what she thought was going to be a two-week training experience at The Andersons Corporate Headquarters in Maumee. She’s been there now for a couple of months, as an employee.
“We recognized her talent at the exact time we were looking for someone,” shares Heidi Reed, Community Commitment Administrative Coordinator for The Andersons. “She’s become a real asset to us as we take on the huge task of digitizing all of our records.”
“I love what I do and the people I work with”, states Meghan. “I’m helping The Andersons become more Eco-Friendly.”
Meghan’s job entails taking all of the boxes of documents, and there are closets and filing cabinets full of them, de-stapling them, scanning them for digital storage and preparing the finished stacks for shredding.
I asked her what her job meant to her. “At the end of each day, when I take a look at all I’ve accomplished, I feel really good about myself, like I’ve made a difference.”
Having an opportunity to contribute and feel a part of something bigger than oneself is important to everyone. The Ability Center appreciates The Andersons for making this possible for Meghan and for so many others over the years.
If you are a current Partner with a story to share, or would like to become a Partner, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Dan Wilkins, Director of Public Relations and Community Partnerships, at (866) 885-5733 ext. 257.
The Ability Center and its Auxiliary Award Local Scholars
by Dan Wilkins
On Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at a late afternoon award ceremony, the Center and Auxiliary handed out $18,000 worth of academic scholarships to area students with disabilities selected from a large pool of nominees.
Scholarship winners for 2011
The Ability Center Recipients
Jordan Frobose just graduated from Eastwood High School with a 3.8 GPA. She will be attending Bowling Green State University to pursue a degree in kinesiology and physical therapy.
Steven Pedro just graduated from Anthony Wayne High School with a 3.8 GPA. He will be attending Bowling Green State University to pursue a degree in Business.
Alec Perdeau is currently attending the University of Toledo, with a current GPA of 3.2. He is pursuing a degree in History.
Becca Hill is a past Scholarship recipient who attends Bowling Green State University, with a current GPA of 3.3. She is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Matthew McIntyre is a past Scholarship recipient who attends Bowling Green State University, holding a current GPA of 3.5. He is pursuing a degree in Sports Management.
Auxiliary Recipients
Pamela Luich is currently attending the University of Toledo with a current GPA of 3.5. She is pursuing a degree in Pre-Medicine.
Not pictured:
Carter Bayer is currently attending the University of Toledo with a current GPA of 4.0. He is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy/Athletic Training.
Joshua Goulet is currently attending the University of Toledo, with a current GPA of 3.4. He is pursuing a degree in Special Education.
Leisha Lininger is currently attending Ohio University, with a current GPA of 3.8. He is pursuing a degree in Journalism.
The Ability Center and Auxiliary Partners with Hanson, Inc. to Create Video
by Dan Wilkins
Lights, Camera, Action!
Individuals visiting the center or participating in center-related activities recently observed camera crews in corners, following them around, etc. The camera are in action because The Ability Center’s Auxiliary approached the Center with an issue and a solution. As the members of the Auxiliary take on a greater role as ambassadors and community educators, they found themselves in need of a current video that shared the Center’s vision, mission and offerings.
To solve this, they offered to support the Center with a financial contribution toward the development of an educational tool that would share and celebrate the efforts and successes of our current direction as Partnership Developers and Community Builders.
Hanson, Inc., a local interactive marketing company crafted the video, which will run between 5 and 10 minutes long. They began the process by engaging in a great deal of upfront planning and conversation with staff and consumers.
“What we want from this collaboration”, envisions Tim Harrington, Executive Director for ACT, “is a digital introduction to our vision and services for those who do not know us, something that can be shared in many ways.”
Filming will continue through most of the summer. The finished video will premiere at this year’s Auxiliary Style Show in September, and be viewable on our website shortly after.
The Ability Center will Host Another Party at the Pinnacle
by Dan Wilkins
Mark Your Calendar!
Old State Line Band
Last year, as part of our 90th Anniversary Celebration, the Center partnered with The Pinnacle and their Twylite Thursday program for non-profits. With over 240 friends in attendance, it was such a success that we are doing it again.
This year we begin an annual tradition of Celebrating our Friends and Community Partners: all who help us to create welcoming communities that work for everyone. This means anyone who has walked or rolled through our doors, called us for information, attended our trainings, supported our mission or benefited from our services and support.
The event, open to everyone, will be Thursday, August 25, 2011, from 5:00-8:00 PM. There is a $10 cover (half of which comes directly to ACT) that gets you free food, great music and wonderful conversation.
Pinnacle Party 2010
This year’s band will be Old State Line, a well-known local Acoustic Americana group, featuring Ramsey Abu-Absi, guitar, mandolin, vocals; Tom Barden, guitar, mandolin, dobro, vocals; Cindy Lipman, fiddle, guitar, vocals; Larry Meyer, percussion; and Rayna Zacharias, bass. (And, who knows, they may be joined by others.)
There will be beverages available, as well, with proceeds also benefiting the Center. RSVP’s are not required, but if you are coming, we would sure be interested in knowing. Feel free to contact Amy Kerchavall, Adaptive Equipment and Events Coordinator at (419) 885-5733.
The ADA Day at the Toledo Zoo Is Just Around the Corner!
by Dan Wilkins
Mark Your Calendar!
ADA Zoo Day Fun!
Please put Monday, July 25, 2011 on your calendar. The Center invites you to bring your family and friends to the Toledo Zoo to help us celebrate the 21st anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will be there from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, rain or shine.
This will be the 11th Annual collaboration between the Ability Center, its Partners at The Toledo Zoo, and the 100 organizations and businesses hosting information tables dispersed around the grounds. Visitors will have plenty of opportunity to speak with area experts about all things disability-related.
As part of the festivities, Sunday’s Jazz Brunch host, Suzanne Carroll, will again be broadcasting live all morning on WRVF 101.5 The River.
The Toledo Zoo provides free admission to Lucas County residents from 10:00 AM until noon on Mondays. ID showing proof of residence is required.
Come be a part of our extended family. Gather information and show your support for the ADA and all the folks hosting tables. We would love to see you.
