Wood Lane Residential Consumer Advisory Board

In October, the Wood Lane Residential Consumer Advisory Board had the opportunity to present their Welcome video and power point at the fall OPRA conference in Columbus.  The opportunity to share their hard work was an honor.  Other providers throughout the state were impressed with the presentation and asked questions about how to create a Consumer Advisory Board in their own organization that would be effective and productive.  Thank you to Amy Knauss, Lisa Sipes, Jessica Swaisgood and Geoff Dennis for taking the time out of your busy schedules to present at this conference!!

BG Holiday Parade 2010

The Holiday Parade in Bowling Green marks the beginning of the Holiday season.  This year, 14 staff and residents supported by Wood Lane Residential Services were invited to join the BG Knights of Columbus in the Holiday Parade and walk with their float.  Everyone enjoyed the opportunity really got into the holiday spirit!  We want to thank the KOC for giving us this opportunity. 

Garden Apartment Landscaping to Reflect the Bright and Positive Spirit of Nancy Ullum !

Nancy had a positive outlook on life. Her career at Wood Lane began in 1976. For over 29 years, her passion and respect for individuals with developmental disabilities inspired countless staff to provide nothing but the best for individuals.

Nancy’s work was contagious and challenged all of us to seek and ensure that individuals live as independently as possible in their community. In 2011, another concept that Nancy believed in will be the opening of a fourteen bedroom apartment building. In Nancy’s honor, this new housing opportunity will be named the “Nancy Ullum Garden Apartments.”

We want to honor her legacy in a way that reminds us of the growth that she fostered in the lives of residents, families, staff, and friends. The building’s landscaping will be completed during the spring of 2011. The design of a courtyard is being carefully planned.

In order this space that is welcoming to residents and paying tribute to Nancy’s life, we need your help to raise funds to construct this space. A number of ongoing projects to raise funds have been planned and are listed below.

We are also in the process to develop a way where donors can designate their gift for a specific purpose or item in the garden. This will be posted on the web site once it is finalized.

Nancy’s prescence was always refreshing and positive. She brightened each and every day for all who knew her. Our hope is that we can foster that same energy on behalf of the residents living in the apartments.

Here are ways you can help:

Elder Beerman Community Days – You can purchase a coupon book to use while shopping at Elder Beerman on November 13, 2010. The coupon books are $5.00 and Elder Beerman will donate all of the proceeds from the coupon book sales to WLRS, Inc. There are a number of discounts in the book which also includes a$10 off coupon for merchandise. These coupons can at least double the $5 purchaseof the book!. Coupon books can be purchased in the WLRS, Inc. office at 545 Pearl Street in Bowling Green.

Enjoy a meal at Max and Erma’s (Levis Commons)-  WLRS, Inc.will receive 20% of the restarant’s sales on December 7, 2010. CLICK HERE to download the ticket that needs to be presented to the restaurant when you order.

We will update information on the web site on a regular basis. Your support is critical to help us fund this project. Please contact Debbie Leibig at 419 353-9577 or dleibig@wlrs.org with questions or more information about other giving opportunities.

Save the Date! Nancy Ullum Garden Apartments Fund Raising opportunities.
As construction on the apartments progresses, we are beginning to raise funds for the landscaping, fence and furnishing the common areas of the apartments. Here are a couple opportunities for everyone to get involved.

1. Elder Beerman Community Days is November 13, 2010. Purchase a coupon book for $5 and this money will go to Wood Lane Residential Properties. You get many coupons to be used on November 13, including a $10 off coupon (so you double your investment). Come to 545 Pearl Street in Bowling Green and pick up your coupon book today!!

2. Max and Erma’s will be giving 20% of their days proceeds to Wood Lane Residential on December 7, 2010. You will need the attached ticket in order to support Wood Lane Residential on this day.

Download and print the attached or stop by 545 Pearl Street in Bowling Green for a copy. Be on the look out for more opportunities. Of course you can always give a monetary donation to Wood Lane Residential Service, Inc and designate your contribution to go to any part of the organization. Thank you for your support!

"In honor of Direct Support Professionals week, WLRS says "Thank you"

Click a Picture to read the memo!

The Nancy Ullum Garden Apartment

Nancy Ullum Garden Apartment

The Nancy Ullum Garden Apartment construction is progressing steadliy.  See the Photo Gallery for updated photos of the progress.  Currently Wood Lane Residential Services and Wood County Service and Support are working on the application process for the individuals first on the waiting list for the 14 apartments slated to be opened at the beginning of 2011.  This is a much anticipated first step for the individuals looking forward to this opportunity.  Anyone who wishes to be placed on the waiting list should contact their Service Coordinator. 

National Direct Support Professionals Week in September

The Senate passed a Resolution recognizing the week of September 8th as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. This Resolution acknowledges the great contributions that direct support professionals are making to our society by providing support to those that need it most. We hope that this Recognition Week will help to draw attention to the achievements and challenges facing the direct support workforce to insure that they will be able to continue to provide the highest quality of care.

Below is an excerpt from the Resolution.
"Resolved, That the Senate-recognizes the dedication and vital role of direct support professionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities of all ages; appreciates the contribution of direct support professionals in supporting the needs that reach beyond the capacities of millions of families in the United States; commends direct support professionals as integral in supporting the long-term support and services system of the United States; and finds that the successful implementation of the public policies of the United States depends on the dedication of direct support professionals."

Ohio's state-wide recognition will be on  September 15 as a  "salute to the valuable service and supports offered by DSPs around Ohio  . " 

There will be a Film Festival Premiering video from the Sprout Touring Film Festival that shares stories about successes and challenges for people with disabilities.  The event will be at Xenos Campus Cafe at 1340 Community Park Drive in Columbus from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

For more information Sprout Touring Films, go to: http://www.gosprout.org/ .  For more information about Ohio's DSP event on September 15, go to www.ohiopaths.org     WLRS, Inc. is also planning events for September!

June Employee of the Month!

June Employee of the Month is... Aleasha Rood-Dingledine !   Aleasha was hired as a Residential Assistant at Meach/Whittaker on January 22, 2008.  She was soon promoted to Assistant Home Supervisor at Brown/Dave Miller on February 28, 2010.  Aleasha's dedication is reflected ...

"You make things happen.  Staff and residents recently expressed an interest to volunteer in the community.  You took the initiative to locate a meaningful experience that would benefit a community organization and also to empower residents to give back to the community.  You spent time at the Ronald McDonald House and helped prepare a meal for families who were living there.  As a result, families who had a loved one hospitalized could focus on the needs of their family.  And, residents experienced the essence of making a difference through this volunteer service.  Your contribution to help others is what it is all about."

May Employee of the Month!

Audrey Fobbs

May Employee of the Month is Audrey Fobbs .  Audrey began working at 4-Bed (this was back in us old timer's days) on June 8, 1995 and has worked at Elder Haus since November 6, 2005 when these homes opened.  Audrey's dedication is reflected ...

"Feeling welcome in a strange environment is hard for everyone.  Recently, Audrey had the opportunity to help someone feel at home.  An individual received some short-term respite care at Elder Haus and when he arrived she was standing at the door to personally welcome him.  At that moment he was able to smile and feel more relaxed even though he was in an unfamiliar environment.  He was able to experience a home when he was given the support needed and Audrey truly made a difference in this individual's life!  Her care and friendly interactions in this situation showed the importance of making a house a home!"

April Employee of the Month!

Megan Kinney

April Employee of the Month is Megan Kinney. Megan began working at the Schult Home on May 27, 2008 where she continues to work. Megan's dedication is reflected ...

"How can I help?" "What would you like me to do?" Those are phrases that Megan uses regularly. She takes her work seriously and is dedicated to the safety and well being of residents. She is an excellent communicator and understands the need-to-know protocol if a potential emergency would occur. Her calendar is always open to add shifts to work in homes if she can. She continually demonstrates the importance of "make a house a home."

Ohio Voter Issues Report Available for the May Primary

The Ohio Secretary of State's office has posted an "Ohio Issues Report" for the May primary.  Links below will direct  you to those reports that include local and state issues for the May 4 primary.  We do not endorse any candidate or issue.  This information is being provided to give you a complete picture of issues and ballot language.

If you have questions or need clarification on issues or candidates, contact the Board of Elections at http://www.co.wood.oh.us/BOE/   or by phone ( 419.354.9120.)

Listing of ballot issues and offices up for election:

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/voterInformation/whatsontheballot.aspx

Local issues summary:

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/electResultsMain/2010results/20100504issuessummary.aspx

Information for voters with disabilities (audio included on the site.)

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/voterInformation/voterswithdisabilities.aspx

Don't forget to exercise your right to vote!

Homes To Be Named in June

The Wood Lane Residential and Properties Boards will be dedicating five homes to recognize individuals who have had a significant impact on the opportunities and the quality of life for Wood County citizens who have a developmental disability and their families. Homes will be named in honor of Doug McVey, Delbert Brown, Jane Quinn, Ellen Williams, and the late Larry Klein. A reception to honor them will be held on June 16 at 4:30 p.m. at 541 Pearl Street. Everyone is invited to this event. Specific information about each individual’s contributions to Wood Lane will be posted soon!

Nichols Home Addition Almost Complete

Residents and staff at the Nichols Home in Portage are anxiously awaiting the opening of their new living room and dining room addition.  "Residents and staff have been wonderful through all of this work," said Ray Ford.  Ron Eckel expressed his appreciation to everyone and their flexibility throughout the construction project.  "The addition almost doubles the living room spaced and actually doubles the dining room space," he said.  Ford noted that everyone is excited that all residents will be able to have meals together thanks to the additional dining space.  The home is owned by Wood Lane (Wood County Board of DD) and is operated by Wood Lane Residential Services, Inc.  Work is on schedule and move-in will be sometime this month!

Director given an "award" for her hard work

Tonia Peters

Tonia Peters, Finance Director, was given an “award” for all of the hard work she did on the closing of the HUD grant for the Wood Lane Apartments. Tonia has stuck to it through the process with positive results. Wood Lane Apartments plans to break ground this spring! Although the “award” that Tonia received at the Annual Board Dinner hosted by Wood Lane Residential was light hearted, the appreciation expressed by Board member Dave Miller was sincere and shared by everyone at Wood Lane Residential! Look for updates as the building progresses.

December Employee of the Month!

Sue Sander

December Employee of the Month is  Sue Sander .  Sue began working with WLRS as an LPN on November 20, 2000.  Her dedication is reflected ...

Sue has a thorough understanding of her role as a nurse for WLRS.  This attribute enables her to effectively manage multiple situations to ensure the health and safety of residents.  Her attention to detail and follow-up is beneficial to all staff.  She also has an excellent rapport with staff and can be relied on for needs that arise unexpectedly.  Sue knows how important proper health care is to residents and she is a true asset to our agency.  

Please join us in congratulating Sue!

Wood Lane Apartments coming soon!!

Wood Lane Residential was awarded a HUD grant in 2007 for the building of a 14 unit apartment building on Fairview Ave in Bowling Green. In December, 2009 the final closing was complete. According to our contractors, Willson Builders, we can look forward to a ground breaking in February/ March 2010 (as soon as the ground thaws!).

Many families and residents throughout Wood County are looking forward to this unique opportunity for their family members. Tonia Peters, Finance Director and Debbie Leibig Associate Director will be collecting names for the waiting list. Individuals interested in more information should contact their Service Coordinators/ Team Leader or WLRS.

The Parent's Auxiliary held their annual Christmas Party!

The Parent's Auxiliary held their annual Christmas Party! Punch and cookies were served, each resident received a gift and Santa came to visit. The residents and staff at Wood Lane Residential Services, Inc want to thank the Parent's Auxiliary for the time and effort that went into planning this party. Everyone looks forward to this event each year. It was nice to see some additional families become involved this year. Information about the Parent's Auxiliary can be found under the "Families" link on the Wood Lane Residential website.

November Employee of the Month!

Becky Kuckuck

"Is there a doctor in the house?  If not, WLRS is fortunate to have nurses like you!  You are always prepared to assess and determine if medical care can be handled in house or needs to be referred to a physician.  You also recognize when emergency care is needed and make sure swift action is taken to ensure the health and well-being of residents. Residents and staff trust your assessment of each situation.  You provide honest and understandable explanations.  Your hands-on approach gives residents the assurance that their health and safety is the top priority.  And, your actions enhance staff's ability to monitor medical needs of others.  You truly lead by example.  You welcome advice and use it to fine-tune your talents.  You respect fellow staff and recognize that their assessments are also a key part to the well-being of every resident.  While you are an expert in your field, you also listen to others who have expertise in the day-to-day care of residents.  This gives everyone confidence in their abilities to serve as experts in the daily care of individuals.  Thank you for the time, care, loyalty, and dedication you give to WLRS and the individuals we serve."

November Employee of the Month is ... Becky Kuckuck . . .   

Becky began working at WLRS on August 18, 2008 and has fulfilled the position of Registered Nurse since that time.  She is also an educator providing instruction to new employees in med pass administration as well as providing ongoing training to current employees. 

Please congratulate Becky on this award!

October Employee of the Month!

Cari Hines

Cari Hines  has been chosen as October Employee of the Month!  Cari began working at Sipes/Wojo on July 11, 2005 and transferred to Supported Living/IO on November 27, 2005 where she continues to work.  Her dedication is reflected by ...

"For most employees transitioning from one home to another can be a stressful time.  Cari has been key in assisting staff as they "learn the ropes" working in a new home.  Staff describe Cari as helpful, efficient, flexible, personable, and positive.  Cari has an excellent rapport with residents and is respected by them.  In fact residents have specifically requested that she be their service provider.  We appreciate Cari's commitment to provide quality services to residents that gives meaning and purpose to each individual she serves."

Please congratulate Cari!

September Employee of the Month!

Brandi Wallace

Brandi Wallace is September Employee of the Month!  Brandi began working as a Residential Assistant at Sandridge/Weston on July 7, 2008.  Her dedication is reflected by her peers ...

"Professional, friendly, conscientious, and organized."  Those are words that describe Brandi Wallace.  Her efforts every  day continue our commitment to make a house a home.  She was instrumental in sprucing up the landscaping and also helped to maintain a garden at two homes.  And, Brandy wants to ensure families feel involved at the homes.  This summer she was a significant help to plan and host the "Friends and Family BBQs."  Brandi is well respected and appreciated by staff, residents, and families.  Her every day efforts are significant to make a house a home for all residents.

Wood Lane Residential Thanks Supervisors

On October 28 twenty-two Wood Lane Residential supervisors gathered for a meeting where they were acknowledged for their outstanding accomplishments and endeavors in the last year. The group honored included 18 Home Supervisors, the Nursing Supervisor, Respite Coordinator, QMRP Supervisor and Rec Therapist. Collectively, this group goes above and beyond the expectations for their respective positions and does so with little recognition. They are an awesome team of individuals committed to excellence and to providing the utmost in quality services to the individuals they serve. We are honored to have them working for us!!

Pipeline 10-15-09

Click HERE!!

WLRS 30th Anniversary celebration was a success!!

On Saturday September 19, 2009 WLRS celebrated 30 years! The weather was perfect and the festivities were fabulous. People were able to reminisce about the past and see the progress we have made and hear about the plans for the future.

We want to thank all who were able to come celebrate with us. Thank you to John Martin, Dave Miller, Tom Votava and Rev McDaniel for the kind words spoken. Thank you to Linda Brownell for heading the planning committee and thank you to all the volunteers who made this day a success.

We especially want to thank the residents of the Werner, Restle and Nichols Homes for hosting this great event!

Along with the face painting, drumming circle and magic show there were contests to be won.

• Congratulations to Jessie Rynn and Elaine Johnston for winning the Cake Contest with their Lemon Bundt cake
• Congratulations to Lynn Duncan for winning the Pie Contest with her Peanut Butter Pie and
• Congratulations to the Respite Team for winning the Survivor Challenge.!

Wood Lane Residential says Thank you to the Direct Care Staff!

Click HERE!!

August Employee of the Month!

Carol Naugle

August Employee of the Month is ... Carol Naugle. Carol began working at the Walters/Bomeli homes February 5, 2007 and transferred to Elder Haus June 29, 2008 where she continues to work. Carol's dedication is reflected ...

"Carol is a wonderful asset to the Elder Haus homes. She is very sensitive to the challenges that aging individuals encounter. She understands that the needs of residents frequently change and she is responsive to those needs. Carol also serves as a valuable resource to staff. She provided an inservice that gave staff a glimpse of issues aging adults face and the critical role staff have working with them. She gave a practical demonstration of what staff face when working with an individual who has had a stroke. Carol's presentation emphasized the important work direct care staff have in order for residents to live to their fullest potential.

Items for sale for the 30th anniversary !

Click HERE!!

Joe and Judith Conda Scholarship awarded!

Joseph and Judith Conda generously endowed a scholarship to BGSU to be awarded to someone who is studying Intervention Services and employed at Wood Lane Residential Services, Inc or the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The first award was given to Melissa Verhoff. Melissa was working for the Walters and Bomeli Homes until she resigned to student teach. Congratulations Melissa!

The Ohio House of Representatives voted unanimously to remove "mental retardation" from the Department of Developmental Disabilities and all 88 County Boards of MRDD.The House voted Wednesday, June 10 on Senate Bill 79, which was introduced by Senator Jimmy Stewart of Athens County.

In addition to all 99 members voting for its passage, about 2/3 of the House members showed even stronger support by signing their name as co-sponsors of the bill. The House version of the bill was introduced by Sen. Stewart's replacement, Rep. Debbie Phillips and Rep. Deborah Newcomb. Because of minor amendments to the bill, it will go back to the Senate for final approval next week. However, no additional changes are being considered.

"This is a victory for persons served who have been concerned regarding the negative connotation associated with the term," stated Wood Lane superintendent Melanie Stretchbery. She emphasized that the leaders of this venture were individuals with developmental disabilities. "Self-advocates led the 'fight' themselves versus others doing so on their behalf," she noted and added, "that, indeed, is the triumph of this legislation." The "Name Change Bill" - as Senate Bill 79 was commonly known, was a direct result of self-advocates from Athens County who requested their Board to make the name change. The board acted immediately and then-Representative Stewart was asked to introduce state legislation to remove the term "mental retardation" from state and county agencies.

Wood Lane is in the process of identifying all of the references where the term "mental retardation" is used in the program in order to meet the requirements of the bill. The agency's legal name will change to the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities. However, the Board will continue to use the more familiar name of "Wood Lane" when identifying itself. For Governor Ted Strickland, it will be his first bill signed into law from the 128th Ohio General Assembly that wasn't required by the Constitution.

Click Picture to Read!!

The Bair home survived it's first Medicaid Survey this week. The Ohio Department of Health conducted an annual survey of the Bair home. The survey consisted of both a Health and a Safety portion. The surveyor was extremely complimentary of the staff, resident and beautiful home. She enjoyed her 3 day visit, she said. The result was excellent. One citation was given for not having fire drill times varied enough throughout the year. Considering all of the time and effort put into this survey, this is an excellent result. We thank all of the staff for all of their efforts!! **Please note that last week the Bair home was surveyed by the Ohio Department of MRDD and received a 3 year license for a citation free survey!! You truly are great at "Making a House a Home".