Byesville Rotary learns that goal of GCBDD is helping people lead a self directed life

Pictured: Dennis Harding, Pres. Byesville Rotary, and Kelly Brown, Superintendent, Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Byesville Rotary guest, Kelly Brown, Superintendent, Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities (GCBDD), explained that the mission of the GCBDD is to “Ensure quality services that enhance the lives of individuals through the effective use of available resources.

Brown stated that many different services are needed to meet the goals set by her organization. Each of these services has a cost. Brown pointed out that she and her staff are frugal and “...spend every penny like [her] grandmother,” who made sure not even a penny was wasted.

Brown explained that the GCBDD has programs to help people with developmental disabilities from birth to adulthood. The Bright Beginnings program, serving children birth to 3, insures that each infant has a good start in life. Staff members identify potential problems in infants and work to counter problems before they can cause learning problems for the child at school. Another program helps school age children with disabilities overcome behavioral challenges that would negatively impact learning. Children who are successful in this program can go on to attend local district schools.

Another program, funded by the Medicaid Waver program, helps families stay together by helping create disability friendly home environments such as adapting a bathroom or adding a lift. A similar program—Family Support Services—provides financial assistance and support to people with developmental disabilities who want to remain in their homes. Services can include providing a trained person to stay in the home while the primary caregiver gets a break or is out of the house running errands. Brown pointed out GCBDD also provides transportation and a day service program for adults who do not qualify for a Medicaid Waiver.

Brown concluded by describing a program aimed at helping teenagers with developmental disabilities make the transition from school to an independent, self-directed adult life. The Employment First program develops job and life skills that enable young adults move from school to the sheltered workshop to a job that will give a person with disabilities the opportunity to earn a minimum wage and become a productive community member.

The club meets 7:30 am every Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Everyone interested in giving back to their community is invited to join. Call Membership Chair Jim Vaughan, 740-432-5605, to learn more about the club. More information is available at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283