Awards presented at Coshocton County Board of DD provider lunch

The third annual provider appreciation lunch was held Aug. 19 at the Coshocton Community Room.

The Coshocton County Board of DD provided lunch and T-shirts to those who provide care to people with disabilities in the community. Along with lunch, several providers were presented awards for their hard work and dedication.

Sherrie Simmons, provider relations manager for the CCBDD, welcomed everyone.

“Today, we come together to celebrate our providers — those remarkable individuals who dedicate their time, energy and hearts to making a difference every single day. We want to express our deepest gratitude for the countless ways you serve, support and empower the individuals whose lives you touch. You help them grow, thrive and feel truly valued,” Simmons said.

This year providers were asked what design they thought would be best on their T-shirts. A lighthouse was suggested by many, and that was the design chosen.

“Your dedication lights the way for those you support,” Simmons said.

All nominees for the awards were chosen by the community and their peers.

One of the awards presented was for Independent Provider of the Year. This is a provider who is certified through DODD and does not work for an agency. The nominees were Nathanael Armstrong, Cassandra Tubbs, Stephanie Sesser and Shelly McCormick.

Tubbs was chosen as Independent Provider of the Year for her dedication, constant kindness and positive energy. She has worked with an individual for many years and is family to him. She offers him friendship, fun and happiness, and he lights up when she is around.

This year two direct support professionals were chosen to receive awards. Nominees included Helen Leist, Stacey Selders, Cassidy Reid, Christina Lorenz, Kilee Carpenter, Julie Robinson, Heather Walker, Haylee Wolford, Emily Gray, Brenna Baker, Ashley Reasnor, Ashley Hollins, Denisia Dickerson, Melissa Kagel, Amanda Tubbs, Nicholas Johnson, April Baldwin, Jodi Tidrick, Maria Spaulding, Derek Pennybaker, Jenna Slay, Crystal Delello, Sheena Rochester, Amie McVey, Tammy Jones, Julia Liquidano, Chloe Bickle, Michelle Freeman, Joseph Longood and Kaysland Barber.

The first DSP of the Year was presented to Michelle Freeman for her constant smiles, joyful spirit and making every individual she works with feel special. She brings laughter and fun to the workplace and to everyone around her. Her dedication to her job has been recognized within her agency more than 50 times.

The second DSP of the Year was Nicholas Johnson. In a very short time, he earned the trust of a challenging client, which shows his patience, dedication and how much he truly cares about the individuals he works with. He is eager to help individuals attend events they enjoy and is ready to help whenever and wherever needed. He has proven to be a role model for what it means to be a DSP.

The Administrator of the Year recognizes an outstanding agency administrator who has shown exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication within the DD field. Nominees included Deanna Lanham, Donna Merrill, Mark Hutchinson and Karen Casey.

Lanham was presented the award for Administrator of the Year. She is the kind of leader who doesn’t just talk the talk — she shows up, puts in the work and makes a real difference to the individuals in her agency. She has been a driving force in helping individuals at Hopewell Industries connect to the community in meaningful ways and is constantly searching for ways to enrich the lives of those she supports. Her love for the individuals she serves is clear in every smile, every laugh and every moment she shares with them. She doesn’t just improve services; she changes lives, and the impact of her dedication is felt every day.

The Lasting Legacy Award recognizes a person who has dedicated his/her life and career to making the world a better place for people with developmental disabilities. The winner is someone who has been in the DD field a long time, retired or passed away.

Nominees for the Lasting Legacy Award included Loretta Morris, Cordell Brown and Bob Chaney.

Brown was awarded the Lasting Legacy Award. He has turned person challenges into a lifelong mission of empowerment and inclusion. Having CP, he understands the obstacles those with disabilities face. He has learned challenges are not barriers to be feared, but opportunities to overcome. Guided by vision, faith and perseverance, he transformed an idea on his family farm in Echoing Hills in 1967. His legacy can be seen in the lives touched, the hope restored and the progress achieved.

To all the providers, Simmons said, “On behalf of the Coshocton County Board and everyone whose lives you touch, thank you. Thank you for being a lighthouse, a guiding light and a true inspiration.”