April 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

LANDON & HIS BIGGEST FAN

PHOTO BY MICHELLE HERDLICK

APRIL ISSUE PREVIEW

(13) Community Support > ISSUE 21

(14) Important Community Connections

(19) Pegasus Farm - Vermicompost

(24) Community Event Recap >

Night to Shine

(30) Mental Perspective >

Amanda Anschutz

(33) Community Event > Resource Fair

(34) Community Contributor > Terry Frank

(37) Cover Story > Landon & Veronica Myers

(42) Nonprofit Spotlight > Canton

Challenger Baseball

(46) Youth Spotlight > Karis Johnson

(50) Community Event > Medical

Equipment Exchange

(52) Education Perspective >

ABCs of IEPs

(54) Youth Spotlight > The Enold Twins

(56) Community Support Program >

ASPIES

(58) Community Event Recap >

Spirit “Spark”-tacular Showcase

(62) Community Impact >

Q&A with Sara Handy

(64) Sponsor Spotlight > Harvestime

Apostolic Temple

(67) Pictures Say Thousands of Words … about Jordann Carr

(70) Final Take

Owner/Advertising Inquiries

Rick Miller

330-283-8462

rick.miller@n2co.com

Scan

Facebook (@snl.cak)

Instagram (special_needs_cak)

www.TheSpecialNeedsLiving.com

Landon & His Biggest Fan

Meet the Enold Twins: Liam and Mark

Pictures Say Thousands of Words

Karis Johnson - Breaking Barriers & Stereotypes

Challenger Baseball Canton - Nonprofit Spotlight

Harvestime Temple - Sponsor Spotlight

Spirit “Spark”-tacular Showcase Night to Shine Canton

CARE OPTIONS FOR YOU AND THOSE YOU LOVE:

Q. Did you know that all Medicaid-eligible individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities that meet an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) level of care criteria are entitled to enjoy the advantages of GentleBrook’s ICFs?

A. While the entitlement to receive care at an ICF can be waived by individuals and their families, we think it should always be considered as a care option.

Q. What is an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)?

A. At GentleBrook, we offer six – soon to be seven! – ICFs at locations in both Hartville and West Lafayette. Adult residents living at our ICFs receive these benefits:

24-hour supervision and on-site nursing care

Active treatment including individualized work training supports and services

Therapeutic services including physical, occupational and speech therapy, nutritional and social services

Life skills mentoring and support

Social and recreational activities

Transportation to and from work and other activities

Respite services

Each of our ICFs is licensed through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and certified by the Ohio Department of Health. We follow all Medicaid regulations that govern the staffing and administration of our facilities.

Q. What is Active Treatment? Why is it helpful?

A. Active Treatment is a regimen of individualized habilitation. It is a key part of the ICF advantage. Upon admission, an interdisciplinary team of professionals is assigned to focus on the individual needs in the areas of health, nutrition, therapy, and behavioral and social development. We meet with parents or guardians to design an Individual Plan (IP) for the client with the goal of maximizing independence and functional skills

Have questions?

We’re committed to being a helpful resource for individuals and families who want more information about the advantages of an Intermediate Care Facility.

Being aware of all available care options will help YOU – as a parent or guardian – make the best care decision for your loved one. We are here to help you navigate the admission process. Contact us today at 330-877-3694. Ask for Paula or Chloe!

This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

ABA SERVICES

Applied Behavioral Connections

Kristen Maple (330) 309-3133

info@appliedbehavioralconnections.com

ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY MODIFICATIONS

JTEK Solutions Group, LLC

Jared Chevraux (330) 323-0943

www.jtekgroup.com

ACT PREP & TUTORING

Bright Minds Learning Academy

Sheila Lahoti 5368 Fulton Dr. NW Canton, OH 44646 (330) 966-7226

www.brightmindsla.us

ADULT DAY SUPPORT

Premier Approach, LLC

Christian Manns (330) 312-6909

www.facebook.com/PremierApproachLLC

ADULT VOCATIONAL SERVICES CLW (330) 546-0057

www.theclw.com

ALL ABOUT LOCAL BeLOCAL - Stark County (330) 283-8462

bit.ly/3DpSwPd

ANIMAL FENCE/TRAINING

DogWatch of Northeast Ohio

Donnie Myers (330) 915-6036

www.dogwatchneo.com

ART STUDIO

BZTAT Studios, LLC

(330) 371-3150

www.bztatstudios.com

AUTISM SUPPORT

Autism Society of Greater Akron (330) 940-1441

www.autismakron.org

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING

Paragon Accounting and Business Services, Inc. (330) 575-2291

www.paragonabs.com

CHIROPRACTIC/WELLNESS

Vogelgesang Family Wellness & Chiropractic Center (330) 818-1212

www.vogelgesangfamilychiropracticinc.com

CHURCH

First Christian Church (330) 456-2600

www.firstchristian.com

The Chapel Green

Amy Troyer (330) 315-5501

www.facebook.com/greenspecialneeds

CLEANING

Elbow Grease Cleaning Solutions (234) 999-1412

www.elbowgreaseclean1.com

COFFEE SHOP

Whole Latte Love Cafe (234) 360-2233

www.wholelattelovecafe.org

COUNTY DISABILITIES BOARD

Stark Board of Developmental Disabilities

Lisa Parramore (330) 479-3934

www.starkdd.org

Summit DD (330) 634-8877

www.summitdd.org

DAYCARE/PRESCHOOL

Once Upon A Daycare (330) 990-1466

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY CARE

Easterseals Northern Ohio

Conor McGarvey (234) 417-0250

www.easterseals.com/noh

The Workshops, Inc

Rachel Doty (330) 497-3399

www.choosetwi.com

DISABILITY RESOURCES

REM Ohio, Inc

Jo Spargo (330) 644-9730

www.rem-oh.com

EDUCATION SERVICES

Jason’s Place

Melissa Hadnett (234) 714-9815

Facebook

Red Line Advocacy (234) 678-9622

www.redlineadvocacy.com

EMPLOYMENT/STAFFING

Express Employment Professionals (330) 239-8709

www.expresspros.com/cantonoh

ENTERTAINMENT AND FOOD

Stark Flavor (330) 704-1227

www.StarkFlavor.com

EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Pegasus Farm

Shelley Sprang (330) 935-2300

www.pegasusfarm.org

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Skylight Financial Group

Kathryn Bryan (216) 592-7319

www.skylightfinancialgroup.com

Travis DeZordo, Modern Woodmen Of America (330) 704-6211

www.reps.modernwoodmen.org/tdezordo

FRESH MEAT & SEAFOOD

Fat Daddy Meats (330) 904-0288

www.fatdaddymeats.com

FURNITURE - AMISH

Dutch Craft Furniture (330) 893-4041

www.dutchcraftfurniture.com

HARDSCAPES/ LANDSCAPES

Campbell Landscaping (330) 933-9091

www.campbelllandscaping.com

HEALTHY MEAL PLANNING/DELIVERY

Compassion Delivered (330) 575-0996

www.compassiondelivered.org

HOME CARE SERVICES

SafeInHome - Ohio (740) 207-5800

www.safeinhome.com

HOUSE OF WORSHIP Harvestime Temple (330) 877-6544

www.harvestimeonline.org

HVAC

Henry Heating Cooling & Plumbing (330) 364-5571

www.henryheating.com

INDEPENDENT PRIVATE SCHOOL

Wings of Change Therapy Inc

Erica Myers (234) 334-0044

www.wingsofchangetherapyinc.com

INSURANCE AGENT

American Family - Richard Corns

Haley Seifert (234) 714-2300

INTERIOR DESIGN

A & J Arrangements and Design LLC (440) 668-6388

JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES

Creative Rehab (330) 806-0497

www.creativerehab.info

Independent Employment Services

Malcolm Porter (330) 388-5778

www.independentemploy.com

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Carve Your Own Path, Inc. (330) 426-7885

www.carvemypath.org

NON-PROFIT

GentleBrook

Francie Kell (330) 877-7700

www.gentlebrook.org

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

GiGi’s Playhouse Canton

Megan Vance (330) 493-9114

www.gigisplayhouse.org/canton

The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (216) 447-8763

www.dsaneo.org

PERSONAL LEGACY PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT

The Preferred Legacy Trust Company

Tiffany Rockstroh (330) 209-9229

www.preferredlegacy.com

PLUMBING

Henry Heating Cooling & Plumbing (330) 364-5571

www.henryheating.com

PONDS, FOUNTAINS, AND WATER FEATURES

Pond Wiser Inc (330) 833-3764

www.pondwiser.com

POOL WATER DELIVERY

Strouble Water Hauling (330) 877-6795

www.stroubletrucking.com

PREMIUM SHAVED ICE

Kona Ice of Central Canton (330) 398-0120

www.kona-ice.com/local-site/ kona-ice-of-central-canton

PRIVATE SCHOOL

The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children

Gina Bannevich (330) 493-4400

www.goldenkeyschool.com

REALTOR®

eXp Realty : The Amy Wengerd Group

Amy Wengerd (330) 681-6090

www.amysguarantee.com

RESTORATION & CLEANING

Brahlers Cleaning & Restoration

Stacy Ignacio (330) 834-0008

www.brahlerscrr.com

SCHOOLS - PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Julie Billiart Schools (216) 691-8916

www.juliebilliartschools.org

SPECIAL NEEDS PODCAST

Special Needs Ohio Podcast

Rob Gorski (234) 817-5851

www.theautismdad.com

SUMMER CAMP

FCA All Abilities Camp (817) 944-0499

www.neohiofca.org

SUPPORT GROUP Sharing Solutions

www.sharingsolutions.info

THEATRE

Canton Palace Theatre

Laura Strader (330) 454-8172

www.cantonpalacetheatre.org

TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER

CLEARVIEW DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

Dean Miller (330) 224-4403

Facebook

ZOO

Akron Zoo (330) 375-2550

www.akronzoo.org

DISCLAIMER: This publication is owned by The N2 Company and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.

Delivering Neighborhood Connections © 2023 The N2 Company, Inc.

MAYOR KATHY IS VOTING YES FOR ISSUE 21…

This is my story; how I discovered I was having a child with a disability.

On January 30, 2005, I was fivemonths pregnant and on my way to a cheerleading competition with my team, when a driver ran a red light and broadsided my 2004 Honda Pilot. Rushed to the hospital, I underwent an ultrasound, followed by close monitoring by physicians, given my pregnancy. I will never forget numerous physicians asking me if I knew my baby did not have a nasal bone; I did not. The doctors continued, telling me my baby had a hole in her heart

…what about you?

and shorter limbs; the breadth and depth of what I was hearing was not something I immediately understood. The doctors recommended an amniocentesis to assess my baby. Reluctantly, my husband, Tony, who is a physician, and I agreed. After the results came back, we learned our baby girl had Down syndrome – we were in utter shock. Emotions flooded our hearts, and we may have cried for 24 hours straight. We laid in bed staring at the ceiling not knowing what to expect, and worried if our daughter would live.

On May 16, 2005, Vanessa was born six weeks premature via emergency C-section. She was two pounds, 11 ounces at birth – so tiny. There were struggles and moments that held sadness, like the milestones in Vanessa’s life she missed – learning to crawl, walk, communicate. I gained a deep patience for her, and a profound empathy for families of children with special needs. I thought I had my life mapped out, where I was going and when, but God had other plans. He gave us Vanessa, our special gift, who is now 17.

I know Vanessa will need lifelong supports and people to come alongside her. If you have a child with a disability who needs services, you know the effort this entails. The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities is there for us, providing lifelong support to a steadily increasing number of people with disabilities – nearly a thousand more people than just 10 years ago. I have the distinct privilege to be their Levy Chairperson this year.

As a parent, I am requesting your vote for ISSUE 21, which will provide needed supports to over 4,106 people with developmental disabilities. Your vote for ISSUE 21 will make a difference in the lives of people and families who need it the most.

Kathy Catazaro-Perry Mayor, City of Massillon

As a parent, I am requesting your vote for ISSUE 2

MUST KNOW

COMMUNITY RESOURCES & CONNECTIONS

Need to know who to connect with to ask a question? This is where you find out who you need to know!

AKRON BLIND CENTER

Phone: 330-253-2555

Website: www.akronblindcenter.org

The Akron Blind Center Inc. is a membership-based nonprofit organization incorporated in 1948 to serve the blind and lowvision communities. They also provide resources, programs, services and classes for Summit and surrounding counties.

AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Phone: 330-543-1000

Website: www.akronchildrens.org

Akron Children’s Hospital has been caring for children since 1890, and its pediatric specialties are ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. With two hospital campuses, four health centers, and 50+ primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, they’re making it easier for today’s busy families to find the high-quality care they need.

ARC OF OHIO

Phone: 234-571-5689

Website: www.thearcofohio.org

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER AKRON

Phone: 330-940-1441

Website: www.autismakron.org

The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots autism organization committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. The Greater Akron affiliate was founded in 1987 by parent volunteers of children with autism.

BUREAU OF SERVICES FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (BSVI)

Website: www.ood.ohio.gov/individuals-with-disabilities/ services/services-for-the-visually-impaired

MEDINA, PORTAGE, AND SUMMIT COUNTIES

Phone: 330-643-3080

CARROLL AND STARK COUNTIES

Phone: 330-438-0500

BSVI assists eligible people, beginning at age 14, with low vision and blindness by providing direct, personalized

services to assist them in finding and retaining meaningful work and personal independence. Basic services include personal and work adjustment training, vocational training, mental and physical restoration, and placement assistance.

Website: www.211.org

Serving four counties and covering 1.5 million people in Ohio, the United Way 2-1-1 Help Center provides free and confidential 24-hour access to a compassionate professional who will review your options for help, develop a plan and act as your advocate if you are faced with barriers to service. Simply dial 2-1-1 or chat with us for assistance. Se habla Espanol.

COMPASSION DELIVERED

Phone: 330-575-0996

Website: www.compassiondelivered.org

Compassion Delivered provides medically tailored nutritional meals to people coping with chronic, lifethreatening illnesses and diseases.

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST OHIO

Phone: 216-447-8763

Website: www.dsaneo.org

The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio is a nonprofit that provides support, education, advocacy, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

GREENLEAF FAMILY CENTER (DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICES)

Phone: 330-376-9494

Website: www.greenleafctr.org

Greenleaf is a nonprofit organization that strengthens families in our community through counseling, education and support. By offering a variety of programs and services, we are here to help families with the many challenges of daily living and personal crises.

HELP ME GROW

Phone: 330-492-8136

Website: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/ help-me-grow/help-me-grow

Help Me Grow is Ohio’s evidence-based parent support program that encourages early prenatal and well-baby care, as well as parenting education to promote the comprehensive health and development of children. Help Me Grow System includes Central Intake, Help Me Grow Home Visiting, and Help Me Grow Early Intervention.

OHIO’S PARENT MENTOR PROJECT

Phone: 844-382-5452

Website: www.parentmentor.osu.edu

It is the mission of the Ohio Parent Mentors to provide the necessary support and resources to families of children with disabilities and the professionals that serve them by connecting families, schools, and the community to the benefit of students with disabilities.

OHIO COALITION FOR THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Phone: 844-382-5452

Website: www.ocecd.org

The OCECD is a statewide nonprofit organization that serves families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities in Ohio, educators, and agencies who provide services to them.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAID

Phone: 800-324-8680

Website: www.medicaid.ohio.gov

The ODM provides health care coverage to more than three million Ohioans through a network of more than 165,000 providers. Learn more about Ohio’s largest state agency and the ways in which they continue to improve wellness and health outcomes for the individuals and families served at our website.

OHIO DEPT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES

Phone: 800-720-9616

Website: www.jfs.ohio.gov

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is responsible for managing many vital programs that directly affect the lives of Ohioans.

OHIO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

PLANNING COUNCIL

Website: www.ddc.ohio.gov

Phone: 800-766-7426

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. It is the mission of the ODDC to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR OHIOANS WITH DISABILITIES

Phone: 800-282-4536

Website: www.ood.ohio.gov

This state agency works to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. Amoung the many services provided, OOD is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.

PEOPLE FIRST OF OHIO

Website: www.peoplefirstohio.org

People First of Ohio is a statewide organization that works with state legislators and builds relationships with other advocacy groups and state agencies. These relationships promote better interaction among people who make decisions in the communities and the state.

PHILOMATHEON SOCIETY

Phone: 330-453-9157

OF THE BLIND

Website: www.philomatheon.com

This organization is a gathering of blind and visually impaired people, along with sighted family and friends, with a mission and goal to help the blind and visually impaired in the community to help themselves to remain or to become able to live independently and an active member of their community.

PORTAGE COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Phone: (330) 297-6209

Website: www.portagedd.org

The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities exists to connect individuals and families with the services they need for health, safety, education and a high quality of life.

RED TREEHOUSE — RONALD MCDONALD FAMILY

Website: www.redtreehouse.org

Supporting the well-being of families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs. Finding tools, organizations, and events in the community to meet the needs of families.

SHARING SOLUTIONS

Phone: 330-546-2001

Website: www.sharingsolutions.info

A community of parents/guardians of individuals from transition to adult age with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, professionals who serve the IDD community, caregivers, and policymakers. The focus is to provide information, support, and assistance to all. Everyone is encouraged to play an active role in sharing their resources, knowledge, and experiences.

SOCIAL SECURITY

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION — CANTON

Phone: 877-255-1509

Website: www.secure.ssa.gov

The Social Security Administration assigns Social Security numbers and administers the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs. They also administer the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind and disabled.

STARK COUNTY BOARD OF DD

Phone: 330-477-5200

Website: www.starkdd.org

Stark DD connects individuals and families with the services persons with developmental disabilities need for health, safety, education and quality of life.

SUMMIT COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BOARD

Phone: 330-634-8000

Website: www.summitdd.org

Summit DD offers early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, as well as transition services for students with developmental disabilities to vocational, habilitation and retirement programs for adults.

TRIAD DEAF SERVICES

Phone: 330-768-7272

Website: www.triadds.org

TRIAD Deaf Services Inc is an agency providing services to the deaf community in Stark, Carroll, and Tuscarawas Counties. They provide support services, interpreting, leadership, deaf advocacy and education.

Have a suggestion for an important connection that could be added to this page? Email your suggestion to rick.miller@n2co.com.

Where Every Ability is Celebrated

We offer high quality, researched based, instruction for students with disabilities K-12 with a focus on vocational skill education.

SERVICES INCLUDE: On-Site Educational Services

Off-Site Intervention Services IEP Writing and Compliance Professional Development Comprehensive ESY Program

Now Enrolling! 234-678-9622

bhazelett@redlineadvocacy.com 3503 Fortuna Drive Akron, Ohio 44312 www.redlineadvocacy.com

VERMICOMPOST

Yet another example of Pegasus Farm providing a unique participant experience.

Over 5 years ago, Pegasus Farm, a nonprofit therapeutic equestrian center located in Hartville, received grant funding to start a Vermicompost operation on our property. The proprietary blend of treated pre-compost (yes, horse manure) is fed to hundreds of thousands of red worms that digest the food. The worms produce castings, or worm poop, that are cut once per week from the bottom of the large bins. The castings are run through a series of shredders and mesh screens before being packaged as Pegasus Farm Vermicompost.

Pegasus sells the Vermicompost at our Country Store and Gardens as well as Hartville Hardware. Sales have doubled year over year, and we are the only product like this in our area, BUT that’s just part of the story.

Ty, Avery and Zach participate in the Pegasus Farm Wings Program, a community-based vocational service that offers adults with developmental disabilities an integrated work environment in a unique farm setting with therapeutic, recreational and social support.

From shoveling to screening, weighing, labeling and packaging all the way through to selling our Vermicompost, our participants experience employment opportunities that are meaningful and support the overall mission of the farm. Pegasus provides this service to over 30 adults within the program in various jobs on our farm. You can see the sense of pride that they have in their work and on the farm.

Stop out to our Country Store and Gardens to pick up a bag or two of our Vermicompost for your spring plantings! All purchases from the store support the mission of Pegasus Farm.

MEET THE SN LIVING MAGAZINE SQUAD!

Meet

Rick Miller Owner Mike Sturdivant Content Director

Dave Keller Ad Strategist / Client Services

Calista Fouts

Social Media Ambassador

Sarah Smith Writer

Andrea Hurr Writer

Melissa Klatt Writer

Julian Curet Photographer

Michelle Herdlick Photographer

SN LIVING COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

April issue

JOE ALBERT J. ALBERT STUDIOS

Joe Albert is an expert photographer with a studio located in the heart of Downtown Canton. He has mastered the art of seeing the world through a photographer’s eye, which, as he states, means “to look for the beauty in everything.” Joe has loved getting to know his clients over the years and takes pride in having those same individuals continue to come to him for the most memorable milestones in their lives, their senior portraits, engagement photos, their wedding and ultimately their children and family pictures. Joe loves nothing more than a good whiskey and cigar and never leaves home without his camera!

ANSCHUTZ COMPASSION DELIVERED

AMANDA

Amanda was born and raised in Stark Co. She graduated from Lake High School in 1997 and then attended Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. Her degree was Business, Communications, and Marketing and a minor in Elementary Education and Social Work. Amanda and her husband, Daniel, live in North Canton and have two daughters, Makayla (17) and Lillian (11). In 2017 she and her husband founded Compassion Delivered, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit where she is the Co-Founder & President. Compassion Delivered mission is to provide healthy meals to people coping with life-threatening or terminal illnesses in our community at no cost. They believe that people should not have to choose between medical care they need or suffer from the malnutrition and hunger caused by their illnesses or diseases. Amanda is thankful for the opportunities that God has placed in their lives to help support the community that they call home.

TERRY FRANK, THE GOLDEN KEY CENTER FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN, INC.

Terry Frank, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children, Inc., has been in the special needs education field for over 40 years. She began her career as an Intervention Specialist at the Stark County Board of DD. Autism specialization developed with collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, and certification in RDI- Relationship Development Intervention. In 2008, she cofounded The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children. The Golden Key has become essential in the area providing services as a nonpublic charter school and preschool program for the Autism Scholarship Program and The Jon Peterson Scholarship Program.

SARA HANDY HAMMER & NAILS

Sara Handy a Stark County native with experience in fundraising, marketing, and communications. She graduated from Hoover High School & Walsh University and was a member of Leadership Stark Counties 32nd Signature Class. Sara is a mom of two, she and her husband currently reside in Hartville.

REBECCA MCCLARY PARENT MENTOR SOLUTIONS

As a special needs mom, Rebecca seeks opportunities to connect with other parents on similar journeys. Her journey started nine years ago, when her daughter was born prematurely. She is a parent advocate, specializing in guiding parents through the challenges of IEPs, 504s, and school accommodations for children with disabilities. Rebecca jokes that she uses her Communication Degree, from Kent State University, as a navigation tool through thousands of medical appointments, therapies, and school meetings. She resides in Stark County, Ohio with her husband, two children, and three dogs. She loves Jesus, reading, boating, and spending time with family and friends. Also notable, she hates winter.

Ships and Delivers Frozen Wholesale Meats to You. We are a small locally run business and we work with local farmers to bring you the best.

We offer a variety of different bundle options. 12-month freshness guarantee. Individually wrapped USDA choice meat, vacuum sealed and packed with dry ice.

We are a small business. We are located in Massillon, Ohio. Our Storefront is open every day 8am-8pm. We offer free local delivery and Have sales representatives out every day.

We sell Frozen Wholesale Meats. We offer a variety of different bundle options. 12-month freshness guarantee. Individually wrapped USDA choice meat, vacuum sealed and packed with dry ice. Once sent out they will be received in (2) days. Please Visit Our Website For More Information:

SH i NE

In the fall of 2022, Westbrook Park Church pastor, Joel Adkins, approached church member Diana Spaulding about coordinating a Night to Shine event at the church. Diana loved the idea and Westbrook Park Church quickly teamed up with the Tim Tebow foundation to host Night to Shine! This event is an unforgettable prom night experience

Hosted by Westbrook Park Church, in partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation

centered in God’s love for people with special needs ages 14 and over.

On February 10, 2023, Westbrook Park church along with over 600 host churches in all 50 states and over 30 countries celebrated a Night to Shine. This was Westbrook Park’s first year to host this amazing worldwide movement, but it was the Tim Tebow Foundation’s 9 year, and worldwide more than 110,000 honored guests with special needs were shown God’s love with the help of over 200,000 volunteers.

At the Night to Shine Canton event, it was a sea of smiles as the balloons fell over The Commons of the Timken Career Campus. Over 130 in-person and virtual guests celebrated with the help of 218 volunteers.

Every honored guest entered this complimentary event on a red carpet with a warm welcome from a friendly cheering crowd of paparazzi. Each guest received the royal treatment, including a catered dinner, limousine

rides, professional photography, corsages and boutonnieres, hair and makeup stations, shoe shining, karaoke, games and of course a dance floor. A respite area was also available for parents and caretakers to eat dinner and relax. The evening all led up to the moment when each honored guest was crowned king or queen of the prom.

Each guest was paired with a buddy to accompany them through the evening. And the young men from the Mount Union baseball team and the Malone soccer team were an enormous hit with our guests. They were full of energy and brought so much joy to the evening.

The Night to Shine DJ was the incredible Matt Luther who had everyone on the dance floor until the end of the night.

Diana Spaulding along with her leadership team from Westbrook Park Church led the event and Canton City Schools Assistant Superintendent Jason Dixon was more than generous to allow the event to be hosted at the Timken Career Campus, helping to coordinate facilities and resources to make the night an enormous success.

For Westbrook Park’s first year as a host church, the event was an enormous success. Guests were treated to a night of fun, music, food, and fellowship. Not only were the honored guests blessed, but so were the many volunteers and the many contributors that helped. Each guest left the event knowing they are loved by God and the community just as they are.

A special thanks to everyone who attended and all the wonderful volunteers who made the night possible. A special thank you to: Canton City Schools, TWI, Hartville Balloon Shoppe, Chick-fil-a, Developing Angels, and the host of the event, Westbrook Park Church for their leadership, prayers, and support to help make this event a huge success.

For more information about Night to Shine Canton visit www.nighttoshinecanton.com and like/follow us on Facebook @ Night to Shine - Canton. We look forward to celebrating with everyone in 2024!

We o er a variety of community activities, all of which are chosen by participants of the program. At Premier Approach you’ll enjoy a fun, friendly & relaxed atmosphere. Get out and enjoy the things you already love, while also exploring other new and exciting opportunities. SERVICES PROVIDED: · Adult Day Support ·

Hello. I am Amanda Anschutz, cofounder of Compassion Delivered, and I am here to write about a subject that no one enjoys discussing but is something we should all be discussing. We should make it as normal as talking about the weather. What topic would that be? Grief. (Oh goody, right) I am not an expert, nor will I ever claim to have the professional knowledge of navigating this part of life, but I have personal and professional experience.

Six years ago, my husband, Daniel, and I formed a non-profit called Compassion Delivered. We exist to provide free healthy meals to people diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness in our community. When we started, we never thought the people we would serve wouldn’t typically overcome their diagnoses. Honestly, we were naive in

Navigating the Grief Journey

WRITTEN BY AMANDA ANSCHUTZ, CO-FOUNDER OF COMPASSION DELIVERED

that area. It took a year and two months to experience the loss of one of our meal recipients; we had to come face to face with grief. It was a different type of grief experience that neither of us would have been prepared for. I have experienced grief in my personal life, family and friends passing away, losing friends to suicide, and going through a divorce. All things that thrust you right into grief, and you find yourself trying to navigate each one differently, but at the core of it, it is the same, deep sorrow.

Every person will want to weigh in on what worked for them or what didn’t work for them as they went through grief. I want to clarify that grief never leaves; we learn to adjust our lives to it. Anyone who tells you that you will get over it hasn’t experienced it, and it’s not their fault they don’t understand;

one day, they will. So here we are, talking about grief and how to navigate it. I wish I could hand you the road map and say follow each step, and it will be easy, but that’s not possible. I can share what I’ve done or what I am doing. I hope you will feel you can relate to what I am sharing with you today. Since we started Compassion Delivered, we have lost over 120 people in under six years, and it doesn’t get any easier; if anything, it gets more challenging because you know what’s coming. Each meal recipient begins as a stranger, but in the end, they are family. We have had the privilege of welcoming over 260 new family members into our organization. The food gets us in the door to have a set at their table. We have the opportunity to laugh with them and share stories and memories

of their lives, but we are also there to be quiet when they get hard news or to hug them when there isn’t anything left to do. We believe in walking this journey with them no matter how hard it will be; we want them to know they are not alone.

So what do I do to navigate the grief journey? Laugh, I laugh. Laughter is not only a good release but also good for your state of mind. This reaction typically throws people off because it’s not a typical response when you are sad. Usually, when you expect to fill utter sadness sometimes, you will find yourself making jokes or nervously laughing, and that’s OK. It is also a defense mechanism, and the reaction is completely normal, don’t forget that.

Laughter is truly the best medicine in life. Incorporate it into your life, even when it’s hard. We like to tell ourselves two lies: Lie number one is that you must have it all together. And when someone asks you, you tell them that you are fine. Lie number two is everyone’s life is perfect but yours. And we try to compare ourselves to other people’s broken lives. So how do you fix it? Stop both of those because it’s OK that you are broken, and it’s OK that you are not OK; we all are. There is no fault in not having it together, and it’s time that we tell the truth about how we feel and what’s going on, it’s the only way to fix it – be honest with people, and if they cannot walk this journey of grief with you, that’s OK.

Recently we experienced a lot of loss, and it became heavy to carry it on my own, which I typically do because I don’t want people to be overwhelmed by my sadness. But this particular week, I couldn’t hold it back anymore, and I asked my husband if we could take a day to get out of town, and we did; we drove to Buffalo, NY (day trip, crazy – I know) BUT it was precisely what I needed, it’s what my heart needed. We laughed a lot, made new memories, and talked about the hard stuff, but most importantly, we didn’t hide how we felt. You have to let these feelings out when they happen; holding them in won’t solve anything, but it will create more problems. *I’ll touch on that at another time.

First Christian Church 6900 Market Ave N. Canton, Oh. 44721

For More Information, email Jodi Broom (Jodi@sharingsolutions.info) or Rick Miller (Rick. Miller@n2co.com) ****Free Entry To The Community****

SATURDAY | APRIL 20th | 10AM-2PM

VENDORS ARE INVITED TO SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER $25

FRIDAY

AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE MONTH

BY TERRY FRANK, CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GOLDEN KEY CENTER FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN, INC.

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month!! This month reminds us to work together to empower everyone to increase the support and services needed for all, when they need it, and how they need it. A favorite quote from Helen Keller says it all: “Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much.”

One of the main difficulties we see from parents at The Golden Key is their lack of guidance and information on understanding the process necessary to receive services educationally for their child. This can be such a confusing path! Let me see if I can help with that.

Having a medical diagnosis of Autism does not mean that a child will receive the educational services needed. The process of receiving the eligibility for special education services is different from receiving a medical diagnosis. Unfortunately, the medical diagnosis and the educational eligibility are separate entities, yet both are important to receiving support in different ways.

Educationally, a child has to be deemed “eligible” to receive special education services. To receive an eligibility determination, the school district of residence does an Evaluation Team Report (ETR). The ETR is guided by the school psychologist and includes input from parents,

therapy staff, and educators. Through that evaluation, the team determines if a child meets the eligibility requirements to receive specially designed instruction, and under what category the child is eligible to receive those services. This process is extensive but an ETR, done well, provides a lot of information on the strengths and weaknesses that child has, and recommendations for supports and services to provide the assistance needed.

The district of residence must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days once the district has gotten parent or guardian permission in writing. After an initial ETR the evaluation is completed every three years.

There are many safeguards in place to dispute an evaluation, or services provided. The best resource for all parents is A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education. This procedural document is easily found under the Ohio Department of Education website.

The ETR is the precursor to the development of the IEP- the Individualized Education Plan, an annual document. Within the IEP, information on current levels of academic, behavior, and social-emotional functioning are provided. This is the legal document that guides the

One

things about residing in

state of Ohio is the School Choice options we have available here.

Ohio provides two scholarship programs for our special needs population; the Autism Scholarship Program and the Jon Peterson Scholarship Program.

Terry Frank, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children, Inc., has been in the special needs education field for over 40 years. She began her career as an Intervention Specialist at the Stark County Board of DD. Autism specialization developed with collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, and certification in RDI- Relationship Development Intervention. In 2008, she cofounded The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children. The Golden Key has become essential in the area providing services as a nonpublic charter school and preschool program for the Autism Scholarship Program and The Jon Peterson Scholarship Program.

therapeutic and educational services the child will receive based upon the ETR.

One of the great things about residing in the state of Ohio is the School Choice options we have available here. Ohio provides two scholarship programs for our special needs population; the Autism Scholarship Program and the Jon Peterson Scholarship Program. These programs provide a choice for families to send their child to a special education program other than the one operated by the school district of residence. Any student who has been identified by their district as a child with autism and for whom the district has created an individualized education plan (IEP) qualifies for the Autism Scholarship program. A child is eligible to apply to participate in the program when the child turns three. The Jon Peterson Special Needs (JPSN) Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students who are eligible to attend kindergarten through 12th grade and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their district.

School choice should be for all! Hopefully, this information is helpful to anyone needing clarification as they are pursuing supports for their child.

of the great

the

WRITTEN BY MELISSA KLATT

BY MICHELLE HERDLICK

PHOTOGRAPHY

Set your sights on something you want, find something related to that, and keep working on it until you are able to reach your dream.

Fourteen-year-old Landon Myers was told his entire life he would struggle. He would begin receiving therapy and intervention services before age two. He would spend more time in therapy than out with friends. They also said he wouldn’t read due to his severe dyslexia.

With the perseverance and support from mom, Veronica, and dad, Jacob, 8th grader Landon wouldn’t accept anything less than reaching his dreams. So, he put in the hard work to get there.

Landon Myers is all about learning new things and proving others wrong!

LANDON’S TRIALS BEGIN

Despite being told he likely wouldn’t read, Landon worked hard, determined to gain those skills. He kept at it over and over again until he learned the skills to do so!

“Look at me! They said I would never read, and look at me now,” Landon says.

His trials don’t stop with overcoming his dyslexia. Outside of his regular schedule and appointments, Landon also has a full schedule packed with regular therapy to help support him as he grows older:

“He goes to occupational therapy weekly to help with his sensory regulation and physical therapy weekly to help with issues he has with his ankles and feet... Due to sensory issues as a young child, he has always walked on his tiptoes,” says mom, Veronica. “After a while, this took its toll on his body. He has been in physical therapy since he was 2 years old. At one point, his muscles and tendons were so tight in his legs and ankles that he couldn’t stand for more than a few moments without being in pain. This was extremely difficult because he has always been a very active kid!”

NO ONE CAN STOP LANDON ONCE HE GETS GOING!

You would think that with all of the trials Landon faces everyday, he couldn’t possibly add more to his schedule… Think again! Landon has a variety of extracurriculars he pursues that keep him a very busy guy:

• He attends piano lessons weekly. He has been playing piano for 7 years with the last 4 years participating in Akron Children’s Piano-a-thon to raise money for music therapy for children. He’s even dabbled in writing some of his own songs with the help of his piano teacher Courtney H!

• He’s been in Taekwondo since 2016; However, because of severe restrictions in his achilles tendon and multiple procedures, he hasn’t been able to attend since 2020. Landon is a brown-tip at Asian Sun in Green! This means he only has four more steps before he can test as a black belt. His feet and ankles are doing better, so he hopes to start going back soon!

• He’s been playing on Canton Challenger Baseball since 2015. He plays on the Giants and earned the nick-name, “Big-Bang”, due to his power behind the bat!

LANDON’S MESSAGE TO OTHERS TACKLING THEIR OWN OBSTACLES

Though Landon hates the spotlight, he carries a message important for anyone who’s going through their own obstacles right now:

“I wouldn’t be able to do the things I enjoy if I didn’t work for them!”

He also believes the world could use a lot more good in it. We need more stories of inspiration, more dream-chasing, and more acts of kindness. While he lives his life in reflection of these goals, you can, too! Just set your sights on something you want, find something related to it, and keep working on it until you reach your dream.

• He volunteers with a ministry called, “Love Is A Verb”. He wakes up early every other Sunday to feed a homeless population breakfast outside of a shelter. Landon believes in community and doing what he can to help!

• He also loves games! Video games, card games (like YuGi-Oh!, Pokemon, and Digimon), and playing chess with his dad, Jacob.

“A diagnosis is not the end of the world. Focus on the child you have and not what other people say they can’t do. Let them try the hard stuff because you never know what they’ll excel at!” says Jacob Myers.

LANDON’S NEWEST FIXATION: DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS

Landon has a tendency to get fixated on a new topic and spend as much time as possible learning everything about it! His newest fixation: playing Dungeons and Dragons.

“His latest obsession has been learning all about Dungeons and Dragons. Learning on our own was difficult, so I reached out to a friend, John M., who has been playing for a long time,” says Veronica. “He was able to walk us through how to create a character and what each of the dice is for, as well as how to actually understand the rules! It has been an amazing learning experience and has given us a way to bond and connect with each other. Because Landon doesn’t have a lot of friends who play DnD, I started learning with him. It’s pretty amazing the skills he’s picking up on, without realizing, because he’s having fun. He is learning a lot of social skills through roleplaying, brushing up on his math skills through stats and dice rolls for his characters and actions, and is reading incredibly challenging words in the books to continue learning and creating the best character he can come up with. Landon has always been very creative and this gives him a way to channel some of that into creating backstories for characters and coming up with his own adventures and campaigns!”

Did you enjoy learning about our newest Dungeons and Dragons player, Landon Myers? If so, follow Special Needs Living Magazine on Facebook (@snl.cak) for the latest events and stories of amazing individuals in the Akron/Canton area!

Challenger Baseball, an organized baseball league for people with special needs, is a division of Little League International. The purpose is to give every child the chance to play baseball, to feel accepted by their team, and to enjoy the game.

Thirty-three years ago, Bonnie McClellan had a dream to give children with a disability the opportunity to play baseball and socialize with their peers. In 1990, Challenger Baseball began with two teams. Today, the organization has

nine regular division teams and four senior division teams.

“This organization gives kids with disabilities a summer sport to look forward to,” said Brittany Carver, Challenger Baseball President. “Most teams will refer to their team as family; I mean after all you do spend all summer at the ball field with them, playing one to two games a week and also attending the yearly state tournament. It’s rewarding seeing our kids out there on the ball field accomplishing things they never

thought they could. To see players advance from running around on the field to actually learning the game is touching. I could not imagine my life without the Canton Challenger Baseball League.”

Challenger Baseball is open to boys and girls with an IEP, ISP, or 504 Plan and who will be four years old and older by April 30, 2023. The regular league is for those ages four through 18 , or 22 if still enrolled in high school. The senior league is for ages 16 and older.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH

There are approximately 160 kids in the league and there is always room for more! Registration for the 2023 season can be found at www. cantonchallengerbaseball.org. The teams play on regulation Little League fields, with regulation Little League uniforms, using most of the regulation equipment. Adaptations are made based on each individual’s abilities and needs. The season begins in late April and runs through August. Of course, none of this would be possible without the managers, coaches, parent representatives, Vice President, Beth Wurgler, and all the volunteers it takes to make the season run smoothly!

More information about Canton Challenger Baseball can be found at www.cantonchallengerbaseball.org.

The teams are comprised of players with various levels of abilities. No one is turned away. From those with sight or hearing impairments, to those with Down Syndrome, to those needing a walker or wheelchair, to those with developmental disabilities, autism, or ADHD, there is a place on a team for everyone! Hats and jerseys are provided for each team member. No other equipment is required, though most players choose to have their own glove.

Challenger Baseball is a 501(c)3 organization and accepts donations for field upkeep, tournaments, and more. The organization tries to keep the cost very low to give the families the ability to play ball, relying on fundraising and donations. Everyone is invited to come to opening day to support players, be at the ball field, and show the community of players that they matter.

Challenger Baseball is on deck!

in a gym. The Johnsons love spending time with their basketball families. Lastly, Angela says that you know your child better than anyone else and trust your gut, and don’t take no for an answer. “We are passionate that early intervention and allowing her to be fully included at her school have given Karis the ability to thrive academically and socially.”

A 5th grader in the Carrollton School District Karis Johnson, who has Down Syndrome, is thriving both academically and socially. Her mother, Angela credits that to early intervention, mothers’ intuition and experience, and finding the resources to help her child and her community.

Diagnosed after birth her parents understandably had some concerns and found it hard to be heard by medical professionals. Angela says they were quick to say that her concerns were due to her Down Syndrome diagnosis, but Karis is the youngest of 4 and Angela is an early childhood teacher, so she knew she had to take matters into her own hands. As soon as she could, Angela got her working with Early Intervention servicing which was a challenge due to living in a rural area and only having a few other children in their community with her diagnosis. They had to travel to find programs and resources but immersed Karis in every opportunity they could find. With Angela’s teaching background, she knew she wanted Karis to be fully included in their school district which has allowed her to thrive. Karis has a great group of the same age, typical peer

friends who don’t see her differences. She loves art class, is planning on joining the choir next year, and wants to be a cheerleader - doing way more than the expectations that were given to her when her parents received her diagnosis!!

Angela says that a diagnosis is scary and overwhelming. “Give yourself grace. Resources are there, sometimes you just have to look for them. Many parents like myself have done some of the leg work already and would love to help you on your journey.” The Johnsons are pleased that surrounding communities are starting to have opportunities for children with Down Syndrome. They were having to travel to Cleveland to participate in groups and organizations but are now finding more opportunities in Canton which is much closer for them.

“Karis is smart, kind, compassionate, funny, and thoughtful,” says Angela. “She is such a blessing to our family.” She loves her teachers and being at her brother’s basketball games, which she has practically grown up

Examples:

Hartville Memorial Park

335 Park Lane Dr. SW Hartville Ohio 44632

(Please use 225 Lincoln St. SW, Hartville OH for GPS Location)

Come as a VIP

Be our honored guest!

VIPs are individuals of all ages with any physical, cognitive, medical, or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile.

Make ‘m Smile is a party to honor and celebrate people with all types of special needs – our VIPs.

This event is FREE, but registration is required. Please visit makemsmileohio.org and scroll down to the Ohio Banner for registration information.*

*All registrants also qualify for fun program benefits such as Birthday club gifts!

Be a Sponsor

Show the community you care!

There are many ways to participate including:

- Provide a cash gift

- Provide a gift-in-kind item or service

- Offer an activity or entertainment

Be a Smile Maker

A Smile Maker is any non-profit individual, group, church, organization, or school that provides non-professional entertainment.

Put Smiles on Faces

- High School/College Sports Teams

- Church Puppet Teams

- Character Groups

- Drama Groups

- Clowns

- Face-Painters

- Singing Groups and MORE!

Be a Resource Exhibitor

Make ‘m Smile Resource Exhibitors are non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses that provide 75% or more of their services to the Special Needs community.

Connect with Families!

Help the Special Needs community learn how you can be a resource for them.

Have a Booth

Meet families and provide a special activity to bring smiles to VIPs and their families.

Be a Volunteer

Join the Smile Team

Help set up and run the event from start to finish. Volunteers receive an assigned position and commit to working the entire event. Make ‘m Smile is not possible without our Smile Team!

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

- Pre-Event Planning

- Set-Up

- Tear Down

- Registration

- Parking

- Assisting Families and MORE!

To register to be a Sponsor, Resource Exhibitor, Smile Maker, or Volunteer, please visit: makemsmileohio.org

If you would like to make a donation for this wonderful event, you may do so at www.paypal.com/paypalme/MakeMSmileOhio

For more information about registration or to volunteer for this event, email us at Harvestimetemple78@gmail.com. (330) 877-6544

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE PRESENTED BY THE NEAR FOUNDATION

Saturday April 29, 2023 11am-2pm. Faith Lutheran Church 2726 W Market St. Fairlawn, Oh 44333

Bring unwanted medical equipment to donate and/or pick up something to take home. Suggest items include wheelchairs, gait trainers, bath chairs, standers, lifts, activity seats, communication devices, etc.

**Due to liability, car seats are not permitted. Please plan to take home any unclaimed equipment you bring.**** Food and beverages will be available for suggested donation amounts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Website: www.heargoesfar.org

Email: heargoesfar@gmail.com Facebook.com/nearfoundationllc

ABOUT THE HOST:

The NEAR Foundation (Networking, Education, Advocacy, & Resources) helps families who have a loved one with complex needs and disabilities. Their Board of Directors is made up entirely of parents of children with disabilities. Their shared passion is using the experiences and knowledge they have gained over the years to spread inclusion throughout their community and beyond!

The NEAR Foundation helps in ways such as connecting families to one another, helping families find needed medical supplies and equipment, helping them understand the ins and outs of the Special Needs Community, finding information to help families understand diagnoses, and helping you advocate for yourself or a loved one.

ABCS OF IEPS

How could a parent mentor help me?

BY REBECCA MCCLARY, SPECIAL NEEDS MOM AND PARENT ADVOCATE

Most parents dread upcoming ETR/IEP/504 meetings. If these lengthy meetings make you feel uncomfortable, stressed or anxious, you are not alone! The idea of having your child evaluated for special education services does not come with warm fuzzy feelings. I get it … I have been there. Evaluations can take several weeks to complete, then you are expected to digest a significant amount of data in a matter of an hour. If your child qualifies, you then have to help create a 504 plan or an IEP. The initial process and the annual meetings can be overwhelming. During these meetings, our minds can easily go into overdrive and spin out of control. Some parents are nervous to ask questions, which is also understandable. This is where having a parent mentor with you can be beneficial.

What is the role of a parent mentor?

Think of a parent mentor as a tour guide. Your tour guide will be the one to share knowledge and information about a place that is unfamiliar to you. You can ask your tour guide questions to gain clarity. This is the job of a parent mentor. As a parent mentor, I guide parents through the evaluation process, meetings, and I’m available for any concerns thereafter. I explain special education terms, results on evaluations and offer suggestions and ideas for each child’s individual needs. Prior to meetings, I educate them on the process and the rights they have as parents. During meetings, I support parents by prompting them with pre-written questions and ideas, if they forget to ask and become their note-taker. Most importantly, I model ways for parents to advocate for their children. Being a special needs mom for (almost) ten years, I have been in the parent’s shoes and I still am today.

When should I reach out to a parent mentor?

My response to this question is, now! The sooner you reach out for support, the more support a parent mentor can provide. Many parents establish long-lasting relationships with their parent mentor. Having this support system can give parents a peace of mind knowing they have someone to contact at any time. Many parents will wait until they have outsourced all their resources and are left feeling hopeless. Having someone lined up from the very start can save you a lot of stress in the long run!

What should I look for in a parent mentor?

Parent mentors come with all different types of backgrounds. You will have to decide what experience you want your mentor to have. Some mentors, like myself, have lived experience. I have been in your shoes before. I spent countless hours crying, confused and alone before I sought help from someone. Now, I want to help others through and share my knowledge. Other mentors have a background in social work or school psychology. Think about what experience would be most helpful for you and seek a mentor with that background. Majority of mentors can work with parents state-wide, or even throughout the country.

Always remember, you know your child BEST! I remind every parent, I get the privilege to work with, of this. As a parent mentor, my job is not to tell you what is best for your child, but rather give suggestions or ideas for you to research, think and make decisions about. You will always be the voice for your child. I will be the voice to guide you, support you, encourage you and help you advocate for your child’s needs. I know this is not always easy, but you can do it! With the right support, resources, and knowledge, you can have peace about your child’s special education needs.

Would you like to connect? Feel free to reach out to me.

Phone:330-936-6986

Email: parentmentorsolutions@gmail.com

Life skills, self-advocacy, self-determination, healthy living, social skills. Independence grows when we FUSE together all of our skills! Explore and engage in your community through regular, small-group, excursions focused on empowerment and skill growth.

Just

Imagine

MEET THE ENOLD TWINS: LIAM AND MARK

WRITTEN BY DEBORAH RILEY PHOTOS BY JULIAN CURET

In some ways, identical twins, Liam and Mark Enold are typical 4-year-old boys. They love Goldfish crackers, mashed potatoes, Veggie Straws, and Oreos. They love to color and watch Thomas the Train. Playing with cars, trains, dinosaurs, and building Legos are their favorite activities! The boys love to climb all over and to get into everything they can, especially big brother Mack’s things. However, in many other ways, they have had far from a typical start to life. Liam and Mark have overcome many significant challenges in their 4 short years and still face additional challenges as they continue on life’s journey. Fortunately, they have the love of their mom and dad, Brooke and Teddy, as well as big brother, Mack, to get them through!

At 34 weeks into Brooke’s pregnancy with Liam and Mark, it was discovered that there was fluid buildup around Mark’s heart. Doctors decided that it would be in the boys’ best interest to go ahead and deliver at 34 weeks. The twins spent 24 days in the NICU learning how to eat. Mark was just 3lbs 9oz and Liam was 3lbs 13oz. At 1-yearold, the twins were diagnosed with a genetic disorder called SETD5. When they were diagnosed, there were less than 50 people with the condition worldwide. Available information on the condition was scant, and the Enolds were told that Liam and Mark may never walk. The boys couldn’t sit up on their own until about 2 years old, and were 2 and a half before they took their first steps. Mark

took to walking sooner than Liam. After taking their first steps, Liam waited almost another 6 months before walking consistently. Initially, the boys started using gait trainers to walk, as well as AFOs and SMOs. Now they are able to walk with just the assistance of an insert around the bottom of their feet. These days, they seem to find a way to get whatever they want by climbing on whatever they can find!

Feeding has been a challenge with the boys since day one. As infants, they would not eat food nor use a baby spoon. In fact, they never ate any baby food at all. These days they do eat some regular food, preferring things such as snacks like Veggie Straws, Goldfish, chips, and crackers. Despite doing better with food, they still do not eat enough to fill them up. To ensure they are getting all of the nutrients they need, they are given Pediasure Peptide. The boys also struggle with aspiration and must have any liquids they consume thickened to a “honey consistency” to prevent anything from accidentally entering their lungs.

The boys have been in various therapies since coming home from the NICU, and continue to participate in

therapies today. Liam and Mark use an AAC device to help communicate with others. When they first started working with Physical and Occupational therapists, it was extremely challenging for everyone involved. The boys would just cry and cry, making it hard for the therapists to make progress. It got so bad that they took a break from therapy for a while. Once returning to therapy, the boys did much better when they could take their special blankets. Now they absolutely love it and race to be the first one in! These days they participate in Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapies at Akron Children’s Hospital. Akron Children’s has been a huge part of the Enold family’s life and they continue to support the Enolds with whatever they need! Brooke says that she is appreciative of all the boys’ therapists and teachers! “They have been there from the beginning and were able to help us understand new things going on and guide us where we need to go next.”

Brooke’s advice to parents and families in the Special Needs Community is, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are always people out there willing to help and give advice.” With the love of Liam and Mark’s family and the support of their therapists and teachers, the Enold Twins have a bright future!

ASPIES YOU’RE NOT ALONE

ASPIES: Enhancing the lives of children and adults with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD/NOS and other spectrum disorders. You know how you have that go-to person you always ask for advice because they’ve been there and done that? When it comes to information, education, and support for autism spectrum disorders, that contact is ASPIES! ASPIES currently serves seven counties Summit, Stark, Tuscarawas, Portage, Wayne, Medina, and Cuyahoga. matter your location, ASPIES uses its connections to find you the resources you need. They don’t turn anyone away, regardless of where they’re calling from or if their loved ones are officially diagnosed on the spectrum or not.

WRITTEN BY MELISSA KLATT

ASPIES CONNECTIONS AND RESOURCES KNOW NO BOUNDS

ASPIES is a small non-profit with the biggest hearts to help those in need find support! At the front of their ship is Founder and Executive Director, Joy Spencer-DeZordo, a gal who knows a thing or two about juggling the craziness of life while helping the community. Having been a single mom while starting ASPIES in November 2005 as an informal support group helping parents understand the diagnosis and deal with school issues, she’s the inspiration we seek when we look for that shining beacon in the dark.

She’s grown the organization with the help of ASPIES volunteers to provide the following services:

• Monthly parent meetings in Akron and Bolivar

• Adult meetings in Akron

• Monthly Zoom meetings

• Numerous social activities throughout the year

• Email and phone assistance for resources you need

Her heart shines like gold as she handles calls and emails. “I had the opportunity to help a local grandfather find resources in Puerto

Rico for his son’s family. That same week, a mother reached out to me as she was in Cleveland receiving medical care. Her adult daughter had been recently diagnosed on the spectrum, and they could find nothing in Puerto Rico to support her. Again, I was able to meet with her and provide her with a number of resources. Then, came the call from a father in Lebanon (the country, not the city in Ohio) whose family was coming to Ohio for the summer. He reached out to me seeking resources they could use while they were here.”

THERE’S NOTHING SMALL ABOUT THIS NON-PROFIT ASPIES runs entirely through its network of volunteers get you the help you need, whether it’s something they can do themselves or not. If ASPIES doesn’t have the capability, they will find you the contact you need! Brittney Ecenbarger heads up the newest Stark/Tuscarawas branch of ASPIES (added in September 2021) bringing with her a wealth of information, experience, and dedication to supporting families.

They don’t claim to be experts, but they are experienced! Check out some of these love notes from families they’ve helped:

“Thank you so much for the information. I understand how things move much slower than planned, but please know that you do an amazing job. You have such an amazing

reputation throughout the community and from personal experience, you are a huge asset to us parents, especially the newly diagnosed family.” - Mindy A.

“I want to thank you again for everything and all the emails that you sent me. I am slowly going through them. There is a lot and I don’t want to miss anything so I am reading every single one of them and going to all of the links. I have to say it, but I think you have helped me more than anybody else. You have no idea how much you have helped us! THANK YOU!!” - Faith S.

“Thank you sO much for sharing this!! You have NO idea how much I needed to read this today! As the tears are streaming down my face, there are no more comforting words for me to hear this morning. I thank you for the very boost I needed!!”

-Katie F.

The Springfield Sparkles Program just hosted their 5th annual Spirit “Spark”tacular Showcase! The purpose of this event is to allow inclusive cheer and dance teams to showcase their talents. There are many divisions that a student can participate in including Team Division, Individual, Duo, Trio, All-Girls, All-Boys. The specialty divisions can be made up of all students with special abilities or with a typically developing peer, making it inclusive! Every team member receives a trophy and a medal. Everyone is a winner. If a student participates in other divisions, they will receive a trophy and medal for the special divisions as well. This year we had 10 teams participating. We begin our event with Opening Ceremonies. This year the Ohio Miss Amazing Queens were our Master of Ceremony leading the teams out onto the floor. American Flags were donated by a veteran and are used yearly. One flag is given to each participant to wave as they are announced and enter the gym while playing the National Anthem. (This gives me goosebumps EVERYTIME!) Lily Keener one of the Springfield Sparkle Cheerleaders signs the National Anthem in American Sign Language. Then the event begins! The teams move to the stands and have the opportunity to cheer and show their spirit for the performing teams. There were 2 college judges this year, (one from The Ohio State University, one from the Indiana State University, and the third was a former SHS cheerleader. The judges fill out “Compliment Sheets” for each performance.

There are many informational vendors at the event. The vendors are invited to allow parents to obtain resources in one location. To name a few, Summit DD is available to answer any questions for parents and GASP(Guardians Advocating for Child Safety and Protection is offering free fingerprinting for children etc...

There were 55 baskets for our basket raffle this year! All donations helps out the Springfield Sparkle Cheer Program purchase cheerleading supplies, go on adaptive outings as well as in the past, buying adaptive equipment for our district.

DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

COMMUNITY IMPACT Q&A

Question and answer session with Sara Handy

Question: Where do you work currently?

Answer: Hammer & Nails, Inc. located on 7th Street in downtown Canton serving all Stark County

Question: What is your job title here?

Answer: Community Relations Specialist

Question: How long have you been employed with your current job?

Answer: 2 Years

Question: How long have you been employed in this industry?

Answer: Over 10 years in the nonprofit sector

Question: What were your previous jobs in the industry?

Answer: I’ve worked in the Advancement and Admissions departments at Archbishop Hoban High School as well as the Advancement Department for CommQuest Services, Inc.

Question: Educational background

Answer: 2011 Graduate of Walsh University with Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications and Marketing

Question: What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include?

Answer: A large majority of my time is spent researching funding and partnership opportunities. I write several grants throughout the year as well as look for speaking engagements to spread the word about how to get involved with Hammer & Nails. I use our social platforms to share pictures and videos of the people and projects we are helping and work with a student intern who helps us be creative with our website.

Question: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?

Answer: Every position I have held professionally has been for the greater good of humanity. At Hoban I served in a role that allowed families the opportunity to give their sons and daughters a faith-filled education. At CommQuest I was a part of a team that fought the demons of addiction trying to steal our loved ones as well as served the underserved in our community who were facing mental health and homelessness issues. Currently at Hammer & Nails I get to find funding that allows lowincome homeowners the ability to live independently and thrive by providing preservation, upkeep, safety

and health-related home repairs and maintenance while also making them feel loved. Our motto is that we are neighbors serving neighbors fixing homes and changing lives!

Question: What part of your job are your most passionate about?

Answer: The ability to give an individual and/or family a new lease on life. As one homeowner put it, We are a Godsend that changed a person’s life overnight. To know that we are making a BIG difference by the smallest acts of kindness doing what anyone can or should do because it’s the right thing to do makes it easy to work here and ask for help with funding. I’m doing what I was taught by my parents to do that I

hope I pass down to my children which is to go out and do good in the world and just do what you know is right and just and holy. If you’re doing it for those reasons, it won’t be work it will be life changing.

Question: What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?

Answer: Don’t be discouraged by all the obstacles you will face. Don’t be afraid because you may feel like you lack knowledge or skill in a certain aspect of your position. Don’t assume everyone knows who you are or what you do. Stay true to yourself and give respect to those that have come before you and who will come after you. The most important part of any position you have is to communicate and collaborate.

Question: What is your favorite success story you have seen?

Answer: We recently helped an elderly woman who purchased an old city home that without having purchased would have made her homeless.

Unfortunately, the home needs so much work to make it safe for her to move around in. During the same time we were assisting her with projects to make it safer, her water heater quit working and she was again in a situation where she desperately needed help and we were able to find that for her through our partnership with Shanklin Heating and Cooling’s non-profit ministry called Heat From His Heart who supplied her with a new one. It’s examples like this that show how we can all work together to help someone who can’t help themselves due to circumstances that are often out of their control. And you would not believe how thankful she was and what it meant to not only receive our services but to just feel like she mattered and was being listened to and loved. It’s the intangibles that truly change the lives we touch.

Question: Where do you see your industry going moving forward?

Answer: The need is only going to grow as the age of both homes and the population becomes greater. Our cities and county need agencies like our who are investing not only in the people but the community and specifically the neighborhoods and homes that make them up.

Question: What has been the biggest factor in your career success?

Answer: Prayers, lots and lots of prayers to try and figure out where God is calling me to be during different seasons of life. And also people, starting with connections made at Walsh and then Hoban believing in me and then CommQuest understanding how passionate about there causes I was and being a part of Leadership Stark County and now our Executive Director allowing me to have the best of both worlds where I am able to work part-time giving back to my community and the rest of my time to my two small children as a mom. I’m so thankful.

MISSION: SERVE THE COMMUNITY

Harvestime Apostolic Temple

WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH

Harvestime

Harvestime Apostolic Temple’s mission is to serve the community in many capacities, making sure everyone feels safe, welcome, and loved. The church strives to be a place where anyone can come and find peace and rest from life’s hardships.

Harvestime, located in Hartville, has long offered ministries for the special needs community. Two of the largest events are Make ‘m Smile Ohio and the Princess Within noncompetitive pageant. Make ‘m Smile is a big party that celebrates kids of all ages with all types of disabilities. It is filled with family entertainment, games, characters, animals, food, helpful resources from the community, a friendship stroll,

Temple

and tons of smiles! The Princess Within pageant celebrates the inner beauty of every girl. Each princess is escorted across a wheelchairaccessible stage and given a tiara.

Like many other organizations, Harvestime had several setbacks during COVID, including pausing building a new church with a wing for the special needs department. However, the church is determined to continue the Make ‘m Smile and Princess Within programs. To continue, the church fundraises all year. On April 1, 2023, Harvestime will host a benefit dinner from 5pm to 8pm at the Uniontown Community Park.

Before the COVID shutdown, Harvestime had a growing and thriving special needs Sunday School program that included class time, the Angels Sign Team that performed regularly in the community which included singing and fun for all. The church hopes to resume these programs soon as more people return to in-person worship.

Harvestime’s heritage dates back to 1938, when Pastor Delmar White

and his wife, Mary, built and founded the first Apostolic church in Akron. Their daughter, Ruth, and her husband, Raymond Smith, felt called to begin a new church in the North Canton/Uniontown/Hartville area. In March of 1978, services began and the congregation quickly grew. Different meeting places were used as the church continued to grow. On January 18, 1986, the congregation voted to purchase the current church building in Hartville. The Smith family legacy continues as Raymond II and his wife, Linda, were voted in as pastors in 2022.

Harvestime has had many ministries. They include a Christian school, a daycare, a bus ministry, and a softball league. The church currently supports foreign and home missions, the special needs ministries, and offers various outreaches throughout the year, meeting the needs of the homeless, children at back-to-school time, and those in need during the Christmas season.

“We want everyone to know they are welcome here,” said Shelly Keller, church secretary. “If you are looking for a church home, we have a lot of love to give. If you have a special needs loved one, or are a part of the special needs community, please remember you are welcome here. We truly are all-inclusive. Jesus loves the whole world and we do too.”

Harvestime describes itself as apostolic in doctrine, Pentecostal in experience, holiness in lifestyle, and evangelistic in mission and its worship style is just like the book of Acts in the Bible.

Harvestime is located at 136 E. Maple St., Hartville Ohio, 44632. More information can be found at www.harvestimeonline.com or by calling 330-877-6544.

Beauty Belongs to Everyone

Introducing Jordann Carr simply through images

FINAL TAKE

PHOTOS CAREFULLY SELECTED BY MIKE STURDIVANT

Sapphire City Board Game Parlor

Liam & Mark Aspies

Landon Myers

Springfield Sparkles

Jordann & Nala

Karis Johnson

Night to Shine