Week of January 25th, 2021
"I prayed for 20 years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs"
—Frederick Douglass
John's Usual Excuses & Apologies-

Hopefully everyone is doing pretty well with their 2021 resolutions. I'm 25 days into dry January. It's funny how when you take something off the table for a defined length of time and try not to think about it, well you start wondering if maybe you don't have a bit more of a dependency than you thought. Other than the fact that I am thinking about various libations more than I typically do, I haven't noticed any other effects related to my time off the juice.

I appreciate everyone who took the time to complete the CLI survey over the past few weeks. We need feedback in order to keep improving our programs. This year was even more important because we need the information as part of the DODD grant that was awarded to CLI so that we can expand our STEPS activities.

The first step of this DODD STEPS grant was to complete an assessment of what CLI is doing right now-- and determine whether people want and/or need more STEPS type services. We should have this assessment portion ready to share in 2-3 weeks and will include a link from the newsletter as soon as it's done. CLI's working theory is that people need us to put together a new system of supports to make up for the fact that the old workshop, large group day-program model is no longer permitted.
The other grant that DODD awarded to CLI is to help us create a sustainable transition plan to make it possible for Firelands Local LLC to become an independent company. James & I are working on that business plan now and should be ready to share that document with everyone in 2-3 weeks also.

In a lot of ways, it is this 2nd grant that is the most significant in CLI's transformation. We were originally created in 1976 to employ people with DD whose services were provided by the Huron County Board of DD (HCBDD). Since 2016 CLI has been both the provider and still the employer. There are some problems trying to be both, since both compete for limited staff time. It was a one-size-fits-all staffing arrangement that didn't end up fitting most of our clients very well.

As we move forward, this employer role will be Firelands Local's. CLI will exclusively focus on providing the specific services each client identifies as part of their plan. CLI will continue to partner with Firelands Local, so that if a CLI client needs supports on an FL job, CLI will work with ISP teams to build the exact services that each person needs. We know that change is hard, but CLI believes that our most productive path forward is building a model that give each of our clients tools to structure services that fits that person's unique needs.

That's all I have for this week. Stay safe, your mask on & your hands clean!
John
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment”
― Oprah Winfrey
Vibrant volunteers were back at it in the New Year, packing bags of food for people in the community. 
Volunteers at the Norwalk Reservoir Clubhouse work to donate their time to many different community causes. To the right Jill & Mark work on a "no-sew" blanket to donate to an Operation Warm fundraiser for the fire department. To the left Shea & Brian hold up a previous project that was won by Brian at a Brown's Watch Party at Kenilee Lanes.

"The only approval you need is your own."

- Amanda Gorman
Alan, Tammy & Jeff have some new games at Seminary. Ask Jeff who dominates the Slingpuck board!
Would you like to join CLI for some fun virtual activities? It's a bunch of loud fun!

“I finally realised that owning up to your vulnerabilities is a form of strength.” 

– Lizzo
Firelands Local LLC Update:
James Johnson
419-921-6400
From GM James Johnson--
I wanted to share a short story. Last Wednesday, January 20th, was a pretty cool day. We swore in the 46th president. This is not an attempt to make any kind of a political statement. It is always an amazing time when this takes place. Around 2 pm that day, I was on my way to Willard to pick up the work crew at MTD. Just south of rt.162 on the side of the road was a bird feeding on a dead animal. As I got closer, the bird raised its head and revealed that it was a bald eagle. I have always cherished the opportunity to see these wonderful birds and symbols. On Thursday I opened my Google app and it had a story about eagles in Ohio. There are 15 known eagles nest in Huron County. I considered myself lucky on Wednesday and very proud at the same time.
 
Production:
We completed just over 12,000 units and shredded just shy of 23,000 pounds of paper.
 
We do have our next shred drop off day on 2/3 from 9-2.
 
Have a great week.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. OOD’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) provide services to individuals with disabilities to help them prepare for, get and keep a job, or get a better job. To learn more about the needs of Ohioans with disabilities, OOD conducts an assessment every three years. Part of that assessment involves reaching out to Ohioans with disabilities to give them a chance to provide feedback about their employment experiences. Survey responses will help OOD evaluate its effectiveness, make improvements, and enhance outreach efforts. The survey is brief (10-15 minutes) and completely anonymous.


The FREE Good Works Cafe will be back next week to run every Friday at 11:30 am until they run out of food.

If you or a friend want a delicious meal but cannot get transportation, we can deliver to you for a $20 donation!

*Donations are accepted & 100% go to future Fridays.*
DODD has some decent online content these days.

Click the video on the left to see a clip of Director Davis talking about DODD's vaccination plan.

You can find more videos by clicking on either the youtube or the DODD website buttons below.

Spread the word!