August 6, 2025

Community Connections Newsletter

New This Issue...

Check out what's new this issue!

  • Ability Block Party
  • Berachah WOW Carnival
  • Cincinnati Children's Autism Study

Inspiration Studios' Community Class

Sunday, August 13 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Join Inspiration Studios for the next Community Class. During the class, you will play with all kinds of fun colors and patterns to create an exquisite piece for your home! The serving platter is a decorative and functional dish that is a great way to show off your creative skills and learn about fused glass creation. Participants can choose from the templates and colors provided, or choose their own design if they feel comfortable and have joined us for a class previously. Claim your spot in class today by clicking the button! 

Resource Butler County Social Services Expo

Friday, August 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Attend the 13th Annual Resource Expo! This is an incredible opportunity to share information about your organization and learn more about Butler County's services. The event is free and will be held at Spooky Nook Sports Complex, 601 North B Street in Hamilton, Ohio. Sign up as a vendor!

Ability Block Party

Saturday, August 16 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join the Encore Day Support's 1st Annual Ability Block Party! This will be a celebration of coming together as a community. This event is for everyone! The party will include music, dancing, activities/games, and food and drinks. The Block party will take place at 2213 Arbor Blvd. Moraine, Ohio. This is a family-friendly event and is wheelchair accessible.

GE Band at Keehner Park Concert Series

Saturday, August 16 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic to enjoy great live music on the lawn of the park at the Keehner Park Concert Series! The GE Band will be performing outside on the Keehner Park Amphitheater stage, located at 7211 Barret Road in West Chester, on Saturday, August 16. The concert will feature musical guest Title 14. There is no charge for admission, and all guests are welcome to bring food and drink for the evening. Alcohol is not permitted in the park.

Berachah WOW Carnival

Saturday, August 23 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join the fun-filled end-of-summer celebration carnival at Berachah WOW Ministry's Johns Road Campus located at 1900 Johns Road in Middletown, Ohio! Enjoy games, food, prizes, and more for FREE! If you have any questions, please contact Tim Wilson at Twilson@sunesiscc.com.

Join the Speak Up Self Advocacy Group!

Tuesday, August 26 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join the advocacy group Speak Up sponsored by the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities! Everyone can be a self-advocate! Meetings occur once a month at the Janet Clemmons Center and are focused on ways to advocate for yourself and your community. If you have any questions, please contact Courtney Hineman at crhineman@butlerdd.org or Lynn Goodwin at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org.

Luke5Adventures Reds Game

Tuesday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Join Luke5Adventures for the first-ever Luke5Adventures Reds game on September 2nd as the Reds take on the Blue Jays! Tickets are $20, and there will be MANY accessible seats reserved for those who need them. If your family needs accessible seats, please request enough for your entire group, not just the person requiring accessibility. For more details and to register, visit Luke5Adventures' website!

2025 Who Dey Dance

Thursday, September 11 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wear your favorite football gear and dance the night away with the GE Band at our Annual Who Dey Dance! The dance will take place at Redeemer Church, located at 3431 Hamilton Middletown Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. Light snacks and drinks will be provided! The entrance cost will be $1 per person at the door. Please register by Friday, September 5 on our website!

2025 Community Recognition Awards

Saturday, September 20 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Are you ready for the 2025 Community Recognition Awards? Now is your chance to register for one of the most memorable events of the year! Help us celebrate the many unsung heroes whose work and advocacy make the world a better place for people with developmental disabilities! This year's awards will take place on Saturday, September 20, from 3-5 p.m. at Berachah Church located at 1900 Johns Road, Middletown, OH 45044. Register to attend the Community Recognition Awards today!

The Future is Now

Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Future is Now is a multi-part series designed to help caregivers and their family members make plans for the future. Throughout this journey of discovery, we will guide families in creating their own letter of intent. A letter of intent is a non-legal document that captures family desires and goals for the future. Creating a letter of intent can help families gain peace of mind that comes with having a plan.

Each session offers an opportunity to learn more about important topics such as hopes, dreams, and worries for the future, expanding personal networks, maximizing public benefits (SSI/SSDI/Social Security, STABLE accounts, and Trusts), future living arrangements, supports for caregivers, and keepers of the dream!

Who?

Parents, caregivers, individuals with developmental disabilities, and siblings are encouraged to attend as a family unit.

How will it work?

Sessions will be hosted by people with a passion for helping individuals and families prepare for the future. Participation is limited to eight families per session. You MUST attend all sessions within the series.

Where?

The Janet Clemmons Center 282 N. Fair Ave., Hamilton, OH 45011. A meal will be provided.

Registration must be completed 1 week before the session begins! Please contact Jenny Mann at jamann@butlerdd.org or 513-785-2813 if you have any questions. Register for the Future is Now November series!

Online Events & Trainings

Best Buddies Registration

All Members Must Complete Registration by Thursday, August 14

If you are a returning member of Best Buddies, you should have received an email from Lynn Goodwin on July 14, 2025, containing the registration link for the 2025–2026 program year.

All members must complete registration by August 14, 2025. If you did not receive the email or need assistance, please contact Lynn at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org.

Hamilton Summer Youth Programming

All Summer Long!

Looking for fun, creative ways to keep your kids engaged this summer? The City of Hamilton, in partnership with 17STRONG, has compiled a brand-new Summer Programming Guide to connect students with exciting activities, camps, and programs happening all across the city during summer break. From laid-back drop-ins to high-energy camps and specialty workshops, there’s something for every age, interest, and schedule. Whether they’re trying something new or diving deeper into a favorite hobby, kids will find welcoming spaces to learn, grow, and make new friends. Check out what you can get your child involved in by visiting the City of Hamilton website!

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati Summer Programs

All Summer Long!

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati's (DSAGC) Summer Programs are here! This summer, the organization put together a wide range of summer programs focused on therapeutic, recreational, educational, and social opportunities for individuals of all ages and stages. These programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of local families with the goal of providing meaningful support and high-quality experiences for our community. DSAGC is offering over 55 new and engaging programs. To register and learn more about DSAGC's summer programs, visit their website!

Cincinnati Children's Autism Study

Cincinnati Children's is holding a study to test the effectiveness of an 8-week program teaching children with Autism either social skills or academic skills. Children diagnosed with Autism who are in middle school (grades 6-8) and their caregivers are encouraged to participate. Participants will receive up to $300 and an 8-week intervention program at no cost. To participate, visit www.redcap.link/skillsbuilder.

MetroParks New Accessibility Guide

MetroParks of Butler County is proud to release its Park Accessibility Guide in July 2025, the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Accessibility Guide provides detailed information about the accessible features of MetroParks, including trails, restrooms, parking areas, shelters, and other facilities. Use this guide to plan your next park visit now!

Kids Bowl For Free All Summer!

Kids Bowl Free is a program designed with families in mind, offering children a fun and safe way to stay active and engaged throughout the summer. All you have to do is find the Kids Bowl Free participating center that you'd like to bowl at this summer. Create a Kids Bowl Free account and register your kids to bowl FREE this summer. Kids can bowl two free games every day, all summer long. Make memories, have fun, and stay active! Find a Kids Bowl Free center near you today!

Outdoors for All

From wheelchair-friendly trails to inclusive playgrounds and adaptive cabins, Ohio’s state parks are making the outdoors accessible for people of all abilities. No matter where you are in Ohio, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Take a look at Ohio's outdoor accessible activities and facilities!

Autism Connections Events and Resources

Are you looking for autism-related resources? Do you have questions about a new diagnosis? Do you know what questions to ask? Contact the Autism Connections Autism Helpline at 513-561-2300 ext. 101 for guidance, assistance, and understanding. You may also ask your questions by emailing info@autismcincy.org. Check out upcoming programs and other community events on the Autism Connections website calendar!

We would never be able to do all that we do without our amazing community! THANK YOU for coming alongside us in support of the individuals and families we serve!
 
 
 
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