Community Connections Newsletter | | |
Check out what's new this issue!
- Annual DSP Honk-A-Thon
- Next Chapter Book Club
- Berachah Church Empowered Day
- Fairfield Optimist Annual DD Fishing Derby
- 4th Annual Serve City Trunk or Treat
- 2025 Serving Our Neighbors Gala
- Urban Air Sensory Friendly Play
- DSP/Caregiver Appreciation Week
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Annual DSP Honk-A-Thon
Wednesday, September 10, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
It's that time of year again for our annual DSP Appreciation Honk-A-Thon! Join us as we thank and celebrate DSPs (Direct Support Professionals, or caregivers) in downtown Hamilton during DSP Appreciation Week! You can either give us your best HONK as you drive through downtown Hamilton, or you can bring your handheld sign and stand with us in front of Inspiration Studios, located at 140 High Street in Hamilton! Take this special opportunity to celebrate those who care for individuals with developmental disabilities with your appreciation signs in hand! We hope to HEAR or SEE you all there! For more details, visit our website!
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Next Chapter Book Club
Thursday, September 11, 25, October 9, 23, and November 13 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Oxford Library, and Monday, September 15, 29, October 13, 27, and November 10 and 24 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Fairfield Lane Library
Next Chapter Book Club is a place for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to read, learn, and make friends! Anyone can participate, whatever their reading or ability level. Thursday sessions will be held at the Oxford Library, and Monday sessions will be held at the Fairfield Lane Library. Participants who require one-on-one support for behavioral or medical needs must be accompanied by a family member or caregiver. Sessions at Fairfield Lane Library require registration!
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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!
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Fairfield Optimist Annual DD Fishing Derby
Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Bring your fishing rod and get ready to fish at the Fairfield Optimist Annual DD Fishing Derby! The fishing derby will be held at 194 Joe Nuxhall Way in Fairfield, Ohio. All bait, food, and drinks will be provided. Please bring a fishing rod. If you don't have one, one will be provided. Please bring your own chair. Register by Friday, September 12, at https://www.butlerdd.org/14971-2/.
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4th Annual Serve City Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 16 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Get ready for some spooky fun at Serve City’s 4th Annual Trunk or Treat! Join the Trunk or Treat celebration in the Serve City parking lot at 622 East Avenue, Hamilton, OH. Families can enjoy a safe and fun evening filled with candy giveaways, music, games, activities, and more! This is a free event for the whole community, so bring the kids, dress up in your best costumes, and celebrate Halloween. Don’t miss out on this family-friendly night of treats and fun!
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2025 Serving Our Neighbors Gala
Saturday, October 18 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join the Community Christian Church for an evening of celebration and reflection as they share the amazing work Serve City contributes to the community. Since 2001 and ongoing, Serve City shines as a beacon of hope for Butler County's most vulnerable neighbors, providing assistance in the key areas of housing, hunger, and help. All community members are invited to attend this formal attire gala event to learn more about the positive impact Serve City makes every day. Register for the Gala today!
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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!
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Urban Air Sensory Friendly Play
First Sunday of the Month from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Air Adventure Park Fairfield Township team for Sensory Friendly Play! This is designed for children with Autism and special needs. During Sensory Play, Urban Air Adventure Park is transformed into a calmer atmosphere for children with special needs and sensory processing difficulties. The cost is $15.99 per child. Urban Air Adventure Park Fairfield Township is located at 3175 Princeton Road.
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DSP/Caregiver Appreciation Week!
Direct Support Professional/Caregiver Appreciation Week starts on Monday, September 8, and we have so many ways you can show your support!
1. Grab your very own "Thank A Caregiver" yard sign and display it at your home or business! Signs will be available in front of the Janet Clemmons Center, located at 282 N Fair Ave, Hamilton, Ohio, on Thursday, September 4. Be sure to snap a photo of you and your sign so we can share it with the community! Send all photos to Cassie Mattia at cqmattia@butlerdd.org.
2. Write a DSP or Caregiver a heartfelt thank you card! You can grab your thank you cards at the Janet Clemmons Center at our front office!
3. Join us at our Annual DSP/Caregiver Appreciation Honk-a-Thon on Wednesday, September 10, in front of Inspiration Studios located at 140 High Street in Downtown Hamilton! Take this special opportunity to celebrate those who care for individuals with developmental disabilities with your own handheld appreciation signs or borrow one of our signs!
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"Courtney Explains It All": The ADA Episode
In the latest vlog episode of Courtney Explains It All, Courtney sits down with Dan Darkow, Director of Miami University's Miller Center for Student Disability Services, to discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). During the interview, Dan touches on his experience with the ADA and how others can advocate for a more inclusive world. Watch the full episode now!
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Butler County Adult Changing Tables are on the Universal Changing Table Map!
Thanks to a grant the BCBDD secured, the BCBDD was able to purchase 10 Universal Changing Tables (UCTs) and gifted them to community partners spanning the entire county! For many people the BCBDD supports, these universal changing tables will profoundly impact their ability to spend time in their community with dignity. The following locations have been officially added to the Universal Changing Map: MetroParks of Butler County Fitton Family Y, MidPointe Library System, Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill, and Inspiration Studios. To take a look at the Universal Changing Table map, visit the link! Locations to come will include: City of Oxford, Ohio Administration, The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, and also for participant use, at Easterseals HUB.
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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.
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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!
| | 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! | | | | |
