August 2025

Fulfilling Lives

Recognizing Service: Adam Nowocin Named Volunteer of the Year

In recognition of his outstanding service, Adam Nowocin has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Knights of Columbus St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council 11187 for the 2024–2025 Fraternal Year. The award’s inscription reads:

“Adam Nowocin who has served as an inspiration to our Parish, Community and Council by supporting and strengthening Christian Life.”

Adam joined the Knights of Columbus in 2015 after meeting a Knight through Canine Companions. Once a member, he began participating in the organization’s training with his friend, which is structured around the core principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. Through the Seton Parish Council, Adam advanced from a first-degree to a third-degree Knight.

Every first Sunday of the month, Adam greets parishioners at Seton Parish in Pickerington. His commitment to this role has dedicated an impressive 52 hours of service. He’s also a familiar face at the parish’s beloved Pancake Breakfasts, where he has contributed 70 hours wrapping silverware and helping create a welcoming atmosphere for attendees.



In addition to his parish involvement, Adam volunteers three days a week at the Lutheran Social Services food pantry in Lancaster, traveling via the LINK transit system. “I like to help feed people,” Adam shares, reflecting on the meaning this work holds for him. His pantry hours are also recognized by the Knights as part of his service record.

Adam’s decision to join the Knights was rooted in a personal connection. Each spring, the Council donates to the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities to support community needs. As someone living with a disability, Adam sees his volunteer work as a way to give back.

Adam’s work is helping impact the community and is making a difference. His dedication to service in our community is greatly appreciated! 



Featured Position

Meet Tori, Speech-Language Pathologist

Tori, a speech-language pathologist, describes her work simply: helping kids find their voice. Sometimes that means teaching them to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices so they can share their thoughts, make choices, and connect with others. One of her favorite moments was seeing a little girl use her device to tell her dad she loved him for the very first time.

In her sessions, Tori helps students link pictures to words and words to meaning skills tied directly to their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The best part, she says, is the joy on a child’s face when they finally find the right word to say what’s on their mind. For students who once felt isolated, these tools open the door to real connections and relationships.

This summer, Fairfield DD partnered with Tori to run a speech therapy program at Forest Rose aimed at preventing the “summer slide.” One young student, who hadn’t engaged much with her device, began to thrive after Tori programmed it with the names of her favorite toys. With practice at home, the device became meaningful, helping the child and her family see communication in a new light.

Tori emphasizes that speech therapy is about far more than making sounds. It’s about teaching the brain how to communicate and giving children the tools to share who they are. At its core, her work is about empowerment, connection, and helping every child’s personality shine through.

Around Fairfield DD

Forest Rose School is Ready to Welcome Back Students

The Fairfield DD Operations Team has been hard at work all summer at Forest Rose, making sure the school is ready to welcome students back! From big projects to small details, the building has received a fresh look and thoughtful upgrades.

Hallway floors were repaired and refinished, with experts weighing in on texture, color, accessibility guidelines, and best practices to ensure the best materials were selected. The library now shines with a fresh coat of paint and brighter lighting, and classrooms feature new U-bolt security latches for added safety. Outside, the merry-go-round and other playground features were refinished and power washed, along with the school entrance and concrete walkways. Even the parking lot got a facelift, though after the recent flooding, it already looks a little “well-loved.”



Other updates include new faucets throughout the building and upgraded light fixtures in both the library and the Assistive Technology room.

These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Summer Scholarship Reminder

Just a quick reminder for the families participating in Fairfield DD’s summer scholarship: all receipts should be submitted by August 31 for reimbursement using these funds.

Please submit all receipts or questions to Amanda at familysupport@fairfielddd.com. 

Fairfield DD's mission is to bring about a vibrant community where people lead lives of greater independence and make meaningful contributions.

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