Greetings!  

At one time or another, most of us have been part of a great “team”, a group of people who functioned together in a remarkable way. This team was one that trusted one another; that complemented strengths and compensated for limitations of each person; and worked to achieve common goals that produced extraordinary results. Within each of us, there is an innate desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves; and next year’s levy renewal is an opportunity to do just that. 

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, we will be asking voters to renew a 3.3 mil levy, which will result in no new taxes. We now need a team of supporters to spread the message about Stark DD; and talking with your business associates, families, friends, and neighbors is something we each can do now. Share how we work to break down barriers, attitudes, and stigmas that people with disabilities still face. That we provide vital services and high quality supports to a steadily increasing number (3,680+) of people with developmental disabilities, and life-long funding to more than 1,800 people, right here in our community. 

Fact:   Stark DD relies on local property tax dollars, and two-thirds of the funding we receive is tied to next year’s levy renewal.

Fact:   Property owners will continue to pay $8 per month per $100,000 of home value.  Again, this will NOT increase taxes.  

Our home-based Early Intervention program serves over 700 families with infants and toddlers each year. We offer educational services, and work with 17 school districts in Stark County to provide services to students. We support over 125 Agency Providers, and 170 Independent Providers. Through our early intervention and educational programs, job training and placement, and coordination of residential services, we enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities. 

As we go into next year, we must express a unity of purpose; which can only be accomplished through working together. Collectively with the people we serve, families, employees, school districts, and the provider community, we hope to get our message out, and motivate people to get out and vote for people with developmental disabilities in our community. A vote for us is a vote for a person with a developmental disability and their family.

We truly are greater than the sum of our parts.  When we are all working together, we will accomplish our mission of “supporting choices and creating opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.”

Sincerely,

Bill Green, 

Superintendent