Community Connections Newsletter | | |
Check out what's new this issue!
- WOW Fall Festival Day
- Holiday Hope 2025
- Abilities First Illuminate Abilities Gala
- DD Employment Awareness Month Feature Story: Barbie Brockmeyer's Journey in Animal Advocacy
- The ASL App
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Next Chapter Book Club
Thursday, 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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WOW Fall Festival Day
Saturday, October 11, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join WOW for Fall fun! Bring the whole family for a free afternoon of fall activities! The event will include hayrides, pumpkin painting, food, and more! This event is inclusive and designed for families of all those with special needs. The Fall Festival will be located at 7727 Myers Road in Middletown, Ohio. Register by Saturday, October 4!
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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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Holiday Hope 2025
Deadline is Friday, October 17
With fall right around the corner, it’s hard to believe that the holiday season is quickly approaching. This year, we are once again inviting individuals and businesses to help bring holiday cheer to individuals and families with developmental disabilities who might otherwise go without gifts. Would you or your company be interested in sponsoring a family or individual this season? Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in their lives. If you would like to participate, please email Lynn Goodwin at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org by October 17th to indicate the number of individuals or families you would like to sponsor. Details about who you will be helping and when/where to drop off the gifts will be provided at a later time.
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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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Abilities First Illuminate Abilities Gala
Saturday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Join Abilities First and friends as they illuminate children of all abilities in southwest Ohio! The Gala includes dinner, an auction, dancing, and networking! The Event Center of Middletown, located at 3907 Central Ave., will be hosting the Gala. Purchase tickets, tables, inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or program advertising by visiting the Abilities First website!
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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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DD Employment Awareness Month Feature Story: Barbie Brockmeyer's Journey in Animal Advocacy
Today marks the first day of Developmental Disability (DD) Awareness Month! This nationwide campaign aims to recognize the vital contributions of workers with disabilities in the U.S. economy and workplaces. We are very excited to bring to you our first featured story of DD Employment Awareness Month! Meet Barbie Brockmeyer! Barbie's love for animals began at an early age, often filling her childhood dreams with visions of one day turning that passion into a purpose. Fast forward several years, and Barbie has done just that. Today, Barbie is an Adoption Specialist at Joyful Pets, a member of the program committee for 4 Paws For Ability, a featured contributor in AKC Magazine, and is currently studying to become a certified canine behavior consultant. Read Barbie's story now!
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The ASL App
The ASL App is about teaching people conversational ASL! Packed with 2,500+ signs and phrases, easy navigation and features, with different signers, The ASL App is designed to make learning easy, accessible, and fun. Start signing today!
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Check in With Courtney: The Speak UP Episode
Tune into BCBDD Community Outreach Advocate Courtney Hineman's first episode of her Check in With Courtney series! This series will feature 60, 90, and 120 second videos that explore exactly what Courtney has been up to with her advocacy efforts. Courtney's first episode dives into the Butler County Board of DD self-advocacy Speak UP group. Watch her first episode 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! | | | | |
