Richland Newhope recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during the county commissioners’ regular meeting on Thursday.
Jane Imbody of Richland Newhope said that while Richland Newhope carries out awareness efforts throughout the year, “March is our opportunity to really step up those efforts and reach all ages with the message that people with disabilities have abilities, too,” she said.
This year’s theme, Ability@Work, “is really representative of our message,” Imbody said, “and it’s also applicable because of all the Employment First efforts that are underway throughout Richland County and throughout the state of Ohio.”
One Employment First effort that was highlighted was the new restaurant established last month in the Mansfield Municipal Building called the City Garden Café.
Mike Bradley, manager of the café, explained that the café serves as a “training facility” for the 12 individuals who work there. One of the workers, Ryan Stephan, was also present at the meeting and he shared some insight about his experience at the café.
“I love my job,” he said. “I know the customers by name and basically all of [the customers’] orders when they walk into the door.”
Imbody added that Stephan was involved in the culinary arts program at Mansfield Senior, “and so the café gives him an opportunity to continue with training. His ultimate goal is to get a job at a restaurant in our community,” she said.
Imbody also discussed upcoming events hosted by Richland Newhope, which include the 21st Annual Richland County Third Grade Coloring Contest Awards Luncheon on March 7 at Richland Newhope’s Early Childhood Center; the 4th Annual “Bringing the Elements Together Art and Talent Show” at the Richland Mall on March 14; and the 13th Annual Community Awareness Day on March 20 at Richland Newhope Industries.
“We’re really fortunate to have Newhope in the community to help people with disabilities,” said Commissioner Tim Wert.
