Richland Newhope has been honored by Ohio Public Images (OPI) for its efforts in 2013 to increase awareness about people with developmental disabilities.
The agency received two awards during a luncheon on March 10 that was held as part of the winter conference of the Ohio Superintendents of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OSCBDD) in Columbus.
Richland Newhope received the top honor, an Award of Excellence, for its overall efforts to increase awareness about the agency and how individuals supported by Newhope contribute to the community. Activities include the annual Richland County Third Grade Coloring Contest, Community Awareness Day, an art and talent show, and a breakfast to recognize businesses in the community that employ people with developmental disabilities.
This was the seventh time in the past eight years the agency has been honored for its awareness efforts.
“It’s Richland Newhope’s mission to support people with developmental disabilities to live, work and participate in the community,” said Jane Imbody, Director of Community Relations. “One way we do this is by increasing public awareness about our agency and those we serve. We are thrilled that our efforts have once again received statewide recognition.”
Richland Newhope also received an Award of Merit for a broadcast public service announcement that aired in the summer of 2013 featuring Bob Jones of Jones’ Chips and employee Jonathan Nelson to encourage businesses to hire people with developmental disabilities.
Also winning an Award of Excellence were local news anchor Brigitte Coles and WMFD-TV for a “Focus on North Central Ohio” program that aired in March 2013 highlighting Richland Newhope’s awareness efforts and News Journal Photographer Dave Polcyn for a photograph he took during the Mansfield Shrine Club’s Annual Picnic and Fun Day last September. They were nominated by Richland Newhope Community Relations Director Jane Imbody for the honors.
The annual Public Awareness Awards, sponsored by Ohio Public Images, recognizes individuals and organizations throughout Ohio who, through their exceptional efforts, have succeeded in creating a greater understanding of people with developmental disabilities. The awards are judged by impartial professionals in the communications and developmental disabilities fields.
OPI is a non-profit organization that promotes positive perceptions and understanding of people with developmental disabilities.
In 2013, Richland Newhope (Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities) supported more than 1,700 individuals and their families through Early Intervention, Preschool, Adult, Residential, Therapy, Transportation and other support programs.