Community Outreach

Beyond the Books is a curriculum developed towards transitional youth (14-22) who have IEP’s. It focuses on interpersonal skills individuals need to succeed in life after high school or to advocate for what they want. Some specific areas this curriculum focuses on are self-awareness, setting goals and overcoming challenges, identifying resources, communication, being involved in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process, and more.

For more information, contact Danielle Collins at dcollins@blanchardvalley.org or 419-422-6387.

Community Connections is an initiative to offer opportunities to educate and inform people, in Hancock County with developmental disabilities, of the businesses, non-profits, government entities and all other opportunities available here in Hancock County.

The ideal platform for Community Connections includes a tour of the partnering businesses’ location and operations or a presentation of the business at Blanchard Valley Center’s Training Center.  Due to the pandemic, we have all become very flexible and familiar with platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube live.  The content we are looking to share is what you would like your community members to know more about your business.  What do you think is important for you community to know about your organization?  The more entertaining and engaging, the better!

The benefits gained from this initiative include increasing awareness of resources and opportunities available in Hancock county, the potential for job or volunteer connections, and increased exposure for the partnering businesses.

Community Connections Video

If you are interested in partnering, please contact Nadine Weininger at nweininger@blanchardvalley.org or Danielle Collins at dcollins@blanchardvalley.org.  Both may be reached by phone at 419-422-6387.

The FANS Network is a group of people committed to enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities.  They help in a variety of ways, both big and small.  There is no official commitment and no formal membership.  Below are the initiatives FANS members can be a part of:

Give-Back-Crew

The Give Back Crew is a group of people who volunteer at different community events and causes through our county, to show our appreciation for the support shown by our community for people with developmental disabilities.  The Give Back Crew consists of anyone willing to participate!  Volunteer opportunities are sent out as they arise and you can choose to help as your schedule allows.

Meet A Need, Make a Day

Many people have daily needs, such as small household supplies or amenities, others have a larger need such as medical devices or appliances.  As a request is received through an SSA or provider, we will send an email to the FANS Network looking for a donation of the item(s).

If you’re interested in getting more information or want to add your email address to the distribution list, please email info@blanchardvalley.org

Good Life 

Good Life is a facilitator training model used to enhance life experiences for the people supported by the County Board and providers; enhance internal working relationships between and among co-workers and departments to enable the organization to thrive; and to enhance the external relationships with community partners to build capacity, collaboration and partnerships.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach in the human service field that assumes that an individual is more likely than not to have a history of trauma. Trauma-Informed Care recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual’s life- including service staff.

On an organizational or systemic level, Trauma-Informed Care changes organizational culture to emphasize respecting and appropriately responding to the effects of trauma at all levels.  Similar to the change in general protocol regarding universal precautions, Trauma-Informed Care practice and awareness becomes almost second nature and pervasive in all service responses.  Trauma-Informed Care requires a system to make a paradigm shift from asking, “What is wrong with this person?” to “What has happened to this person?”

For more information or to schedule a training, please contact info@blanchardvalley.org

Blanchard Valley Center offers annual Guardianship training.

The next date for Guardianship Training is April 22, 9 am – 12 pm.

To register for a course, contact Cari Taylor at ctaylor@blanchardvalley.org or call 419-422-6387.

This interactive presentation explains the rights and responsibilities and what they mean to individuals with disabilities. The presentation provides examples of responsibilities to each right given by several individuals with disabilities, themselves.

For more information, please contact Danielle Collins at dcollins@blanchardvalley.org or 419-422-6387.

The staff at Blanchard Valley Center appreciate the continued support from the community and to show our appreciate we try to give back as often as possible.  If you have a volunteer opportunity that we could fulfill, please reach out to Nadine Weininger at nweininger@blanchardvalley.org or 419-422-6387.