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BDD approves staff reduction

LISBON — The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disability voted Wednesday to reduce its workshop specialist staff by one person.

Superintendent Bill Devon said the reduction in clients at the service and support adult facility left them in need of one fewer employee by the end of business on March 16. Devon said two clients have left the facility for private care and another client died. The facility provides one workshop specialist for every three clients, but the loss of three clients prompted the move.

Currently there are between nine and 11 clients utilizing the facility on most days.

When it comes to the youngest children being served by the Board of Developmental Disabilities, the board learned on Wednesday the local Columbiana County Help Me Grow program was recently accredited by Healthy Families America. Help Me Grow provides home visit services for families in the county who are seeking help improving their child’s health, nutrition and developmental success.

In a press release, Dan Duffy, the president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, talked about the roles Healthy Families America and Help Me Grow programs play in helping new parents and expectant parents find the answers to their questions and partnerships with hospitals and pediatricians.

“The American Dream starts with a happy, healthy childhood,” Duffy said. “As parents we all have questions from time to time. Our HFA professionals offer evidence-based best practices to provide answers to questions, individualized support when needed most, and linkages to community services. As we congratulate Columbiana County Help Me Grow we also recognize the state and community leadership that has contributed to success in Lisbon.

Julie Shea, who leads the local Help Me Grow program, told the CCBDD board the local program was reviewed and the staff worked hard to obtain the accreditation.

In other matters:

— Devon announced the board will be taking bids to sell three vehicles they no longer need — a 2003 Ford Taurus LX sedan valued at $1,432; a 2003 Dodge Caravan valued at $2,026 and a 2005 Ford Taurus SE sedan valued at $2,178.

— The board approved a contract with Finish Line Coffee LLC, which will be utilizing the EDI-Central location to produce coffee K-cups with the work of the clients, who will then be employed by the company.

— The board voted to allocate $5,000 toward the spring fling dance, which will be held at Robert Bycroft schools on April 20. This year’s event will be Mardi Gras themed.

— Finally, the annual basketball game against the Comets will be held at the Lisbon High School at 6 p.m. March 28.

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