Richland Newhope will run Adult Services and Community Employment starting next year

BUCYRUS — Richland Newhope Industries will host an open house Nov. 8 at 1650 E. Southern Ave. to update the public on it’s plans to take a larger role with the Crawford County Board of Development Disabilities.

Richland Newhope representatives will provide information about its history, programming, opportunities and how it plans to impact Crawford County. This is a good opportunity to meet team members from Richland Newhope. Light refreshments will be provided. The open house is from 1:30-3 p.m. and from 5-6:30 p.m.

Ohio was notified in 2014 that in order to meet federal mandates from the Center of Medicaid Standards to insure conflict free case management, the County Boards of Developmental Disabilities must transition out of directly providing Adult Services and Community Employment.

In order to meet the Federal mandate of Conflict Free Case Management – Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities will transition Adult Services and Community Employment in such a manner that individuals experience very little differences and staff is part of making recommendations, emphasizing teamwork and cooperation.

On Sept. 21, the Crawford County Board of Developmental chose Richland Newhope to transition Adult Services and Community Employment. It will begin operations of Adult Services and Community Employment on Jan. 2, 2018. They will continue to provide programming at the existing location of 1650 E Southern Ave.

Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities, located at 1650 East Southern Ave, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 serves over 350 children and adults at Fairway School, public schools, Waycraft Industries and other private providers.

After staff input and the completion of the evaluation process, three providers were chosen for interviews. After the interview process it was clear RNI Inc. was the best provider to transition Adult Services and Community Employment operations. RBI offers a variety of opportunities for individuals served, including community inclusion, in house programming and opportunities to earn income. They also presented the most extensive and meaningful options for staff who will be transitioning. The CCBDD officially made the comment to go with RBI on Sept. 21.

While Waycraft Industries did not submit a proposal to transition adult and community employment services, they did inform the CCBDD that they will continue to provide services to adults at River Street. Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves more than 350 children and adults at Fairway School, public schools, Waycraft Industries and other private providers.