Help Me Grow program may add home visits in Clinton County

The Highland County Board of Commissioners joined the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals in honoring those individuals in all of the Workforce Development organizations and partnerships who play such a vital role in the economy and designated the month of September as Workforce Development Professionals Month in Highland County.

Earlier this year, re-entry coalition members LuAnn Winkle, Turning Point Applied Learning Center executive director, and Rhonda Fannin, Highland County re-entry services director, were recognized for achieving national certification as Offender Workforce Development Specialists.

Fannin met with commissioners Shane Wilkin and Tom Horst Wednesday for a proclamation signing. (Commissioner Jeremy Shaffer was not in attendance. He was at the Republican National Convention in Florida.)

Fannin credited Winkle and John Joy, dean of Workforce Development at Southern State Community College, as integral parts of a "committed group of workforce development professionals and other stakeholders facing one of the most difficult economic climates in recent history."

"We have several wonderful success stories," Fannin said, "in areas of workforce development, career assessment and implementation."

Commissioners thanked Fannin and commended the program.

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• In other business before the commissioners, Help Me Grow director Heather Gibson updated the board on the new fiscal year budget and plans for an additional hire.

Help Me Grow is Ohio’s system for pregnant mothers and children from birth to age 3 that provides state and federal funds to county Family and Children First Councils to be used in conjunction with state, local and other federal funds to implement and maintain a coordinated, community-based infrastructure that promotes trans-disciplinary, family-centered services for expectant parents, newborns, infants and toddlers and their families.

The Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention Services is the lead agency administering HMG program in Ohio.

Gibson said the local program has been asked to take over home visits in Clinton County for up to 25 families. The program provides in-home care for first-time mothers, children in situations with abuse or neglect, and military families.

"If we take on Clinton County, it will require adding a full-time person," Gibson said. Gibson added that the Clinton County caseload would be a net profit for Highland County.

"The state would pull Clinton County out of its database and transition (the funds) to us," she said. "We would have an MOU (memorandum of understanding) worked out with Clinton County."

Horst asked Gibson if she was accepting applications for the requested position. Gibson explained that applicants' interviews are concluding this week.

"My concern is that if both counties (Highland and Clinton) are at 25 families, that's a lot," Wilkin said.

"There may be a need for another part-time position," Gibson said.

Wilkin also asked about how the program receives its referrals.

Gibson explained that local hospitals and pediatricians – with the families' consent – often make referrals. "It's a voluntary program," she said.

Wilkin and Horst approved Gibson's request, contingent upon the review of Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins, who also attended Wednesday's meeting.

Gibson also informed commissioners that this year's Adopt-a-Family for Christmas program will be starting soon. Letters to previous supporters will be going out and anyone interested in helping local families in need may call Gibson at (937) 840-0100.

"Last year, we had gifts for 88 children and a total of 120 gifts," Gibson said. "Sponsors can make donations, send gift cards, food cards, or just call us for ideas.

"I anticipate the need to be even greater this year," she said.

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• Commissioners passed three resolutions at the Aug. 29 meeting:

* A resolution to declare 7128 Quiet Cove as a vacant property effective Sept. 1, 2012.

* An additional appropriation of $1,300 due to a reimbursement from Workforce Services Unlimited for the summer youth program for the Board of Elections.

* A modification in the Help Me Grow budget of $1,512.21.

Commissioners also stated that anyone interested in serving on the Highland County Airport Authority Board to fill one vacant seat should submit a letter of interest to the Highland County Board of Commissioners by noon on Sept. 11, 2012.

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Commissioners received the following letter of resignation from Randy S. McNeil, chairman of the Highland County Radio Committee, dated Aug. 19, 2012:

Dear Mr. Shaffer, Mr. Wilkin and Mr. Horst,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the people of Highland County.

Please accept this, my letter of resignation from the Radio Committee of Highland County.

I feel that the committee is not being allowed to do their job due to too many people controlling the actions of the committee and also not keeping all committee members informed.

I envision the committee coming up with or approving a communications plan for Highland County and they, the committee, should present that plan to you for your approval.

You, the commissioners, should have the final say in what is an acceptable long-term radio communications plan for the people of Highland County.