Dave and Michele Miller's twins were born at just 27 weeks in 2013. Henry's hospital stay was just over two months while his sister, Olivia, didn't get to come home until she was about 3 1/2 months old. At 6 months, they both began receiving Help Me Grow/Early Intervention services from Richland Newhope. It wasn't long before they began surpassing even their pediatrician's expectations.
"Without Help Me Grow, I don't know that my kids would be anywhere near where they are now," says Michele Miller, "They have been amazing with my children."
Megan Haring is like many other 9-year-olds. She likes sports, has a lot of friends, loves to read, does household chores, and one day hopes to become a veterinarian.
The fact that Megan also has spina bifida and hydrocephaly and relies, in large part, on a wheelchair to get around doesn't stop her from doing the same things that her peers do.
Her life is very full. Megan has participated in wheelchair track and wheelchair soccer. She has been an Upward cheerleader and attended cheerleading camp, and takes piano lessons.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions because we're happy to educate, and she's no different than any other kid," says Heather, Megan's mom. "We don't even see the chair. This is Megan."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average length of time American workers stay at one job is 4.4 years.
Mario Jefferson is an exception. He has been working at Cracker Barrel, washing pots and pans, since it opened in Mansfield in 1995. Mario was still in high school.
It's not the kind of life doctors told his mother to expect for Mario when he was born with Down syndrome.
"When he was first born, they just kept telling me he couldn't do this and he couldn't do that," notes Regina. "I couldn't accept that. I'm not going to hinder him. If someone wants to work a job, give them a chance. Let them try."
I would recommend early intervention in a heartbeat. It’s free and they come to you. There are resources out there that people need to take advantage of. They’re there for you.
Love and compassion drives me to make sure their lives are fulfilled.
I think the best part is the gratification of knowing that I've made a difference in their lives every day.
Love everything Richland Newhope does for our community.
My brother, Frank, has been with Richland Newhope since he was a little boy. We are so thankful for all the years Richland Newhope has been there for him.
I cannot recommend Richland Newhope enough! My son goes to pre-school there and every single person we have encountered has been wonderful. His teacher, Ms. Sarah, has gone out of her way to help my son and to keep us up-to-date on his progress. Thank you Richland Newhope! And thank you Ms. Sarah!
My daughter goes here for preschool, and she loves it! She is always excited to go to school, and they're great with her. I was nervous at first, but I know she's safe.
Best place for my special needs preschoolers. They have brought them much further than any doctor ever expected.
My team...all made sure we were prepared to leave the nest!
Individuals have so much potential and talent to offer. We want them to be out in the community as much as possible.
They are amazing. My daughter is in preschool there and she absolutely loves it. She constantly asks me if she can go back, and she tells me and shows me what they learn each day. Thank you, Newhope, for being the best for my daughter and can't wait to enroll my other kids as well.
This school/staff goes above and beyond in everything they do.
I can't even begin to say enough nice things about ALL of the staff, therapists, teachers, one-on-one aides at the Early Childhood Center. Over the years his team of wonderful individuals has truly become part of our family. They have been there for us since the very beginning and, for that, I can not thank them enough.
Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities
314 Cleveland Avenue
Mansfield, Ohio 44902
Phone: 419-774-4200
Fax: 419-774-4207
SSA After Hours On-Call:
419-774-4244
MUI After Hours On-Call:
419-774-4244