David Bruggeman is legally blind, has seizures (wears a helmet when walking), and communication limitations. He lives in his home with roommates in the community, and they receive support from Champaign Residential Services, Inc. (CRSI).

In August 2018, the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Auglaize DD) referred David to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).  Since David’s sight was quickly diminishing, OOD connected him to the Toledo Sight Center to learn home safety skills, receive training in using a white cane, and become familiar with assistive technology.
 
After learning new skills, David set a goal to work in the community. Working with Jené Frueh, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, David received assistive technology to help overcome disability challenges, especially visual. Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley helped David learn how to navigate his environment and gain skills for independence. We Can Too, which provides vocational habilitation services to people with developmental disabilities, helped David work on skills to prepare to work in the community. David also worked with Amanda Seigle, Auglaize DD Service and Support Administrator, who coordinated services with the team supporting David.

In September 2019, David worked with Bill Dellinger of Capabilities, and after looking for a job for only two months, David landed a part-time job at CJ’s Pizza. His primary duty was folding pizza boxes. After several months on the job, David received job coaching from Dave Grimm of Capabilities to learn expanded job duties, and OOD provided additional orientation and mobility services.

In March 2020, David decided that he would stop working temporarily due to living with others vulnerable to COVID-19. His employer allowed him to take time off and return to work when he was ready.

In June 2020, David decided to return to work, and CJ’s Pizza welcomed him back. Dave Grimm worked with David to ensure he remembered his job duties. To keep David successful on the job, OOD purchased a wireless doorbell so that as needed, he could request assistance from staff working in another room.

“It has been truly an honor to work with David and his amazing team, including Jené, CRSI staff, Auglaize Industries (provides transportation), We Can Too staff, and Dave with Capabilities. David’s case is an example of how everyone looked at his abilities and problem solved together to overcome every barrier to ensure David met his ultimate goal of getting a job in the community,” said Amanda.

“David’s commitment to his job and his work ethic is the reason for his accomplishment, but I’m proud to be a part of the team that helped him get there,” said Jené.
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If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536. 

Congratulations to each Attitude of Gratitude nominee in the month of September, and our Winner Brenda Hoker!!! We have so many incredible employees doing fantastic work. Thank you for all you do!!
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Congratulations to each Attitude of Gratitude nominee in the month of August, and our Winner Brittney Wellbaum!!! We have so many incredible employees doing fantastic work. Thank you for all you do!!
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June was a unique month at CRSI. We're awarding 10 Attitude of Gratitude winners who went above and beyond to help cover hours during COVID-related staffing issues. Below is a quote from Program Specialist Michael Smith who nominated the 10 winners: 
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“All the staff included in June’s Attitude of Gratitude embody the best traits CRSI values in direct support caregivers. Their diligent execution of our Agency’s core values and mission statement are a constant inspiration to their peers, supervisors, and those they serve. I am pleased to recognize these dedicated staff members for continuing to prioritize the well-being of our individuals when an individual at their work location contracted COVID-19.”

​By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

How the Bill Butler Champaign Open Started
In 1982, Bill Butler combined his love of golf and his passion to help people to create the Bill Butler Champaign Open. Bill had realized that there was a gap in funding for people with disabilities, causing many to go without basic needs. The BBCO raises funds to assist these individuals, many of which live right here in our community.
 
The golf tournament is usually held annually in August, but this year the event had to be cancelled. The amazing people with BBCO and at Champaign Residential Services, Inc.(CRSI) don’t want that to stop you from supporting this mission that is still very much needed, maybe even more during these times. There are so many unknowns right now, but not knowing if you will have your basic needs met should never be one of them.
 
For 2020, the organization has decided to have a Day of Giving on August 19th in place of the annual BBCO. The goal has not changed, and the focus is to raise funds to ensure the needs of those they serve are met. One hundred percent of the donated funds go to people being served by CRSI and make a huge difference in our community. Every single dollar raised will make a positive impact on someone’s life!

How to Donate
CRSI has set up an easy-to-use form on their website where you can make a donation. You can visit their site to donate today! You can also send a check made payable to BBCO to the address below.
 
CRSI
Attn: Terri Thompson
P.O. Box 29
Urbana, Ohio 43078 
 
Every dollar counts. Please help spread the word about the Day of Giving on August 19th and make this year a memorable one for the Bill Butler Champaign Open and everyone supported by the funds raised for CRSI.

Hello everyone,
I would like to take a moment to thank you for the extra effort being put forth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health, safety, and well being of you and our individuals are of the utmost concern to us.
 
Because the pandemic is ever-changing, our policies must be updated and changed to reflect current laws, regulations, and guidance. CRSI has been working in conjunction with State and local experts to develop the following list of precautions that are required across all CRSI locations. This message is to serve as a reminder of what we should already be doing as well as to clarify some questions we have been receiving.

• Facial Coverings –
  • We already require all employees to wear masks or other face coverings while at work.
  • A new order from Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) was enacted this week makes it mandatory for the entire state. You can view the ODH order in its entirety here.
  • The only exception to this rule is if you can isolate yourself in a room separate from other coworkers and the individuals we serve.
  • This means that some sort of covering must be worn when transporting individuals, working with individuals, and while in common areas of our homes and offices.
• Social Distancing –
  • We already require that in-person meetings be replaced with virtual options. If you need assistance with hosting a virtual meeting, please reach out to our Tech Support Team and they can provide you with your options.
  • We should not be congregating in shared spaces such as break rooms, smoking areas, or other’s offices.
• Travel Quarantine –
  • Following an outbreak at an Ohio long-term care facility in which more than two dozen residents and staff tested positive for COVID-19, Governor DeWine continued to encourage Ohioans to self-quarantine for 14-days after traveling to high-risk areas. The updated list of the high-risk states can be found here.
  • At CRSI, we are taking this a step further and requiring any staff who travel to a high-risk area to self-quarantine for 14-days. This also applies if someone in your household travels to a high-risk area and you are unable to isolate from them.
  • If you will be traveling out of state, you are required to report the location and date(s) to your supervisor. They will communicate this to the CRSI Human Resources department. The details of your self-quarantine will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
• Cleaning and Sanitization –
  • We already require that all high-touch surfaces be cleaned and sanitized multiple times a day.
  • Do not let up on this. We need to continue the practice to help keep the virus out of our settings.

 
Thank you again for your continued efforts. 

Scott DeLong, President/CEO