Bridge Award winners support locals

SANDUSKY — Several local individuals and organizations received recognition for fulfilling an agency's mission of inspiring, empowering and supporting people. The Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its annual Building Bridges Awards Banquet on March 12 at Ten Fifty Eight Event Center in Sandusky. "This banquet aims to celebrate individuals and the outstanding community partners that help make our mission to inspire, empower and support possible," according to an event statement, noting an all-time high of "58 nominations were received, representing success, collaboration and determination within the Erie County community." Board members noted how, "Each nomination celebrates and recognizes community partners, individuals, providers and advocates who support those with a developmental disability." Here are the winners with nomination excerpts provided by board officials: Above and Beyond Winner • The award recognizes those for their integrity, creativity and flexibility in providing direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities. They demonstrate a strong commitment to going above and beyond for individuals. • First winner — Amanda Klein Amanda's approach to support is rooted in deep respect for people. Amanda supports her clients in ways that help them move forward socially and independently. She interacts with them as an equal. Amanda models enjoyment and authentic participation, helping clients feel comfortable and confident without drawing attention. She shares ideas but never takes over, never becomes the leader and never makes others feel like they are being supervised or managed. Recently, Amanda volunteered to attend a trip, empowering her client to be included. She spent her time and money to go alongside this person. To Amanda, it was about ensuring her client had the same opportunity as everyone else to experience something unforgettable. When we see Amanda with her client, she is always relaxed, friendly and authentically present. It looks like two adults spending time together, not a staff member overseeing a client. Amanda truly embodies the integrity, creativity, flexibility and commitment of this award. • Second winner — Isabella Bender Isabella is certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship and serves as executive director of the Boots to Grasses Therapeutic Horsemanship Program. She provides much-needed inclusive events with understanding and accommodation for people with different needs. Some of these events include an Easter egg hunt, Quarry Hill apple picking, Christmas cookie decorating, a visit to Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ability Works Youth Group and Life Out Loud's cultivating connections day program. Isabella recently founded the Youth Equestrian Development Association and the Equestrian with Disabilities Riding Team. The Youth Equestrian Development Association is a program that encourages the development of riders' skills with core values at the center. Riders will have the chance to be part of a supportive team and the opportunity to widen their horizons. Isabella strives to offer so much enrichment and opportunities to many individuals. Her expertise, time, and sheer physical work are all donated. • Third winner — Lindsay Bookshar In just three short years at Perkins High School, Lindsay has transformed not only a program but an entire culture. Her integrity, creativity and unwavering commitment to inclusion have left a lasting mark on students with developmental disabilities, their families and our whole school community. Lindsay has been more than a teacher: She has become a trusted friend and a steady source of support for both me and my daughter. She has celebrated our wins, stood beside us in our challenges and reminded us — through her words and actions — that we are not alone. Lindsay has broken generational barriers at Perkins Schools. She has redefined what inclusion looks like in our schools and created a space where all students are seen, valued and supported. • Other nominees included Brenda Baum, Carly Sabo, Christopher Eirons, Courtney Orshoski, Dawn Castiglione, Denise Cyrek, Diane Knoll, Hannah Sims, Katie Hemmer, Kelsey Meadows, Kim Rausch, Lisa Cooper, Marissa Smith, Pat Gates, Paula Washek, Rylee Yates, Sarah Butterfield, Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands, Tammie Case and Tonya Smith. Community Partner of the Year Award • The award recognizes those who promote inclusion and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. They are agencies or organizations that are committed to building partnerships in Erie County for an inclusive community. • Winner — The Chapel The Chapel has been a beacon of inclusion and compassion in Erie County, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities. For the past three years, they have hosted the Night to Shine event, a globally recognized experience for people with developmental disabilities. This event is not just a celebration: It is a transformative experience that fosters dignity, joy and belonging. Through Night to Shine, The Chapel has created a space where individuals with developmental disabilities are honored and celebrated. Each year, hundreds of guests, volunteers and families come together to share an evening of kindness and community. The Chapel helps individuals build relationships that extend beyond the event, fostering ongoing inclusion in everyday life. The Chapel's success is rooted in collaboration. They partner with local organizations, businesses and volunteers to make Night to Shine a reality. This partnership exemplifies their dedication to building an inclusive community in Erie County. • Other nominees included the city of Sandusky Greenhouse, Clark Inclusive Scholars Program, Clubhouse No. 3 SportSocial, Dianna's Deli, EHOVE Adult Education Cosmetology Program, Erie Shore Network, Huron United Methodist Church and Life Out Loud. Betty Rinderle Award • The award recognizes those for their personal achievement and exceptional growth. Winners will have a success story about how they achieved personal accomplishments through hard work, learning and/or physical well-being. • First winner — Hayden Herbst Through the Grief Recovery Method, Hayden was able to express some undelivered communications to people in his life who are no longer with us. Hayden allowed himself to stretch his comfort zone and did an outstanding job completing the program. The personal growth that I saw him make is why Hayden Herbst is deserving of receiving the Betty Rinderle Award for Success. • Second winner — Taylor McPeek I have worked with Taylor since 2020 and have seen tremendous growth and positive strides over the years. Taylor, along with his father, made the decision to visit and transition to the Life Out Loud day program. Taylor has seamlessly acclimated to his new peers and staff at the program. He adapted phenomenally and has taken more interest in group activities. The leaps Taylor has made that are most impressive are his self-determination, self-advocacy and his desire to participate in community activities. Taylor joined a community integrated group that ventures out into Sandusky and other communities to engage in various activities. Some of these activities include water aerobics, library fun and volunteer experiences. Taylor's tremendous progress and growth should be celebrated and praised. Taylor has continued to grow, leaps and bounds, from the first time I met him. He is just scratching the surface on the amount of growth and positive contributions he brings to both Life Out Loud and the Erie County community. • Other nominees included Austin Neely, Brooklynn Costilla, Carly Sabo, Chad McCallie, Christina Weaver, Ciara Sengstock and Ian Fisher. Steve Lippert Advocacy Award • The award recognizes those for their outstanding commitment and dedication to individuals with developmental disabilities. Nominees must make a positive impact in Erie County by encouraging and supporting people with developmental disabilities. • Winner — Bob Weinhardt Bob has been working with people with developmental disabilities for many years. As the executive director of Renaissance House, he has always shown compassion and commitment to serving people, not only in Erie County but multiple other counties in Ohio. Most recently, Bob stepped in to help another agency when they were in crisis. Without hesitation, Bob agreed to help even though it wasn't clear what exactly would be needed. He generously gave his time and shared his professional expertise to help develop a plan for this agency. He demonstrated true leadership and commitment by making decisions that prioritized people with developmental disabilities who were not only served by Renaissance House but also those served by the agency in need. Because of Bob's unwavering dedication and leadership, people continue to receive the critical services they need. Additionally, Bob prioritizes employees who are doing the essential work. He ensures that changes being made are communicated respectfully and sensitively. His approach is thoughtful and deliberate, which is evident in Renaissance House's sustained success and stability. • Second winner — Bruce Kijowski Bruce's support is not flashy or loud. It's not a special event or a big program. Bruce is the everyday helper — the person who quietly, consistently makes sure people feel welcomed, capable, and part of the community. That is exactly why he deserves to be recognized. One of our regular community activities is walking at the Cedar Point Sports Center. It sounds simple: show up, check in, walk. Bruce was the front desk worker responsible for helping with check-in. Simple things are the people in our community and the casual associations — the lady at the bank, the barista who knows your coffee order, the people who recognize you in passing. Those are the interactions that make a person feel like they belong. Bruce is our casual associate. He helps individuals understand and access a community space. He treats everyone with dignity, patience and zero judgment. He supports independence rather than doing everything for people. He makes the sports center a place where individuals feel confident, included and capable. • Other nominees included: Alyssa Shaw, Amanda Smith, Brenda Baum, Corey Wade, Libby Boros, Maggie Thurston, Patty Richards, Rebecca Diekman and Sue McKillips.