Over the past several months the community came together and united around a single cause, empowering people of all abilities.  Issue 3, which renews Summit DD’s operating levy, passed.  Issue 3 passed with 72% support.   Citizens cast their vote let it be known that their vote empowers people of all abilities.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” –Helen Keller

“Such a high approval rating was not an accident,” commented Superintendent John Trunk.  “It was the result of more than 200 volunteers who contributed more than 1,200 volunteer hours to let Summit County voters know how important Summit DD is to citizens of all abilities.”

For months Summit DD staff, provider staff, individuals and families came together as one.  The results secured funding through 2024 to keep services in place that empower kids and adults with developmental disabilities to reach their highest potential.

Working together, we put out 5,000 yard signs, placed 50,000 door hangers, made more than 30,000 phone calls, talked to several organizations, secured more than 150 endorsements, reached over 400,000 people on Facebook, and much more.  Thank you to every volunteer who posted on social media, put up a door hanger or yard sign, had a telephone conversation or encouraged friends and family to vote.  Without you, we can do so little and together we can do so much.

Special thanks to our providers who served on our levy committee, United Disability Services of Akron, Admore, Inc., The Blick Center, and, Koinonia Homes, and ViaQuest, Inc.  Thank you to our honorary levy chairs Ken Babby, William Considine, Dr. Ron Fowler, and Phil Kaufmann, as well as our levy steering committee Randy Briggs, Shon Christy, Mayor Sara Kline, and Allyson Lee.

“Now is time for the real work to begin,” commented Trunk.  “This approval rating provides us the platform to work together with our partners to increase community integration, to impact employment outcomes, to reach more kids at an earlier age and ensure the County Board system is here for future generations.”

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