SUBMITTED BY THE Logan County BOARD OF DD
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities over the month of October.
Access to good jobs for all abilities is the 2024 key message made by the Department of Labor. The Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD) works with and supports provider employment agencies, as well as independent providers who support people to be successful in their jobs.
Thi LCBDD spotlights the accomplishments of Jacob Dew, a dedicated employee at the Hiliker YMCA, who works diligently to make others feel great about their decisions to get healthier. The vision of the Hiliker YMCA is centered upon building a community where every person can reach their fullest potential.
Among Jacob’s job duties are checking in with members and making sure everyone has what they need for a successful workout. It is important to Jacob that he does an exceptional job and gives back to his employer.
In addition to his regular hours at the Hilliker YMCA, the local resident also helps raise money for the Y’s annual campaign by creating and selling wooden Christmas trees.
His stepfather, Tom Fown, assists Jacob with measuring and cutting out the trees and his mother, Kim Fown, helps him with the painting and marketing.
The family’s efforts raised more than $500 for Hilliker YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign in 2023, which has helped his employer offer memberships to individuals and families lacking financial resources to be a member of the YMCA.
Jacob said his favorite thing about working at the Y is creating friendships with the members and staff. His social life can get busy with all the friendships he has made from work.
Each week, his previous co-worker, Patty and her husband, Ray, enjoy spending time with Jacob. Jacob also likes to go out to eat with his friends from work and is looking forward to volunteering with his co-worker, Stephanie, at the Ring of Lights, which takes place tonight, Oct. 19, at Blue Jacket Park.
In addition, Jacob has been a part of the athletic field for some time, as he has spent many years volunteering with the men’s soccer team at Bellefontaine High School. When a seasonal position with the Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation Department became available, he was glad to gain that experience as well.
However, since this job was seasonal, finding a year-long position became Jacob’s goal. His employment at the Hilliker YMCA was a natural fit. Jacob enjoys greeting guests at the front desk and is always ready to assist anyone in need, while striving to maintain a clean and welcoming environment at the Y.
The Logan County Board of DD is proud of Jacob and his accomplishments at work and in the community.
He also volunteers with Bellefontaine Kiwanis and LCBDD through their joint service club, The Aktion Club. Jacob attends Bellefontaine Kiwanis meetings as well to gain more knowledge about the service organization.
If you would like more information about hiring someone or employment services, contact LCBDD offices at (937) 592-0015.
