Toward Independence, Inc.

11/06/2025

Please help us recognize Darico Ellis!!

Darico works at a group site with four gentlemen. Recently one of the individuals, who happens to be non-speaking, was home and recovering from a medical procedure. Darico (and another staff member –recognized earlier) noticed that something was off with the way this gentleman was acting, and he quickly enacted emergency procedure procedures, including reaching out to a virtual urgent care, and calling EMS. With his knowledge of this individual, keen observations, and swift actions, he saved this young man. Thank you for your heroic actions, and for providing stellar supports & care!

Mr. Ellis is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Toward Independence, Inc.

11/04/2025

🎃💜 Halloween Magic at Toward Independence! 💜🎃

The individuals we serve truly brought the spirit of Halloween to life this year! From witches and superheroes to beloved movie characters and clever homemade costumes each person showed off their creativity and confidence with pride. ✨

The laughter, dancing, and smiles filled the air, proving once again that joy is even sweeter when shared. These moments of connection remind us why our mission matters so deeply: helping every individual live up to their fullest, most colorful potential. 🌟

A huge thank-you to the staff, who made this day so special your support helps create memories that will be cherished all year long. ❤️ 👻🎉

Toward Independence, Inc. Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Ohio Health Care Association

10/28/2025

Today we honor and celebrate Jamie Rollins!

Jamie has been the rock for her client and her staff. A year ago, in September, a tragedy happened and a tree fell in her client’s home- thank goodness, they weren’t home. This client was relocated to a couple of hotels, and then an Airbnb, all the while Jamie ensured this client had everything she needed or wanted to comfort her since her belongings were either destroyed or in storage. There were many pep talks along the way and Jamie made her living situation as best as possible. When it came to finally move back to her home, Jamie stayed on top of arranging everything for her, from packing movers, speaking to the property manager about the appliances, unpacking, getting the home in order the way our client wants it, and all while dealing with her own health issues. Jamie didn’t miss a beat, if her client needed it, she got it. During this hectic time, the client went through several tests, and it’s been determined she needs surgery. Jamie was with her the whole time explaining every invasive test and reassured her that she will be fine. Jamie has not been the voice of her client, but her microphone!! Jamie – we adore your amazing dedication, and cant thank you enough for all you do.

Ms. Rollins is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and works with Toward Independence, Inc.

10/27/2025

✨ 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗗𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲! ✨

This past week, four of the incredible individuals we serve in 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 had the chance to experience something truly magical — a trip to Walt Disney World🏰🌟

For all, this was their first time stepping into a world where imagination comes alive. They soared through the skies on thrilling rides, enjoyed spectacular shows, shared countless laughs with friends, and even met a few of their all-time favorite Disney characters! 🎢🎆🐭

Watching their eyes light up during the fireworks, hearing their excitement as they told stories about the day, and seeing them embrace every new adventure these are the moments that remind us why 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼. 💙

This unforgettable experience was made possible through the support of 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 Direct Support Professionals, Program Coordinators, and family members who believe in the 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁 filled with joy, exploration, and opportunity. 🌈

📸 Here are some photos highlighting the wonderful memories they made together.

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities Ohio Health Care Association

10/21/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff5NBSHEzk0

Join Jessy on this weekly video for the latest news at TI

10/17/2025

Today we celebrate Billi Kennedy!!

Billi is currently the home manager for a site serving four gentlemen, and the dedication she has shown to improving the lives of each of these individuals should be recognized! Since Billi has been working at this home, an elder gentleman who previously wanted to stay home, is now going out into the community regularly. This speaks to how safe the guys feel with her. Billi has walked through significant health issues with two of the residents, ensuring that they have got the treatment they need, and advocating for them in front of multiple medical professionals. She has also been instrumental and encouraging positive interaction between these four housemates, and they now enjoy spending some time together instead of isolating themselves. Billi is always supporting all of these men to be as independent as they are able to be, and you can see the effects of this and the smiles on their faces. Thank you so much Billi, for going above and beyond, we think you are incredible and appreciate your stellar services.

Ms. Kennedy is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Toward Independence, Inc.

10/16/2025

Mckaylee George - This is my story

https://youtu.be/Uu4_hF73CcY?si=NcVk0IIcMhn7Wd7O

In this heartfelt episode of “This Is My Story,” McKaylee George opens up about her journey with Toward Independence, a path shaped by growth, service, and purpose. From her first experiences to the lasting impact she has made, McKaylee reflects on what it means to be part of a mission that empowers people with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives.

Her story is one of compassion, resilience, and inspiration — a reminder that every individual has the power to create change and uplift others through dedication and care.

Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities Ohio Health Care Association

In this heartfelt episode of “This Is My Story,” Mckaylee George opens up about her journey with Toward Independence, a path shaped by growth, service, and p...

10/13/2025

🗳️ 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝟏 – 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲! 💙

𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝟏 is a 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐲 — 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐱 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 — that continues about $𝟓𝟖 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 in funding for vital Human Services across Montgomery County.

These funds support children, seniors, people with developmental disabilities, and public health programs that benefit every community in our county.

Without renewal, nearly 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭,, cutting critical programs that more than 𝟏𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 residents rely on every year.

✅ Vote 𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝟏 this November to keep Montgomery County strong, healthy, and compassionate — all 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐬!

💚 Toward Independence proudly supports Issue 1, as these funds help sustain the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities, ensuring people with disabilities continue receiving the support they deserve.

finda out more @ https://www.voteforhumanservices.com/

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

09/19/2025

https://youtu.be/e4PBeFmOavQ?si=vBPldMgtOOlEfsGO

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/12/2025

🌟 𝗗𝗦𝗣 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 - 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹 🌟

We are so excited to shine the spotlight on 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹 as one of our DSPs for Appreciation Week! Michelle was chosen because she brings so much 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁, 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 into everything she does. She goes the 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 to make sure the people she supports feel valued, respected, and cared for.

Michelle’s 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 make her truly stand out, and her ability to connect with others has such a 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁. She’s not just dependable and hardworking—she’s someone who makes every day brighter for the people around her.

💙 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼! 💙