In the Spotlight
Koinonia Adds DailyPay to Empower and Retain Direct Support Professionals
INDEPENDENCE – November 4, 2019 – Koinonia, a leading provider of life-changing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping employees gain greater financial flexibility. DailyPay allows employees to receive instant access to their earned but unpaid wages whenever they need them, without having to wait until their next scheduled payday. The partnership will empower Koinonia’s workforce with the financial freedom to access their wages whenever they need them, not just on payday. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and other staff members will have the ability to pick up an extra shift and get paid for it the next day, through DailyPay. “Koinonia’s Employees are, hands down, our most important resource and asset, and as employers we have a duty to care for them,” Diane Beastrom, President & CEO said. “This benefit encourages people to come to work each and every day feeling engaged because they have [...]
Employee Spotlight – Mary Therese Conway
In her role as a Qualified I/D Professional, Mary Therese has impacted people at Koinonia through her willingness to always step up when needed, her desire to be a mentor and teacher to her teammates, and her ability to think out of the box and be innovative. Mary Therese shows great coaching skills in her day-to-day interactions with fellow staff. She is solution-oriented and does not waste time finding fault or placing blame; she instead offers support and training when needed to the DSP’s at her sites. A hands-on leader, Mary Therese often steps up to cover a shift when staffing is short or if a supervisor is on PTO. She volunteers to teach PBS and CPR classes. She answers her company phone to field questions from staff even when she is not on call. She has a way of earning trust by showing up and following through with requests in a timely manner. Mary [...]
From our blog
Koinonia Adds DailyPay to Empower and Retain Direct Support Professionals
INDEPENDENCE – November 4, 2019 – Koinonia, a leading provider of life-changing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping employees gain greater financial flexibility. DailyPay allows employees to receive instant access to their earned but unpaid wages whenever they need them, without having to wait until their next scheduled payday. The partnership will empower Koinonia’s workforce with the financial [...]
DSP Hiring Party 10/16 – 10/17. $250 Sign-On Bonus!
You're invited to a special DSP Hiring Party at our headquarters in Independence Ohio. We are searching for caring DSP's to work in group homes and adult day centers throughout the greater Cleveland area. $250 SIGN-ON BONUS, Great Benefits, Paid Training and Paid Time Off! Come for the opportunity and stay for the refreshments! Oct. 16-17, 10:00 am until 4:30 pm daily. 6161 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 210, Independence [...]
Thanks to Friends Fund Impact Client Lives
Koinonia's THANKS TO FRIENDS (TTF) fund an employee sponsored fund that benefits our must vulnerable clients, has helped over 30 clients this year when they needed it the most. Employees contribute through small payroll deductions ranging from $1.00 to $10 per paycheck - small deductions that together have a big impact. Together this year we have helped Michael get new eye glasses, we helped Megan go bowling, we bought [...]
Koinonia Weigh Challenge Update – September 2019
What has 90 participants and 12 teams that include not only our CEO, but staff from all levels and the people we serve? It’s the Koinonia Weigh Challenge! We are all getting healthy together while learning more about our philosophy of the Koinonia Way. The Koinonia Way is about how we Care, Support, and Lead to accomplish our mission and make our organization happier and healthier. Our number one [...]
The Koinonia Way – Care
The Koinonia Way is how we care, support and lead to achieve our mission and values At Koinonia, we believe all we do begins with caring about our associates and the individuals and families we serve. For this reason, we promote behaviors that build a caring environment where people feel safe physically, psychologically, and socially. We focus on strengths and resiliency and foster an environment of compassion, trust, and [...]
What is the Koinonia Way?
To create a collaborative environment that empowers and motivates people to do their best every day The Koinonia Way is all of us partnering every day to improve the quality of life of everyone with whom we connect. It encompasses our mission and core values, and is a culture of caring, collaborative support, and person-centered to help everyone who works and is served here to be happy and realize [...]
Koinonia Celebrates Direct Support Professionals with Appreciation Events
September 12, 2019 – Independence, Ohio – As part of a nationwide movement to recognize the impact of direct service support professionals (DSPs), Koinonia hosted a local appreciation event at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on September 12. The event, called CREW AT THE ZOO, celebrated more than 300 DSPs who serve adults with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). The celebration, which ran from 10:30 am until 5:30 pm, featured [...]
In the Spotlight: Renee Dezso
A dedicated educator. A tireless advocate. An unsung hero. These are the phrases Renee Deszo’s colleagues use to describe the assistant program manager, who has been a valued member of the Koinonia team for many years. In her role, Renee is responsible for training the newest members of Koinonia’s supervisory staff. Each day, she dedicates her efforts to preparing supervisors to care for individuals with IDD and respond with [...]
Koinonia is a NorthCoast 99 Award Winner for the 5th Year in a Row!
Independence, Ohio, Aug. 22, 2019 – Koinonia is proud to be recognized by ERC as one of 99 great Northeast Ohio workplaces for top talent. This is the fifth time that our organization has received the NorthCoast 99 Award. NorthCoast 99 is an annual recognition program and event in its 21st year that honors 99 great Northeast Ohio workplaces for top talent. “More than a business award or event, [...]
Koinonia to celebrate Direct Support Professionals with CREW AT THE ZOO event on Thursday, September 12th
August 19, 2019 – Independence, Ohio – Koinonia has announced that they will celebrate the 300+ Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who work for the company on Thursday, September 12th with CREW AT THE ZOO, a special event at Stillwater Place at the Cleveland Zoo. The celebration, which runs from 10:30 am until 5:30 pm, will feature delicious food, scavenger hunts, prizes, raffle baskets, and a special visit from Jeffrey [...]
Koinonia Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Independence, Ohio – August 19, 2019 – Koinonia, the region’s leading provider of day, residential and employment services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has appointed Susan Chiancone to serve as the chief financial officer (CFO). Chiancone joins the Koinonia team with robust experience in finance and financial operations. In her role as CFO, Chiancone will serve as the organization’s primary financial steward while working to fulfill [...]
From ASPIRE to Hire
During her final year of high school at Springfield, Mikayla participated in the Summit DD-Koinonia ASPIRE program. This program, originally piloted in the Woodridge school district, was created to assist high schoolers with developmental disabilities.
What Barriers? How James overcame Homeless and Discrimination to Achieve His Dreams
James is a person who has IDD and blindness. He started with Koinonia Enterprise’s (KE) employment services department in 2017. At the time, James was employed at a large seafood chain restaurant as a dishwasher only working 8 hours a week, and he needed a job with more hours to support himself. He began working with Career Coordinator Annmarie, and she became his biggest advocate. James faced many challenges, [...]
Koinonia to Celebrate Staff Success at Event on July 23rd
Koinonia will celebrate staff excellence and share important company news and updates at their annual All-Staff meeting on Tuesday, July 23rd. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn on Rockside Road in Independence. Staff will have the choice of attending either a morning session or an evening session. Over 100 Koinonia employees will be honored for demonstrating excellence on the job and for their years of service, [...]
Thank you for your support
This past April, Koinonia joined the Autism Society in promoting awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many of our clients have received a diagnosis of autism, so we are privileged to share the Autism Society’s commitment to providing adults with ASD the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. We recently asked you to make a gift to Koinonia programs that support people who have autism and other [...]
The Koinonia Weigh Challenge Teaches Employees The Koinonia Way
July 23, 2019 - Independence, Ohio: Koinonia has launched an exciting new contest and educational tool for their employees. The Koinonia Weigh Challenge is an 8-week contest where teams of employees compete to earn points to win cash prizes. The contest was announced at Koinonia's annual All-Staff meeting. It will run from Monday, September 9th - Friday November 1st. Winners will be announced on Monday, November 18th. In addition [...]
Springfield High School Aspire Students Celebrate the End of the School Year
May 15, 2019 - Akron, Ohio: Ten students from Springfield High School celebrated their success in the Aspire program in a ceremony which took place at the Iron Grill in Akron. Parents, Students, Springfield Teaches and Staff, Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Summit DD) representatives and employees of Koinonia were in attendance. This program is in part, generously supported by General Motors. The Aspire Program is managed by [...]
Woodridge High School Aspire Students Recognized at Year-End Event
May 7, 2019, Cuyahoga Falls Ohio: Eleven students were recognized for completion of the ASPIRE program for the 2018 - 2019 School Year at a special event held at the Wing Warehouse in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio. Parents, Students, Woodridge Teachers and Staff, Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Summit DD) representatives, and representatives from Koinonia were in attendance. Area employers and representatives from CareSource foundation also participated in the [...]
Koinonia Kicks-off Multi-Prize Getaway Raffle Win $1,000 VISA Gift Card and a New Orleans Vacation!
Independence, Ohio – May 17, 2019 – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of day programs, residential and employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, is raffling off a vacation stay in the heart of the Big Easy – New Orleans. The raffle winner will be awarded an 8-day/7-night getaway at the Bluegreen Club La Pension resort located on the Decatur Street – along with a $1,000 VISA Gift card. [...]
Mark’s Koinonia Story
At Koinonia, we are dedicated to helping people with autism lead independent, fulfilling lives. We recently reached out to our friends in the community to share the following story about Mark, a young man with autism who has benefited from the services we provide. Like most young adults, Mark dreamed of landing a job so that he could earn his own money, live on his own, and have a [...]
KeyBank Make A Difference Day Helps Job Seekers Prepare for Employment
For the second year in a row, KeyBank employees visited both Koinonia Enterprises' locations to perform mock interviews for our job seekers. The event was part of KeyBank's annual Make a Difference Day. A mock interview, also known as a practice interview, is a simulation of an actual job interview. It provides job seekers with an opportunity to practice for an interview and receive feedback. One of the individuals [...]
Koinonia asks employers to consider hiring people with Autism during Autism Awareness Month
LiveOnLakeside Cheryl Senko & Mark Donofrio - Koinonia Homes Author: LIVE On Lakeside Published: 4:31 PM EDT April 23, 2019 Updated: 4:31 PM EDT April 23, 2019 Koinonia Homes’ mission is to partner with people who have developmental disabilities to achieve healthy, fulfilling, and enriched lives. Cheryl Senko, Director of Development & Communications at Koinonia Homes and Mark Donofrio, Resident at Koinonia Homes, joined Alexa and Michael to tell [...]
Koinonia Recognizes Autism Awareness Month
Nearly 25 years ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide campaign to promote awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism Awareness Month is today celebrated each April in an effort to shine a light on a disorder that has grown significantly in prevalence, now affecting 1 out of every 59 children born each year [...]
Koinonia Receives Historic Gift
Koinonia marked the start of the year with a gift of $325,000 gift from an anonymous donor. This is the largest gift we have received in our 45-year history. We are deeply grateful for this transformational commitment, which will allow us to advance key elements of our strategic plan. Developed in 2017 with the support of The Cleveland Foundation and in collaboration with OPEN MINDS, a healthcare business intelligence [...]
Koinonia Featured on 19 NEWS Cleveland
By John Deike View CLICK HERE to view the article on 19 News website BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, OH (WOIO) - At Koinonia, it’s not about disability--it’s about possibility. The Northeast Ohio nonprofit is opening new doors for people with disabilities while breaking the stigmatizing cycle that works against special people who are making a positive difference in the community. One of their latest success stories involves Mark Donofrio. Donofrio, 26, [...]
April is Autism Awareness Month
For almost 50 years, April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. A month-long celebration and a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and increase attention to those affected by autism. What is Autism Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. Symptoms typically appear during early childhood and is usually a life-long condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, socially interact with others and [...]
Koinonia’s Jason Dresden joins the Stow Commission on Inclusion
Jason Dresden, Koinonia’s Workforce Development Manager, has joined the City of Stow’s Commission on Inclusion. The Commission seeks ways to help the City of Stow continue to grow awareness of and support for Stow citizens with disabilities. According to Dresden, "My job is to help people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful employment, which perfectly blends with the mission of the Commission. I look forward to working [...]
Koinonia Hires Inaugural Chief Quality Officer
Service Agency Taps Diana Rosa, Expert Performance Improvement Executive INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, March 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Koinonia, a leading provider of day, residential, and career services to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), hired Diana Rosa to serve as its first Chief Quality Officer.Rosa is a career-long quality and performance improvement management executive in the behavioral health sector. In this newly created position, Rosa will inform, advise and develop Koinonia's [...]
Koinonia Employees Make an Impact with Thanks to Friends Fund
Koinonia employees don’t just dedicate their careers to helping people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live better lives in our communities, they also support our clients with small payroll deductions, small deductions that together have a huge impact.The Thanks to Friends Fund, or TTF, was established in 1998, to provides financial assistance to individuals can benefit from specialized therapies, counseling, medical equipment, educational and recreational programs that enhance [...]
Koinonia Celebrates DD Awareness Month
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan made a public proclamation that the month of March should be recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to "increase public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities. Over 6 million individuals in the United States have developmental disabilities. Examples of developmental disabilities include Autism, behavior disorders, brain injury, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, intellectual disability, and spina bifida. People [...]
Koinonia Launches Amazon Wish-List to benefit Residents living in Group Homes
Coffee Makers, Bath Towels, and Twin Bedding - Those are just some of the items that are needed in the 21 licensed group homes that Koinonia manages. While funding sources may initially purchase these items, it doesn't replace them when they become broken or worn out. Now, Koinonia supporters have the opportunity to purchase these much-needed items via our Amazon Wish List. https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/3QWVQ1UHUL3SY/ref=smi_ge_rl_rd_gw?_encoding=UTF8&newts=1&pldnSite=1&ref_=smi_chpf_redirect&ref_=smi_chpf_redirect The Amazon Wish List resembles a [...]
Spring Fling Volunteer Meeting Set for February 6th at Little Birdie Wine Nest in Parma
Koinonia Homes, a nonprofit organization that serves approximately 600 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Northeast Ohio is seeking community volunteers to plan three events this year. Potential volunteers can meet at The Little Birdie Wine Nest, 6060 Broadview Road, Parma Ohio 44134 at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 6th. The meeting should take approximately an hour. The volunteers will be helping to plan Koinonia’s annual Spring [...]
Koinonia Kicks-off Virginia Great Outdoors Getaway Raffle
Raffle Benefits Quality of Life for People with Developmental Disabilities Independence, Ohio – November 12, 2018 – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of day programs, residential and employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, is raffling off a vacation stay in the pristine wilderness of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The raffle winner will be awarded an 8-day/7-night cabin getaway at the Shenandoah Crossing resort located on peaceful Lake Izac. All proceeds [...]
Koinonia Receives $100,000 NOACA Grant for Transportation Initiative
Bucks-for-a-Bus Campaign Exceeds Fundraising Goal with Local Agency and Community Support CLEVELAND – October 29, 2018 – Thanks to overwhelming support from Northeast Ohio community donors and local agency grants, Koinonia Homes’ Bucks-for-a-Bus fundraising campaign was a rousing success. The campaign exceeded its goal of raising enough funds to purchase a new vehicle to transport adults with developmental disabilities to work and inclusive community events. With the extra funds, [...]
Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union Gives Back to the Community at the Koinonia Fall Picnic and Hayride
The skies may have been a little cloudy on Saturday, October 6, at The Chalet in Strongsville, but there was a lot of sunshine in the hearts of over 250 people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as they enjoyed Koinonia’s annual fall picnic and hayride, as well as in the spirits of the volunteers who not only sponsored the event but also worked to grill hundreds of hamburgers [...]
Saving Maggy
Maggy is a young woman who has struggled to find her place in the world. Not only does Maggy have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), but like many people we serve, she is dually diagnosed with mental health conditions. Many other providers tried to serve Maggy, but typically would give up after a short period of time. One day we received a call from the County Board of DD, would [...]
Diane Beastrom Honored as Crain’s 2018 Notable Women in Health Care
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, Aug. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Diane Beastrom, president and CEO of Koinonia Homes, is named as one of the Notable Women in Healthcare 2018 by Crain's Cleveland Business. The elite class of awardees includes prominent female leaders and executives in Northeast Ohio's health care industry. Beastrom is recognized for her deft guidance of Koinonia Homes from a small, intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) agency operating a handful of group [...]
Koinonia Enterprises to Host Summer Motown Concert on Thursday, August 30th
On Thursday, August 30th from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm, The crew at Koinonia Enterprises, in partnership with MTEC Music Therapy Enrichment Center, will be hosting a special Summer Concert at the Kiwanis Pavilion at 6363 Selig Drive in Independence Ohio. The concert will feature a variety of Motown music including renditions of Don't Mess With Bill, Easy, My Girl and Ooh Baby Baby. The concert will also feature a guitar solo of the song Just My [...]
Koinonia Wins NorthCoast 99 Four Years in a Row!
Koinonia Homes is proud to be recognized by ERC as one of Northeast Ohio's 99 best places to work! This is the fourth time that Koinonia has received the NorthCoast 99 award. NorthCoast 99 is an annual recognition program that honors 99 great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio. The program is presented by ERC (www.yourerc.com). According to Diane Beastrom, President and CEO of Koinonia, "I'd like to recognize [...]
RealAbilities Film Festival Comes to Cleveland
ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different abilities. The festival is renowned for its wide-ranging international film selection, riveting conversations, and performances, presented annually in dozens of venues across the country and around the world. The films are offered free of admission charges, and all festival venues are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the [...]
Parents of Adolescents and Young Adults Needed for Autism Research Study
Are you a parent or guardian of a teen or young adult (age 16-30) with Autism? Consider participating in a research study at Case Western Reserve University about experiences of families caring for teens or young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Information from the study will help create programs and services to support families like yours in the community. Participation involves a private in-person interview that lasts about 90 minutes. [...]
Koinonia Receives Trauma-Informed Care Training Grant
Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Funding Kickstarts Trauma-Informed Agency Designation Independence, Ohio – August 7, 2018 – Koinonia, a leading provider of day, residential and career services to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID/DD), received a $20,000 Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) grant to provide staff with trauma-informed care training. Trauma-informed care training teaches Koinonia managers, supervisors and nurses about the widespread impact of trauma and teaches them ways to respond [...]
Hands-on learning: Students gain job skills through Summit DD and Koinonia
By April Helms Reporter, MyTownNEO, August 7, 2018: Summer jobs are often seen as a rite of passage for teens, a means of earning both money and critical job experience. Summit DD Community Supports and Development expanded its youth summer work program in May to allow more teens with developmental disabilities gain employment. John DeMarco, 18, of Cuyahoga Falls, wraps sliverware in napkins for Continuing Healthcare. At left, job [...]
John White from CVS Health Visits Koinonia Enterprises
On Thursday, August 2nd, John White, Regional Learning Center Manager Workforce Initiatives for CVS Health, visited both Vocational Habilitation programs at Koinonia Enterprise's (KE) In Brooklyn Heights and Mayfield Village for KE's Career Day. John spent valuable time with each location, going over job offerings at CVS, explaining what the responsibilities for each position are, and answering questions from our job seekers. CVS Health was recently recognized as a "Best Place [...]
2018 Founders Award Winner – Management Category, is Michelle Moore!
Michelle's nomination submitted by Patti Matzinger, Director of Waiver Services: “Koinonia is not just the National Spelling Bee Champions’ winning word, but a name that proudly identifies the agency we work for. A word of Greek origin meaning fellowship. But at the very heart of the word is community, partnership and generous sharing. While few can say or spell it, the reason Michele Moore has been nominated for the Founders [...]
2018 Founders Award Winner – DSP Category, is Kate Dumond!
Jackie Burgio, Supervisor - KE wrote the following about Kate: “Kate is the best advocate I know. When she noticed the health of an individual declining, she brought her concerns to me and a special team meeting was scheduled. As Kate works very closely with this individual, she attended as well. This man, who does not live in a Koinonia home, was suffering from skin break down, digestive issues, hand [...]
Koinonia to host Transportation Needs Meeting on Tuesday, July 24th
The Koinonia Homes, Inc. which is a private nonprofit corporation intends to submit a Proposal for a capital grant under the provision of 49 USC Section 5310 of the Federal Transit Act to provide transportation service for the disabled and elderly of that population within Cuyahoga County and surrounding areas. The grant Proposal will request two replacement vehicles for our current transportation fleet. One to be a 2018 Elkhart Coach [...]
Duke Men’s Basketball Star Brennan Besser holds Basketball Clinic with Koinonia
Brennan Besser, a Junior on the Duke Blue Devils College men's basketball team, is biking, walking, and running from Seattle to New York this summer to raise awareness and support for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brennan has been inspired by his sister Jacqueline, a nonverbal person who has Autism, to make this trek across the country. His 69-day journey is called Walk On! America and includes 3,400 miles across 16 states [...]
Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper to speak at Koinonia All-Staff Meeting
Koinonia is pleased to welcome Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper as the keynote speaker for Koinonia's annual All-Staff meeting on Tuesday, July 31st. Dr. Burts-Cooper is the senior managing partner of Improve Consulting and Training Group, a firm that provides personal and professional development training, coaching and consultation. Improve has been featured in Time Magazine, Black Voices, Smart Business Magazine and Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Dr. Burts-Cooper is on the faculty at Case Western Reserve University in the Weatherhead Executive Education [...]
Open Interviews Next Week! Come and start your healthcare career at Koinonia!
Koinonia Homes, Inc. - one of the 99 best places to work in Northeast Ohio is hiring! We are hiring for several positions including Direct Support Professionals, Supervisors, Behavioral Support Supervisor, Weekend Warriors, Executive Assistant and other Admin positions! Now is your chance to join a growing non-profit that offers great benefits and a supportive work environment CLICK HERE to see our open positions! WEDNESDAY, June 27th Brook Park Library [...]
DSP Appreciation CARNIVAL set for Wednesday, September 12th
Event will be from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the Kiwanis Pavilion in Independence DSPs and Frontline Staff are asked to RSVP by clicking this link: https://koinoniahomes.org/dsp-party/ Koinonia Homes, Inc. today announced plans for a Carnival themed DSP Appreciation Party on September 12th at the Kiwanis Pavilion at 6363 Selig Drive in Independence Ohio. New this year, the hours of the party have been extended from 11:00 AM until [...]
Koinonia and EDEN to co-host Common Ground Conversation on Sunday, June 24th
On Sunday, June 24, the Cleveland Foundation will coordinate Common Ground community conversations around town under the topic: Why does place matter? People who have I/DD need places that support their abilities and give them the space they need to pursue a life of their choosing. What challenges do they face in finding housing and places to work in our community? Koinonia Homes and Emerald Development & Economic Network (EDEN) will be [...]
CrossCountry Mortgage offers $500 Lender Credit to Koinonia Employees
Are you Looking to Purchase a New Home this Year? CrossCountry Mortgage is offering a special $500 lender credit to Koinonia Associates, in appreciation for the valuable work they do helping people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive in our community! At CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc., they offer more than a mortgage. Founded in 2003, President and CEO Ronald J. Leonhardt, Jr., had the vision [...]
Texas Student, 14, Wins 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee with Word ‘Koinonia’
14-year-old Karthik Nemmani, of McKinney, Texas, won the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night after correctly spelling the word, Koinonia. The bee was Nemmani’s first time participating in the national finals. Nemmani was one of 515 spellers to participate in this year’s bee, winning over Naysa Modi, 12, in the eighteenth round when she misspelled bewusstseinslage. Among his prizes — which include $40,000 in cash and a trophy [...]
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland Upcoming Free Events & Legal Advice
Do you need help from an Attorney? The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland has many FREE legal advice clinics coming up. At these clinics, attorneys are available for a free brief advice on legal matters relating to shelter, safety, consumer issues, and legal issues related to health, education, work, income, and immigration. The full calendar is also available at https://lasclev.org/events/category/brief-advice-clinics/ a printed version of this schedule is available HERE. THIS WEEK - [...]
Woodridge High School Youth in Transition Spotlights Student Successes and Changing Expectations
May 2, 2018, Peninsula Ohio: Representatives from The Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD), the Woodridge School System, Koinonia Homes, along with students, faculty, and families gathered at Woodridge High School to celebrate the success of The Transition Services for Youth program, an initiative designed to prepare young adults with developmental disabilities (DD) for the professional world upon graduation. According to Walter C. Davis, Superintendent of Woodridge Local Schools, “We’re [...]
“Dancing with the Stars” Spring Fling Dance Scheduled for Sunday, May 6th
Koinonia Homes, Inc., in partnership with CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc., will host an all-abilities spring dance party for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their family and supporters, on Sunday May 6th. The dance party will be held at The Holiday Inn on Rockside Road, and feature the band The Angels in Disguise, a dance contest complete with Mirror Ball trophies, and a photo booth. Members of the community [...]
Koinonia-Amazon Success Story Showcased on WKYC TV We The People
Find out how Amazon and Koinonia are partnering together to find community-based employment for people who have developmental disabilities. Amanda Lovelace-Tobicash, site leader at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Twinsburg Ohio, and Amazon Fulfillment Associate Giselle Meriwether tell their story.
Koinonia Appears on 90.3 WCPN Sound of Ideas Radio Show
Director of Waiver Services Patti Matzinger and parent and DD Advocate Peggy DeMooy appeared on 90.c WCPN The Sound of Ideas Radio show, to share Peggy's story of how she turned her family home into a group home for her son Brian. According to Patti, "Our individuals, they so much want to be a part of community, that's part of our challenge is to get them out in the community... [...]
Mina Nardi Named Ohio’s Direct Support Professional of the Year
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, March 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Koinonia Homes employee Mina Nardi received the 2018 Direct Support Professional Recognition Award from the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) for the State of Ohio. The award recognizes the best of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce and their work to assist people who need support to lead self-directed lives and to participate fully in our communities and nation. Mina stood out in a crowded field [...]
“Intelligent Lives” documentary premiers at The Cleveland International Film Festival
Award winning documentary filmmaker Dan Habib premiers his latest film Intelligent Lives at The Cleveland International Film Festival on Tuesday April 10th at 7:00 PM. There is also a second FREE showing on Wednesday April 11th at noon. Both shows can be seen at Tower City Cinemas. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.clevelandfilm.org/films/2018/intelligent-lives How much weight does an IQ score actually hold? Considering all the different types [...]
Upcoming Volunteer Meetings for Spring Dance
Koinonia’s Annual Spring Fling Dance is just around the corner! This being said... we have A LOT of planning to do. Koinonia Homes is a nonprofit organization that serves approximately 600 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Northeast Ohio. We are seeking volunteers to help us plan an all-abilities dance party that we host for the people we serve each year. We have a great venue – the [...]
Acts of Kindness Project
In February, Koinonia started their first ever Act of Kindness Project. Michelle Moore, a Koinonia Project Manager, was the head on the project. Michelle came up with the idea at a supervisor meeting. She thought of doing something different this year. She discussed with the group a few options along the lines of giving back to the community, and the Act of Kindness Project was the consensus. Valentine’s Day came at [...]
Akron Autism 5K Run & Walk
We are pleased to announce that Koinonia will be a community level sponsor for the Akron Autism Society 5K Run & Walk. The event will be held June 16th at Firestone Stadium, located at 1575 Firestone Pkwy in Akron. This is the eighth annual race in support of the Autism Society of Greater Akron. The race is expected to have over 2,000 runner/walkers, which is enough to support programs and [...]
