Humble Servants
Collaboration, Advocacy, and Dignity – The Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities is committed to people with disabilities. The board exists to maximize the potential of individuals through education and community partnerships. Through their efforts, “All people will have the freedom, support, and advocacy to pursue their goals, dreams, and aspirations in a community where everyone matters, is included, and contributes.”
Coshocton County celebrates professionals within the field of developmental disabilities with awards, for example, the Lasting Legacy and Direct Support Professional of the Year.
The Lasting Legacy award honors an individual who has devoted their life to serving people with disabilities. Recognizing leaders who embraced diversity and inspired independence, the board explains that those who receive this award “made monumental differences for people in our program.” This year, Cordell Brown, the founder of Echoing Hills, was honored with this award.
With humility and compassion, Cordell continues to serve individuals with disabilities, relating to them through his own challenges. Author of I am What I am by The Grace of God, he writes, “People with disabilities are just like everyone else. Once any of us feels valued, self-esteem and self-love can grow. With the knowledge that God loves us, there isn’t any barrier that can’t be overcome.” Beginning with Cordell’s vision, Echoing Hills became a multimillion-dollar ministry caring for individuals for 50 years – and counting!
In addition to the legacy award, Coshocton County shouts out the DSP of the year. This support professional is remarkable and demonstrates a passion for the career. With creativity and kindness, they have made a meaningful impact on the lives of the people they support. This year, Michelle Freeman received the award.
Michelle received this award because her creativity and kindness are evident. This shows through her active listening skills and emotional intelligence as she makes individuals feel seen. She is loving towards her peers by showing up when scheduled and occasionally coming in early to help out. Patience is challenging to cultivate, but Michelle displays it with true affection. Her attentiveness to the needs of others is admirable. What an amazing honor it is to have her on the Echoing Hills team!
Echoing Hills values the dignity and respect of individuals, as we are all the same in God’s eyes. Our mission is centered around demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit and humble service, as Jesus Christ came down for us as a servant.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
