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Recreation Commission Meeting January 6, 2003 Mr. Jacob then talked about the bottom line – dollars and cents (part of Exhibit A). Mr. Jacob is also aware of a West Side Ecumenical Ministry (“WSEM”) candidate who will work with the children in the summer programming for the SCF site in North Olmsted. The last part of the Exhibit is a letter from a parent whose three-year-old has serious deprivation, indicating her excitement with the program for her child and children like her Grace. Colette Adams then spoke generally of her pride in North Olmsted. For the past eight years, she has worked with the Ohio Families With Disabilities Council, governor appointed, one of 14 families with children/adults with disabilities. Seven of the families have children under 22, and she was on the Board at the Achievement Center and worked with Camp Cheerful, which did not believe there was a need for this type of program. After implementation, the Camp turned kids away after two years and 80 kids enrolled. Ms. Adams’ 18-year old son, Jamie, is a North Olmsted High School Special Ed senior looking for summer programming and has been since he was 12 years old. Without assistance, this would be a huge financial impact on her family. Colette has been in contact with Mr. Copeland, who has transported kids to Camp Cheerful from this area, willing to experiment for the benefit of the children. For several of the years between the time Jamie was 12-18, Ms. Adams has been self employed, working her own hours. At age ten, Jamie was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease (like a low grade pneumonia). His doctor said that, because of his active involvement in physical programs, the progression of his disease has slowed dramatically. All children need social activities away from home, interacting with friends and making relationships. Most of Ms. Adams’ children have breathing problems, but they do remarkably well because of active lifestyles. THERE ARE LOTS OF KIDS LIKE JAMIE. SCF is looking to local, state and federal support, a win/win situation on both sides: by becoming working citizens, all taxpayers share an interest in special needs children successes. It should be noted that this is a ground-breaking, grassroots movement at the State level, and Sally Kilbane is very interested in meeting with the participants of SCF. The legislation now going through the State will come back to North Olmsted. Mr. Copeland then said that the North Olmsted Commission on Paratransit, as well as transporting seniors, may also transport people with disabilities of any age, and would work with the parents involved with SCF for transportation to the Recreation Center. He noted that many times private day care special needs kids are usually out of the system soon because of issues arising from their needs. SCF is asking the Recreation Department for space – how to turn the Pavilion into a usable, year- round facility, currently available from March to October or November. Ms. Adams is part of the Committee to bring this about. Council has a $100,000 proposal to the County Commissioners Page 4