Richland Newhope has been honored by Ohio Public Images (OPI) for its efforts in 2012 to increase awareness about people with developmental disabilities.

The agency received four awards during a luncheon on March 11 that was held as part of the winter conference of the Ohio Superintendents of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OSCBDD) in Columbus.

Richland Newhope received the top honor, an Award of Excellence, for overall efforts to increase awareness about the agency and how individuals served by Newhope contribute to the community.  Activities include the annual Richland County Third Grade Coloring Contest, Community Awareness Day, a charity golf outing, and a breakfast to recognize businesses in the community that employ people with developmental disabilities.  This was the sixth time in the past seven years the agency has been honored for its awareness efforts.

“It’s Richland Newhope’s mission to support people with developmental disabilities to live, work and participate in the community,” said Jane Imbody, Director of Community Relations.  “One way we do this is by increasing public awareness about our agency and those we serve.  We are thrilled that our efforts have once again received statewide recognition.”

Richland Newhope also received an Award of Excellence for its newest agency video, which debuted in January of last year.  The video, called Possibilities, tells the story of three individuals supported by the agency.

Richland Newhope was also presented an Award of Merit for its Public Relations Efforts during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March.  In addition to the annual coloring contest and awareness day, the agency distributed nearly 5,500 pamphlets to 51 area churches in 2012, sponsored its 2nd Annual Bringing the Elements Together Art and Talent Show, received 10 proclamations, and had displays at the library and Richland Mall.

In addition, the agency’s website, www.rnewhope.org, received an Award of Merit.  The website was redesigned in 2012 to make is easier to find information.  New resources and graphics were also added.

The annual Public Awareness Awards, sponsored by Ohio Public Images, honor individuals and organizations throughout Ohio who, through their exceptional efforts, have succeeded in creating a greater understanding of people with developmental disabilities.  The awards are judged by impartial professionals in the communications and developmental disabilities fields.

OPI is a non-profit organization that promotes positive perceptions and understanding of people with developmental disabilities.

In 2012, Richland Newhope (Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities) supported more than 1,700 individuals and their families through Early Intervention, Preschool, Adult, Residential, Therapy, Transportation and other support programs.