Toward Independence, Inc.

12/16/2025

We had an absolute blast celebrating the sealing of our 50th Anniversary Time Capsule with an awesome mix of staff, the individuals we proudly serve, and even some of our past CEOs joining in on the fun! The laughs, the memories, and the togetherness made this moment one for the history books.

From sharing stories of the “good old days” to imagining what the next 50 years will look like, this celebration was full of heart, pride, and a whole lot of smiles. This time capsule is packed with our legacy, our mission, and the joy that makes Toward Independence so special.

Thank you to everyone who helped us seal up 50 amazing years. Here’s to the past, the present, and an even brighter future ahead! 💙✨

12/15/2025

🎉🎂 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬—𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠! 🎂🎉

One of the incredible individuals we serve in 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲, Holly, got to celebrate her birthday (𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘺… 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘴! 😉) in true Cincinnati style at Paycor Stadium watching the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Baltimore Ravens! 🏈🧡🖤

Even with the cold temperatures and the Bengals coming up short on the scoreboard, Holly’s spirits were anything but down. She took in all the game-day excitement, proudly cheered on her favorite team, and stayed warm with some much-needed hot chocolate ☕. To top it all off, she even got to see Santa 🎅, adding a little holiday magic to an already special birthday experience!

Seeing the joy on Holly’s face reminds us why moments like these matter so much. It’s about more than just the game; it’s about inclusion, celebration, and making memories that will last long after the final whistle.

Happy Birthday, Holly! 🎈 Thank you for bringing the energy, the smiles, and the Who Dey spirit no matter the weather or the score.

🧡🖤 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐃𝐄𝐘!!! 🖤🧡

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

12/12/2025

🎉 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝟓𝟎-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲! 🎉

What an unforgettable way to close out our 50-year celebration! On Wednesday Night, December 10th, employees, their friends, families, and the people we are honored to serve all gathered together at the beautiful Clifton Mill for one final anniversary event.

With 𝟓 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, a stunning 𝟐𝟎-𝐟𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟕,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, and even a visit from 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚, the evening captured the magic of the season and the spirit of our mission. Seeing everyone from team members, loved ones, and individuals we support sharing in the wonder of the display truly reminded us why Toward Independence, Inc. has stood strong for half a century.

✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 to every staff member who continues to give so much of themselves.
✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 to the families and friends who support our work.
✨ And 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 to the people we serve, who inspire us every single day.

As we wrap up this milestone year, we carry forward the same passion, compassion, and commitment that has defined us for 50 years. Here’s to the next chapter and the next 50 years of empowering people to live their best lives. 💙

Greene County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesMontgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Darke County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesMiami County Board of Developmental Disabilities Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Ohio Health Care Association Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

12/05/2025

🎄✨ Todays the Day - Christmas Without Barriers — A Free Community Holiday Celebration! ✨🎄

Join us for an inclusive and joy-filled evening on December 5th from 5–9 PM at Toward Independence, 81 E. Main St., Xenia, OH 45385!

Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit for a night full of festive activities:
🎁 Gift making at the Jingle Workshop
🎬 Holiday movie in the Holly Lounge
🌎 Visit the North Pole Sensory Room
♿ Accessible changing rooms and tables available

This event is open to children and adults with disabilities, and we’d love to have you join us!

⭐ RSVP to be a Shining Star:
sarah-gerber@ti-inc.org
937-818-1136

Let’s celebrate the season without barriers—together! ❤️🌟

12/02/2025

🌟 Join us for the Greene County Resource Fair TOMORROW! 🌟

Connect with local organizations, explore helpful programs, and discover community resources designed to support you and your family. This free event will feature: CareSource, Greene County Public Health, Buckeye Health Plan , Hope Spot, Toward Independence, Inc. , United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, Greene County Family & Children First, Miami Valley Community Action Partnership and many more.

📍 Toward Independence, Inc.
📅 Wednesday, December 3
🕔 5 PM – 7 PM

Happening during the One Bistro Community Meal — no RSVP required!

11/28/2025

✨ Christmas Without Barriers — A Free Community Holiday Celebration! ✨🎄

Join us for an inclusive and joy-filled evening on December 5th from 5–9 PM at Toward Independence, 81 E. Main St., Xenia, OH 45385!

Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit for a night full of festive activities:
🎁 Gift making at the Jingle Workshop
🎬 Holiday movie in the Holly Lounge
🌎 Visit the North Pole Sensory Room
♿ Accessible changing rooms and tables available

This event is open to children and adults with disabilities, and we’d love to have you join us!

⭐ RSVP to be a Shining Star:
sarah-gerber@ti-inc.org
937-818-1136

Let’s celebrate the season without barriers—together! ❤️🌟

11/26/2025

11/21/2025

At one of our Darke County locations, Friday mornings have become something everyone looks forward to, and it’s all thanks to Noah. 🍳✨

Every week, Noah, one of the amazing people we serve, has taken it upon himself to cook breakfast for his roommates. What started as a simple interest has turned into a weekly ritual filled with excitement, delicious smells, and big smiles.

Noah has shown an impressive dedication to learning new meals and perfecting his favourites. Over the past few months, he has cooked up everything from golden French toast, fluffy omelettes, and perfectly scrambled eggs to hearty bacon-and-egg breakfasts that rival any diner. And he’s always eager to try something new.

But the best part isn’t just the food — it’s the growth happening behind the scenes. Each Friday, you can see Noah’s confidence grow a little more. His independence in the kitchen has taken off, and he beams with pride when others enjoy what he’s cooked. His roommates cheer him on, and their compliments encourage him to keep pushing himself and exploring his culinary skills.

Noah has discovered not only a hobby, but a passion — something that brings joy to both him and the people around him. These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do: supporting individuals as they build skills, find confidence, and celebrate their strengths.

👏 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨, 𝐍𝐨𝐚𝐡! 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠!

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

11/18/2025

🎯 Help 𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗖, Our Employee Council, Stock Our 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🎯

This November, Toward Independence, Inc. is giving back to the community! ❤️

We’re collecting 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 through the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities 🏠

💛 Your contributions help these shelters 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 for individuals who need it most.

🤝 Let’s come together as a team and 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡! 🌟

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

11/18/2025

Join us today in honoring Christina McDufford!!

Christina has been dedicated employee with Toward Independence, Inc. for 29 years. She advocates passing along vital information onto her leadership to ensure that her clients are well taken care of. She’s a third shift DSP, who is always ensuring her client’s safety. She is a loving and caring employee and has formed many relationships with our clients over her years. She is a hard worker and an excellent team player and she has even helped mentor new staff along the way! Christina supports several people that are nonverbal and is able to pinpoint when health issues are brewing and pays close attention to their nonverbal cues. When her shift is over, you can rely on Christina to take pride in her job, paying attention to the details, and the house always looks amazing. She has won awards for cleanliness and safe and sanitary environment for the house she supports. The clients love her, and her relationships with them are long-lasting. Thank you for everything Christina, you are amazing!!

Ms. McDufford is a Direct Support Professional (DSP), and as noted above, works with Toward Independence, Inc.

(Note: Ms. McDufford is very humble, and did not want her photo posted)

11/12/2025

Yesterday, we gathered for the Toward Independence, Inc. 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, and what an unforgettable evening it was! 💙

The room was filled with laughter, smiles, and heartfelt conversations as we celebrated the people who make everything we do possible 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟. From start to finish, yesterday honored the commitment, compassion, and excellence they bring to our mission and the individuals we serve.

The food was fantastic, and the energy was even better! Everyone enjoyed a well-deserved day to relax, connect, and share stories from across the agency.

Our team also received some awesome gifts, including 50th anniversary blankets that showed off our Toward Independence pride! Seeing everyone with big smiles truly reminded us what makes this organization so special: unity, teamwork, and heart.

A big congratulations to all of our award recipients! Whether it was for years of dedicated service, going above and beyond, or embodying our mission each day, your commitment inspires us all. Every award handed out last night represented countless acts of kindness, teamwork, and perseverance.

We can’t thank you enough for the work you do from the late-night shifts to the early morning starts, and all the moments of care, patience, and laughter in between. You make a difference every day, and we’re so proud to have you as part of the Toward Independence family.

Here’s to another year of growth, teamwork, and making a positive impact in the lives of others!


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

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.