Whitehouse Ohio Work's History
Whitehouse Ohio Works (WOW), LLC was co-founded in 2009 by Christine and John White, with one foundational principle—a passion for taking care of Individuals with developmental disabilities. From the beginning, WOW has been revolutionary in the care we provide for our persons-served. Our strong leadership demonstrates hands-on qualities. This strategy ensures all persons-served needs are met while developing self-sufficient citizens.
By 2011, the company began offering 24/7 residential living and transportation across 9 counties and 14 locations throughout northeastern Ohio. Continuing to respond to community needs, WOW expanded its services to include an adult day habilitation program with community employment services, embracing state-of-the-art accommodations and specialized equipment in 2017. This initiative has allowed the company to further enhance and teach career and life skills necessary for advanced independence.
For our organization to realize its growth, we found it critical to train our person-centered professionals with unique skills; which established direct support for our agency. In 2020, the company re-branded itself and initiated a name change to Whitehouse Ohio Works (WOW) from Whitehouse Behavioral Health (WBH). WOW has created extensive coaching for Individuals in preparation to enter the mainstream workforce through job training, internships, and apprenticeships.
The WOW family is well-positioned to reach more people in need of its services. We will continue to provide quality care to every Individual, every day in all settings we serve: adult shared living, congregate settings, in-home care, transportation, job coaching, and day program. By doing so, the future of our Individuals are leaders of tomorrow and will be productive contributing citizens with some independently earning a living wage while living on their own with minimal support.
Whitehouse Ohio Works has two main locations: 1900 Fulton Rd. NW Canton, Ohio 44709 and 2420 Wedgewood Dr. Suite 26 Akron, Ohio 44312.
Our Values
Inclusion:
We follow a “person-centered team” approach. This team includes the person accessing services, their family, guardian, direct support providers, and county board of Developmental Disabilities professionals. This support makes it easier for everyone on the team to share information in real-time, discuss outcomes, and communicate changes to services. Our individuals must receive fair treatment and demonstrate their rights in all aspects of life.
Respect:
Whitehouse Ohio Works does not tolerate any ounce of disrespect towards our persons served and their families. All our direct care professionals are required to attend in-person training regarding DODD’s core values and proper etiquette. As a wholehearted family of dedicated members, we always welcome the uniqueness of all beings with open arms.
Opportunity:
We believe that career planning helps Individuals find jobs in the community and includes services to benefit the persons served. As well as encouraging others to seek their inspiration regarding education, potential hobbies, and skills.
For example
- Developing a strategic plan to help get the type of job they want to peruse or business they want to start
- Working with their employer and opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities to make sure they have what they need to do their job
- Achieving an internship or apprenticeship by working on personal branding and resume building
- Figuring out how working can change benefits for resources such as Medicaid, Social Security, or food assistance
- Helping others apply for higher education or programs.
- Actively participating in the community and activities such as becoming an athlete, being involved in a club, cooking, and gardening.
- Mastering valuable knowledge---including studying the driver’s ed manual, learning how to read/ write efficiently, performing financial transactions, practicing time management, and expanding interpersonal communication.
Accessibility:
Ensuring that all people have accessible living spaces, covenant transportation, public accommodations, desired living assistance, and innovative technological equipment adequate to their needs is extremely important to us. We strive to contribute our energy to making sure that all our individuals live comfortably and freely.
Excellence:
Maintaining professionalism and staying on top of all documentation is relevant to keeping all DSPs and individuals protected. All DSPs and providers are trained to thoroughly read ISPs monthly to remain updated on the health, interests, and needs of our persons served. We are devoted to presenting top-tier services by obtaining knowledge about the necessities and current circumstances of all residents.
Technology First:
Helping our individuals overcome technology barriers and live the lives they want. Technology can be for fun, meeting new people, keeping you safe/secure, and so much more. We are excited to be part of DODD’s new changes!