BOWLING GREEN, OH (Toledo News Now) - WoodLane Industries and School in Bowling Green provide the largest and mostcomprehensive care for people with developmental disabilities in Wood County.Now they need the help of voters.
WoodLane provides services to more than 1,000 people each year – from infants allthe way to adults. They teach them a variety of skills to help them get andkeep a job.
"Weprovide support for employment, for living in the community," saidSuperintendent Melanie Stretchbery.
Boardmembers passed a resolution for a 3.5 mill operating levy to go on the Novemberballot. The levy would generate $9.5 million, and it's the first time they'verequested a levy in 13 years.
"Giventhe number of people we serve and the 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week serviceswe provide, it does cost money, and there are no other sources of revenue,"Stretchbery said.
WoodLane figures the levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $107 peryear. All the money generated would allow Wood Lane to continue to providestability and independence for people like Kristen Fisher.
Fisherhas worked as a receptionist for Wood Lane Schools for five years. She says theskills she's learned have helped her to become more independent.
"I'mgoing to move out on my own soon," she said. "I'm glad I'm doing that…have myown journey from there."
