"I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all of the staff at the dog day care center. My dog, Ari, is very fearful of people and I've been bringing him to day care a couple of times a month for the past six months to try to get him socialized. Your staff is patient, caring and I feel that they have been instrumental in helping Ari get over his fears (at least a little, he's still pretty nervous but improving). I constantly get coupons and discount offers in the mail for other nearby day care facilities but I will never go anywhere else. I know customers can be quick to complain about bad service but we don't always acknowledge exceptional service. Thank you to all of your wonderful staff."

—Debra Marcus, Macedonia, Ohio

"As an artist, I am inspired. As an observer, I'm in awe of their accomplishments. And as a collector, I'm proud to have seized the opportunity. The Creative Arts program provides a venue for creativity, enlightenment, and exploration to enrich the soul."

—Laura L. Burns, Legend Financial Group, Ltd.

"I purchased the pottery pieces because I enjoy the fact that they are expressions of emotion from some of your Creative Arts program participants. I believe art is a powerful tool that enables an honest expression of one's emotions and personality. With this being said, I love having the pieces in my office for visitors to see and inquire about–they have turned into touchstones for some of my visitors to "feel" the hearts of your residents–while at the same time learning about your good work–really good stuff."

—Walter K. Chapman, Chapman & Chapman, Inc.

"I am an artist, a painter. When Rinnie was born the doctors immediately told me she was blind. I was totally devastated. I had so wanted to share my artistic knowledge and joy with my daughter and teach her to be an artist. The fact that she couldn't see seemed to present an impossibility for that to happen and as time went on, we learned that she was also profoundly retarded with virtually no motor skills. The dream of my artist daughter was a dream that I could not see coming true.

As Rinnie became a teenager, her teachers identified a new interest of hers. To my astonishment, she was doing art projects in school with paint, markers and her own, unassisted hands! She was clearly overjoyed with her new found talent so when Dennis Allen asked me if she might like to participate in the new Hattie Larlham Creative Arts program I immediately signed her up.

Through working one on one with her trackers, she has learned to better communicate using expressions and vocal sounds—answering questions, not only "yes or no," but actually making multiple choices. Rinnie has completed and sold four paintings to date, which in of itself is remarkable, but better yet, she grins about it from ear to ear... She is so much happier now than ever. And so am I. A long lost dream has now come true—my little girl is an artist, too."

—JoAnne DeHamel, parent

"On a beautiful day last week I hopped into my car and drove to Mantua, Ohio, about two hours away, to visit Hattie Larlham, the new workplace of my friend, Ingrid Kanics, an occupational therapist. I was not prepared for my emotional reaction to this astounding multi-dimensional operation serving more than 1,000 children and adults with severe disabilities."

—Patty Lemer, Executive Director, DDR
read the DDR blog

"A few weeks ago, my wife Laura and I decided to share a long weekend at Geauga Lake Park with our daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons. After two very longdays of fun and rides, we were headed home on Monday. But we decided to visit the Foundation and Dick and Hattie's gravesite. While we were there, an old friend showed us around the new construction, and then he suggested we visit the café on our way home.

Our visit was a wonderful trip back to my teenage and early college years. Not only had I spent a fair number of days and nights in Hudson, I had spent many evenings in the drugstore itself. I walked through the front door, and was struck silent by my first sight of the soda counter in more than 45 years. I used to sit there and eat ice cream, drink coffee, and read comics while my sister took piano lessons. She was too young to drive, so I would bring her, and go to the drugstore while she had her lesson. Then I would drive her home. And there it was--perfectly restored! I was 19 again!

So there I stood, dumbstruck, while my family pressed around me. Finally, they got me moving again, and we found seats, but we were soon moved into a different room because of repairs going on in the front room. We ordered tuna sandwiches. They turned out to be absolutely the best tuna sandwiches I'd ever eaten. They were served graciously, the atmosphere was most pleasant, and everyone was very nice and so helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in your café, and I hope to return soon.

Mom would've been pleased and proud."

—Chuck Larlham, son of Richard and Hattie Larlham

"People are there [the HLCCD] to help you from day one. Words can't describe the overwhelming sense of love you feel from the moment you step through the doors."

—Karen, Lacey's mother

"I had some insecurities at first with sending Manny to school, but since he went to CALICO, those insecurities went out the door."

—Kisha, Manny's mother

"I couldn't be happier with the care Jeff receives at Hattie Larlham. I don't have one single bad thing to say about the care Jeff receives. Not one."

—Chris, Jeff's mother

"Our respite provider became part of our family and she helped us with our daughter's increased abilities in eating, walking, communication and development. She even went with us on family outings and a vacation."

—Theresa, mother

"When visiting, I am continually impressed with the quality of the Constant Companions staff and the clean, healthy, safe and attractive environment there. It is clear that all of the participants are having excellent experiences and enjoying life more fully, while they further their personal aspirations and grow as individuals and with friends."

—Tom Eamoe, executive director, Arc Hamilton County

"I highly recommend Kim and her staff. Their stimulating outings to museums, movies, farms and conservatories, plus the creative craft activities, pet interactions and social opportunities are great. All of this, set in a loving, caring atmosphere has given my client a wonderful quality of life that few in her circumstances experience."

—Rosemary Raether, special education teacher

"Interacting with the Hattie Larlham service coordinator has been a pleasure. The early intervention families and children are special, and I know they will be treated just that way when she is working with them."

—Pamela Snyder, Akron-based Coalition for Early Intervention

"I would pray that God would make our family whole, and that is exactly what God and Hattie Larlham have done for us."

—Rebecca, Sephora's mother

"I needed to do what was best for our whole family and that is where Hattie Larlham provided us with a light at the end of the tunnel."

—Peggy, Brittany's mother

"Because of Hattie Larlham we are able to go to work and live our lives without worrying about Gregory and his care 24-hours a day, seven days a week. I know because he is at Hattie Larlham he is getting the highest quality of life possible."

—Carole, Gregory's mother

"It was a lifesaver for both Edda and us to have placement at Hattie Larlham. Receiving care from Hattie Larlham has changed her life and ours dramatically."

—Hildur, Edda's mother

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