Future Horizons member recognized for care, support

During its annual Provider Appreciation Dinner, the Seneca County Opportunity Center presented its Impact Award to Dan Exline, a 19-year Future Horizons employee. Prior to working at Future Horizons, Exline worked for the Tiffin Developmental Center for 20 years and the state of Ohio for 13 years. The award is presented yearly to a provider who has given outstanding care, support and dedication to individuals with developmental disabilities in Seneca County. According to those in his care, Exline is "kind with a gentle heart, devoted and goes above and beyond." "We are appreciative of all the direct support professionals that help individuals with developmental disabilities to live, work and participate in our community," Lew Hurst, SCOC superintendent, said during the dinner. "Outstanding DSPs throughout Seneca County improve the lives of people we serve every day, and Dan is an excellent example of that." More than 40 providers were nominated for this year's award. The award is sponsored by the ACT Council (Advocates Coming Together) for the SCOC — a nonprofit group of parents, siblings and persons with developmental disabilities. Nominees for the 2021 SCOC Impact Award were: ECI, Inc. — Julie Hammer, Joe Lange, Aiden Lucius, Amy Lucius, Jim Wise. Flat Rock Homes and Care Center — Robriana Kotnik, Jessica Old. Future Horizons of Tiffin — Sheila Blackford, Jessica Caudill, Imogene Edgeston, Connie Everhart, Dan Exline, Savanah Gilliland, Peggy Osmer, Beth Walliser. H.O.P.E. Agency — Dixie Prenzlin. P.A.L.S. — Ben Barnard. REM Ohio — Robert Blake, Maranda Bisson, Cindi Fitch, Sierra Garcia, Monica Gundrum, Renee Kimble, Rose McCain, Renaissance House, Tina Kessler, Andrea Klima, Crystal Steele. STEPS — Johni Mullet. Independent Providers — Tracy Halbeisen, Jackie Jarrett, Mark Lambert, Shawna Myers, Debbie Nickler, Lori Niedermier, Cierra Schwab, Cheryl Strohm, Leanne Tiell, Lorrie Wolfelt, Crystal Wonderly, Vy Young, Janet Zilch.