Director's Message
Mike Corbett - Executive Director Time certainly flies by quickly! It has been too long since we updated our web site and I know there is no way of filling you in on everything. Please allow me to hit some of the exciting highlights of the past few years. I began in this position as a staff member of the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities. We (DCH) managed property for the Board and for individuals with developmental disabilities, as we still do today. Our mission was simple then and remains the same: DCH provides housing opportunities and options for people with disabilities and special needs.
Back in 2002 I wrote the following: "Currently we only serve Delaware County, Ohio but are not bound to any specific area. I would consider us a young agency. Although we were established in 1991, our first employee started full-time in January 2001. Before this, a representative of the Delaware County Board of DD would serve on the board of trustees and facilitate any functions needed. Over 10 years we obtained nine (9) properties, providing housing to approximately 40 individuals. Properties are located throughout the county, and we aspire to provide services in other counties as we grow."
Today DCH/CLS owns 55 properties, meeting the housing needs of over 150 individuals in Delaware and Miami Counties. Additionally, we own commercial property... renting to (5) different businesses and we have also contracted to manage other commercial property. Our staff has grown from one (the Executive Director) to five (5) full-time positions and several contracted and part-time positions. We also work with bonded, licensed and insured contractors when needed for various projects.
In addition to the above information, I would also like to share a bit of information about the incredible team of professionals with whom I work. These individuals are the ones that "make it happen" each and every day. As a team, we have improved and expanded the services we are able to provide. Each of us strives to keep those with disabilities at the forefront of everything we do... every day. Allow me to introduce each of them:
DeAntha Groff – Operations DirectorDeAntha joined our Management Team in 2012, bringing a wealth of experience in the Business and Finance fields... as well as Human Resources and Sales & Marketing. DeAntha also has extensive experience in non-profit organizations and the field of developmental disabilities. She served as a DCH board member for well over a decade, completing several terms before resigning from the board to accept the position of Operations Director. DeAntha coordinates our HUD projects, HUD reviews and trainings. She also oversees all Tenant/Lease issues and works closely with tenants' families, caregivers and county board staff in this capacity. DeAntha also operates the Rent Subsidy Program that provides rent payments to a wide variety of landlords within the community. DeAntha is a big believer that our homes should be maintained in such a way that they are considered "top notch" within the community... and we couldn't agree more!
Dan Welsh - Maintenance Supervisor In 2006 we welcomed Dan Welsh as our Maintenance Supervisor. Dan immediately took on the supervision and training of the Maintenance Department at that time. With his background in HVAC and his organizational skills, Dan has been an exceptional asset to our organization and to the individuals we serve. Dan isn't a big talker… but he is our very own "gentle giant"!
Ryan Morgan - Project Director Providing housing to people with disabilities is the cornerstone of this agency; however, it is not always what people need. In 2004 Creative Living Systems, Inc. officially established itself as a non-profit corporation. There are times when individuals really need their current living situation to be improved or modified to make it a success. They don't need to move, they need their house to work with their condition. With that in mind, we hired Ryan in 2003 to oversee the design and installation of environmental modifications. Ryan's engineering background is a great "fit" for creative applications in this area. Since he began, Ryan has installed ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, overhead lifts, porch lifts and so much more... in homes spread throughout 20 counties, making a wonderful difference in a lot of people's lifestyles.
Jeremy Fetty - Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy has been with Delaware Creative Housing since 2005, working directly with Dan Welsh and Ryan Morgan on a variety of projects for our tenants and other individuals. Jeremy's background includes a variety of experiences... including overseeing multi-family units as well as commercial property maintenance. Anyone coming into contact with Jeremy has probably experienced his great sense of humor! Jeremy believes in enjoying himself while accomplishing the task at hand... and our tenants very much enjoy their interactions with him.
Diane Lewis – Controller/H.R. Director.In June 2015, we welcomed Diane Lewis, who took on the role of Controller for the organization. Diane’s background includes fifteen years of experience in government accounting and H.R. related matters. Diane will be handling our payroll and benefits as well as working closely with the board members and vendors. Diane understands the importance of making our office run smoothly and efficiently.
Sharon Cole – Office ManagerSharon joined our team in April 2014, bringing with her many years of experience in the field of disabilities. Sharon honed her extensive skills in budget and finance during her employment with the Delaware County Board of Disabilities… from which she retired after 30+ years of service. Sharon works closely with our Operations Director and the Controller... and she also helps us manage the Medical Equipment Lending Library. Sharon is also that friendly voice that answers your phone calls or greets you when you visit our main office.