The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities recently recognized Covington Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation for their dedication to providing an inclusive workplace for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. On hand to present the award were, from left, CCBDD Community Inclusion and Employment Manager Shirley Bowald, CCBDD Business Engagement Specialist Paul Anthony, CCBDD Superintendent William Devon, Covington Admissions Director Brenna Davis and Covington Administrator Samantha Maughan. (Submitted photo)

EAST PALESTINE – Sylvia Halfhill brings a smile, a positive attitude and a desire to help others with her every day when she arrives to work at Covington Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, where she has been employed as a Personal Care Assistant since 2023. During a typical workday, she performs a variety of jobs including making beds, passing out ice water and serving and clearing meal trays. But she also helps residents feel a little less lonely by taking time to talk to them and provide companionship.

The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) recently recognized Covington for its outstanding priority to being an inclusive workplace. CCBDD Superintendent William Devon thanked Covington and presented staff with a plaque in recognition of their continued support.

“Partnerships like the one we share with Covington Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation are a win-win for all involved. Employers get dedicated, capable employees and individuals with disabilities have an opportunity to develop their skills, earn a wage, and share their many abilities in an employment environment,” Devon said.

Halfhill applied for a job at Covington in 2023 with assistance of Blue Sky Employment Consultants, a provider of employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, who provides initial funding and assistance with employment planning. The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities continues to provide follow-along services.

Covington Administrator Samantha Maughan said the facility had not previously worked with agencies that provide help with employment for people with disabilities, but when Halfhill applied, it was clear she would be a good fit. “She came in looking for a job. We had a posting for a Personal Care Assistant, and when we went over the job description, we felt she would be a good fit,” Maughan said. “She has been here ever since and she is a great employee.”

Admissions Director Brenna Davis praised Halfhill for the good job she does every day. “A lot of days, Sylvia makes a lot of beds,” she said. “She’s such a hard worker and she wants to be here to do her job no matter what. But it’s not about her, it’s about her residents and making them happier. She is truly special and she brings a smile to everybody’s face.”

“The residents enjoy the days that she’s here and the interactions with her,” Maughan said. “Sylvia provides a friendly face. There is just something about her – her smile and she’s always extremely positive. She enjoys helping her residents.”

Halfhill said she likes her job and her co-workers and enjoys the many tasks she does each day. When asked about her favorite part of the job, she immediately said it’s passing out ice water. “It’s easy to pass out and I like to get the residents something to drink,” she said. She also noted that brightening a resident’s day by making them laugh is very rewarding.

Halfhill works two days a week at Covington. On the other days, she works at EDI South. Previously she worked at Beaver Creek Candle Company and Mountaineer Park.

For information about the many employment opportunities available through the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities, contact them at 330-424-7788.