Prior to my retirement, I had the pleasure of serving as operations director (in charge of buildings, grounds and support services) under the directions of superintendents Jerry D. Johnson and Corrie A. Schultz.

Under the leadership of Mr. Johnson followed by Mr. Schultz, the Tiffin Developmental Center became and held its position as the leading Developmental Center in the State of Ohio, if not the nation. Both, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Schultz recognized the importance of meaningful individual residential care and programming, yet both understood that conditions of the facility’s buildings, infrastructure and grounds were very important and administratively essential to ensure the facility’s future. It was this understanding that served as a linkage toward sustaining the proud history of the Tiffin Junior Home, during their “administrative watch.” Superintendents’ Johnson and Schultz were advocates of preserving the buildings and traditions native to the home whenever possible, and both men established personal relationships with many of the “Home Kids.” There is no doubt in my mind that Dad Kernan would have been proud of their stewardships

During my tenure as operations director, it was indeed an honor and blessing to have worked with and known Tom Austin. Mr. Austin was totally dedicated toward the beauty and historical preservation of the “Home.” We worked together on numerous projects including: the installation of protective stained glass window coverings, interior painting/restoration of the church, and the marquee located in front of the church; to name a few. I know; Tom’s unfinished dream was to someday assure that the Ohio Memorial Church would become totally handicapped accessible, and available to those “Home Kids” and others possessing physical disabilities. Tom was like that, always looking to assist those in need, so that they might enjoy and be able to partake of what we may take for granted – at this time in our lives. Tom was a forward thinker and protector of the “Home” and its heritage.

It was always a delight to receive a call from Tom in North Carolina, or Melanie in Findlay. It was also pleasurable to see and talk with “Home Kid’s who would drop in on the grounds at various times throughout the year. In reflection it is apparent that our staff took great pride in (cost effectively) maintaining the buildings, grounds, lawns, and flowerbeds during that era. Our staff was also creative in respect to replicating the Ohio Memorial Church on the miniature golf course, and in larger scale (which was placed out on the grounds each Labor Day weekend), for the enjoyment of the “Home Kids.” We also took great pride in a project that recreated the Blue Star, which was mounted on the Church Bell Tower each Christmas season. There wasn’t a time, that we weren’t proud to have a “Home Kid”, drop in unannounced, walk the grounds, tour buildings, or just share memories.

In closing, I am thankful that my life’s path and career of 30+ years at Tiffin Developmental Center was an association with not only my employer, but also with the many fine people and the heritage of the Junior Order of American Mechanics – Tiffin, Ohio. May God Bless, all of the “Home Kids, your descendants, your friends and the grounds of the Junior Home! May God preserve and protect your heritage forever.

Sincerely,

Greg Leopold, operations director – retired, Tiffin Developmental Center
43 N. Tecumseh Trail
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
gdl@bright.net