John, Aktion Club President and dog lover
John Belles is a Champion of Advocacy for the Summit DD. He is committed to his involvement in the community and enjoys an independent life style with transportation, employment and residential assistance from the Summit DD. John is proud of his involvement with the media team from the Summit DD and will take any opportunity to promote agency services. He has appeared as a speaker, in radio and tv, billboards, publications, social media and community awareness activities. He says, “It is important to show the community what we can do because our community is better together!”
John is a self starter when it comes to educating the public about the services offered from the Summit DD. He has arranged many pubic appearances as notable as Channel 8 news and joining a parade, riding with Mayor Plusquallic, proudly holding up Summit DD signage. He has raised the bar in volunteerism for the agency as the President of the Summit County Kiwanis Aktion Club, the club for adults with disabilities. His latest project is with Diversity Athletic Promotions Anti-Bullying Program. He wants to have an opportunity to speak to the schools to better educate students on the negative impact of bullying.
John is a graduate of Buchtel High School. After graduation, John was employed by Weaver Industries in production related assembly and packaging work. Currently, John is employed by REM of Ohio. He constructs picnic tables, corn hole games, landscapes and participates in car washes, which is his favorite activity. He is proof of the success of individuals with gainful employment. John counts on his job for more than just a paycheck; he gets a sense of accomplishment and belonging from being a part of a winning team!
John’s hobbies are karaoke and wrestling. He is a referee for Real Action Wrestling appearing in Cleveland and Canton. John is a dog owner. He says gently, “My Chihuahua is my baby.”
John is the Summit DD!