MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) – The mission of the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) is to help people “live, learn, and earn in the community.”
“That is important and impactful. But more importantly, meeting, including, and interacting with people in our community with developmental disabilities creates a better place,” said Nikki Workman, director of communications for MCBDD. “A place where people feel loved, accepted, understood, welcomed, and supported. We are fortunate to have over 50 partner providers who tirelessly work toward accomplishing our mission. Our reach and impact on the community are far and wide because of our providers’ hard work toward inclusion.”
Workman said MCBDD “grows based on referrals for services from schools, outside organizations, partner agencies, and word of mouth.”
“Five years ago, the County Board would process about 12 monthly referrals on average. Today, that average has grown to over 30 referrals each month,” Workman noted. “While not all referrals end in a person receiving services from MCBDD, many do. The organization feels the community has been the most significant attribute in our growth.
“Our community deserves the credit for our growth. We are thankful that so many have taken the time to learn who we are and how we can help those with developmental disabilities in Marion County. Without our community, this population goes underserved and unsupported, and that would be unacceptable.”
MCBDD has a team of service and support administrators who help people get information and access to services they need. The agency’s Early Childhood Intervention program provides services for children from birth to age 3. MCBDD’s provider partnerships offer services like adult day services, transportation, community employment, homemaker personal care, money management, respite care, and other services.
Workman explained that it is not only important for MCBDD and its partner providers to be active in Marion County, it is vital to the success of the organization and Marion County as a whole.
“The more people see us – those we support and serve – out and about, the more embedded we are into everyday life and culture in Marion County,” Workman added. “This creates natural support from community members for those with developmental disabilities and their families.”
Workman said, “An excellent way for community members to get involved with the Marion County Board of DD is (by supporting or participating in) our Golden Gala event.” The Gala is a unique prom experience for those with developmental disabilities, Workman explained.
“Last year, the Gala had over 150 honored guests and nearly 300 volunteers,” Workman said. “Many sponsors and volunteers are required to create a magical and memorable prom for those with developmental disabilities. Volunteer opportunities include security, food prep, paparazzi, photography teams, and more.”
The 2024 edition of the Golden Gala will be held on Friday, March 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tri-Rivers Career Center, 2222 Marion-Mount Gilead Road in Marion.
MCBDD is also part of Special Olympics Ohio and offers nine different Olympic-type sports for children (age 8 and older) and adults. Sports offered include basketball, bocce ball, flag football, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field, unified golf, and volleyball.
For more information about the Marion County Board of Development Disabilities, go to its website marioncountydd.org, or call its office at 740-387-1035. Keep up with agency events on its Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts.