Feature Friday: The Seneca County Board of DD & School of Opportunity

Happy Feature Friday, where every Friday the Chamber team will highlight one of our fantastic members by repping them for the day and telling the community more about them. This week's Feature Friday is: The Seneca County Board of DD & School of Opportunity! 

The mission of the Seneca County Board of DD is to create opportunities by embracing the principles of person centered planning by supporting individuals as they take responsibility for their decisions within the community. The Seneca County Opportunity Center, which operates under the Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities, serves Seneca County individuals with disabilities from birth through adulthood.  

The Seneca County Opportunity Center traces its roots back to 1955 when the Seneca County Community Council formed a committee dedicated to developing programs for individuals with disabilities, leading to the inception of the Council for Retarded Children. By 1956, the first class commenced with five children at the annex of the First Presbyterian Church in Tiffin. Over the years, the center experienced growth and relocation, becoming known as The School of Opportunity in 1962. Subsequent milestones included the establishment of the Seneca County Board of Mental Retardation in 1967 and the Adult Activity Center in 1968. In 1975, the center found a permanent home at 780 E. Co. Rd. 20 in Tiffin and was renamed "The Opportunity Center." Evolving with changing regulations and community needs, the center expanded its services, incorporating initiatives such as the Early Intervention program and Community Support Services. Today, the Seneca County Opportunity Center continues its mission of empowerment and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, reflecting a rich history of community collaboration and advocacy.

March is Developmental Disabilities month and for the last 53 years the Seneca County Board of DD & The Opportunity Center have hosted the annual "Celebrity Basketball Game" during the month of March. Last night, local celebrities, including some members from the Chamber team, took the court alongside the Seneca Arrows players and cheerleaders for the big game. The money raised through this event goes to help support the Seneca Arrows with their participation in the Special Olympics. It was a packed house and whole lot of fun for everyone! Thank you to everyone who supported, participated, and who made the event possible! 

We are so fortunate to have the Seneca County Board of DD & Opportunity Center not only as Chamber members, but as a pillar in our community. Their service, compassion, and advocacy are top notch and world class. Don't miss out on their next big event, Bakery Bingo! Bakery Bingo is a fun event for the whole family! Come out and have dinner, and play bingo for a chance to win some delicious baked goods. Doors open at 5:00pm. Bingo starts at 5:30pm on Tuesday, March 26th. All proceeds from this evening will benefit the 2024 Unity Conference. Unity Council is a Self-Advocacy Group that plans a yearly conference. Unity is chance for everyone to network, & build upon their advocacy skills. Learn more here.