About Us
WHO WE ARE
Here to serve you
As a member of our community, you’re important to us. Live your best life! We’re here to advise and guide you along the journey.
Our Mission
The mission of our agency is to empower people with developmental disabilities to explore possibilities for their lives by maximizing independence, community participation, employment, and economic self-sufficiency in their daily life experiences.
OUR HISTORY
Darke DD has been serving our community for more than 50 years. We were founded in 1967, when Ohio Senate Bill 169 established county boards to serve people with a developmental disability.
For years, Anthony Wayne School served children with a disability. In the 1980s, Wayne Industries provided employment and day services for adults. In 1992, Federal law revolutionized DD services by mandating that students be transitioned into classrooms with their peers.
Since then, independence and community involvement have been the cornerstones of our approach. Our mission is focused on empowerment and involvement. We work with individuals and families to bring those with developmental disabilities fully into our community.
READ OUR ANNUAL REPORT
Invested into our community
Our work focuses on serving residents with developmental disabilities—but it doesn’t stop there. We partner with local employers, schools, and businesses to involve and enrich all of Darke County. In return, our neighbors generously support our services to help offset shortfalls in state funding.
Read our annual report to learn more. Thank you for your continued investment in our mission. Together, we’re making a difference in our community work with individuals and families to bring those with developmental disabilities fully into our community.
DARKE DD PLANNING
Planning for the future
At Darke DD, we’re proud of what we do. But every year, we look at how we can do better. We create a list of priorities and a specific plan of action to achieve them. We closely monitor progress and generate reports to measure outcomes. Review our past reports to see our success in action.
DOWNLOAD 2019 PLAN
OUR BOARD
A seven-member board of engaged community volunteers oversees Darke DD’s overall operations.
Appointed by Commissioners
Term: January 1, 2017 — December 31, 2020 (2nd term)
Appointed by Commissioners
Parent of individual eligible for services
Term: June 7, 2017 — December 31, 2020 (1st term)
Appointed by Commissioners
Parent of individual eligible for services
Term: January 1, 2015 — December 31, 2018 (2nd term)
Appointed by Probate Judge
Term: January 1, 2017 — December 31, 2020 (1st term)
Appointed by Commissioners
Term: September 25, 2017 — December 31, 2018 (1st term)
Appointed by Probate Judge
Parent of individual eligible for services
Term: January 1, 2017 — December 31, 2020 (1st term)
OUR LEADERSHIP
Current position since April 2000
- Prior Position with agency: Business Manager
- Degrees: Master of Education from Ohio University; Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Capital University
- Responsibility: Agency oversight of all services, staff members, and facilities
Current position since July 2002
- Degrees: Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix, Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Administration from Indiana University East
- Responsibility: Agency Finances and Human Resources
Current position since November 2004
- Prior Position with agency: Service and Support Administrator
- Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Saint Joseph's College
- Responsibility: Home and Community-Based Services; Service and Support Administration