Friday, June 5, was one of the biggest days in the history of the WCDC, when ground was finally broken on the Center’s new 35,000 square-foot facility in Newark, MD. WCDC staff, clients, board members, community officials and state dignitaries came to the site to celebrate the special day, which came less than two years after a horrific fire destroyed the original Center.

WCDC Ground Breaking Ceremony For the new Center, June 5, 2009

State of Maryland Delegates Norm Conway and the late Bennett Bozman played a major role in helping to raise the initial state funds needed to construct a new facility. Delegates Norm Conway and Jim Mathias were at the groundbreaking to witness the big moment.

SNOW HILL – (October 26-30th, 2009) WCDC participants were truly engaged in different activities during WCDC Spirit Week which included friendly work area challenges and a dress-up theme for each day. Activities to test participant’s creativity included making a table center piece, goody bag making, Halloween collage poster making, and room decorating. They also got to show off their costumes and dancing skills at a Halloween dance sponsored by the Berlin American Legion. The WCDC Spirit Week was a big hit and will now be scheduled as an annually event through the WCDC Enrichment program.

SNOW HILL – (August 19, 2009) Under the direction of Helen Waters, Instructor/Choir Director, and Drenda Turner, Activities Coordinator, 26 choir members from the Worcester County Developmental Center, Inc. (WCDC) sang their hearts out to the seniors at the Charles & Martha Fulton Senior Center in Snow Hill. The singing program included twelve songs such as “This Little Light of Mine,” “You are My Sunshine,” and “The Whole World.”  Many senior citizens were seen smiling, nodding their heads, and at times clapping their hands. At the end of the program there was time for fellowship with watermelon served by the Senior Center staff as a refreshing snack which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

SNOW HILL - (August 7, 2009)  Four program participants from the Worcester County Developmental Center were ribbon winners at the recent Worcester County Fair.

In the Food and Nutrition Adult category, Bruce Baldwin won the Reserve Fair Champion laurels for his poster depicting the delicious bounty of our local fruit harvest.  Mary Baker won a first prize in the same category with her poster about the benefits of proper nutrition.  In the Open Adult category, Johnny Harris took home a second place for his appeal asking people to be aware of those who live with a disability.  Melinda Cropper also placed second with a placard denoting timely advice on ways to beat the heat.

Monique Smith won an honorable mention and Valerie Reed received a participation ribbon for their custom-made, handcrafted pillows.

Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC) is a private, non-profit organization that offers employment opportunities, enrichment activities and residential services to adults who live with a disability.  For more information about WCDC or its programs, please call (410) 641-2382.

NEWARK – (June 5, 2009) Supporters of WCDC – the Worcester County Developmental Center – are ready to take the biggest step yet in their long road of recovery since a devastating fire drove them from their home in Newark, Md., in September 2007. When those ceremonial shovels pierce the ground and big clumps of soil sail through the air on Friday, June 5, the construction of their highly-anticipated $7 million building will officially be put in motion.

NEWARK – (September 20, 2009) The Worcester County Developmental Center, Inc. (WCDC) is hosting an informative presentation for Newark residents and interested citizens to provide details of their new facility. Construction has begun on the organization’s original site on Newark Road in Newark, Md.

OCEAN CITY - (June 2, 2009) The Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) recently presented an MACS 2009 Excellence in Direct Support award to Roy Suggs and a Certificate of Recognition to Harriett Fisher, staff members of Worcester County Developmental Center, Inc. (WCDC).