Members of the Press:

If you have questions regarding the Clermont County Board of MRDD or wish to set up an interview within any program (including Early Childhood Services, School Age, Adult Services, Community Employment, or with our Supterintendent), please contact:

Lisa Davis, Director of Community Relations

(513) 732-4921 (office)

ldavis@ccmrdd.org

The press is invited to attend MRDD Board meetings, which take place the 4th Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Thomas A. Wildey Center, located at 2040 US Highway 50, Batavia, OH 45103 (one mile west of Owensville).  Please contact Lisa Davis at the number/email address listed above, for additional information.

Background information about the MRDD program:

• The program began with state legislation in 1967.  Prior to that, classes were held in rural school buildings and church basements through Clermont County.
• The Special Education Training Center opened in 1974.  It was renamed the Thomas A. Wildey School in the late 1990's after Thomas A. Wildey, Jr., one of the first MRDD Board members and a supporter of the agency.  It is now referred to as the Thomas A. Wildey Center, because there are three age groups that are based there (babies, chlidren, and adults), in addition to administrative offices and support services.
• The Donald A. Collins Habilitation Center was named after Don Collins, a former Superintendent for the MRDD agency.  Mr. Collins remains a volunteer for the agency, as a member of the Clerco, Inc. nonprofit board.
• The MRDD program opened the Grissom Building in 1995.  This building is now primarily a workshop setting. 
• The Krenning Center opened in 1997.  For ten years, work programs were held in this building including intensive training.  In 2008, the MRDD Board decided to vacate the Krenning Center when the Wildey Center was renovated.
• The Clerco Cafe trains individuals for restaurant employment.
• MRDD participates in countless fairs and exhibitions each year.
• There are 54 students enrolled in the School Age Program.