Capital campaign raises funds for expansion of DCO services

Change can be dramatic. But more often it resembles evolution, a profound process that adapts an organization to its environment. That's the sort of change taking place these days at the Developmental Center of the Ozarks thanks to a nearly-completed fundraising effort called the Building Dreams for Tomorrow Capital Campaign.

Intended to enhance the quality of services DCO provides, the campaign, which got its start in April 1999, is making the upgrade of existing facilities and the addition of new ones a reality. When completed, DCO's executive director Allan McKelvy estimates the $1,350,000 campaign will fund projects nearly doubling the number of people served by the facility each day.

"We knew last year there was a tremendous need for our services," McKelvy said. "We wanted to provide them, but we'd already outgrown our building, which was built back in 1974. To provide those services we knew we'd have to improve the size and quality of our facilities, so our board made the decision to initiate the campaign."

Marci Bowling, director of development at DCO, said money raised during the campaign will be used in three areas: renovation and expansion of DCO's family center, renovation of its adult building and construction of a new administrative office center.

"Renovation of the family center will increase the size of the physical therapy area after the present administrative offices are moved to the new administrative center," Bowling said. "That will give us more room for all types of physical therapy, including speech and occupation therapy."

Bowling said a 3,500-square foot addition to the west side of family center would provide space for a new infant, toddler and child care program.

"We're already holding spots on a list for people," Bowling said. "We have always served kids from 2 to 6 years. The expansion will make more slots available for older kids."

McKelvy said once money started coming in, renovations got under way because it just didn't make any sense to wait. As a result, he said, some parts of the project, such as the renovations to DCO's adult building, are already completed.

"We had this nice, big metal building with a concrete floor," he said. "It needed renovating to be a safe, comfortable environment to teach the things we need to teach."

With changes such as new carpet and brand-new classroom areas completed, that 10,000-square foot building is now home to DCO's technology learning center and adult daycare.

"The TLC offers several areas where as many as 80 people can study subjects such as computers, hygiene and health and safety," Bowling said. "Everyone who uses the TLC works toward different skill areas and each one has a personal plan. That plan drives all the services we provide."

Bowling said the adult daycare provides services to as many as 36 adults. She said the program is open to everyone over age 55 and to adults from 18 to 55 with developmental disabilities.

The final part of the project will be construction of a 2,880 square-foot administrative office center to the north of the existing family center, McKelvy said. If everything goes as planned, he added, construction should be completed early this fall.

DCO got its start in 1954 serving individuals with cerebral palsy, McKelvy said. By the mid-1980s, it expanded services to include all developmental disabilities.

Today, he said, the organization has become a regional provider of services to those with mental retardation and developmental disabilities, with facilities in Taney and Christian counties.

"The biggest change over the years has been the change in the delivery model," McKelvy said. "We've moved away from isolated, segregated programs to a more community-based, home training environment."

That movement is toward maximum independence, McKelvy said. Not everyone with a handicap can have their own job and apartment, but for those who can, that's the goal.

"If we're going to be there for these individuals in the next 10 years, we're going to have to continue to grow, change," McKelvy said. "If you're not willing to change or grow, you're going to die."

And the need for change and growth means finding financial support for programs such as the Building Dreams for Tomorrow Campaign, Bowling said. She added that fundraising for the campaign has reached its final, stage about $50,000 must still be raised to pay for all planned projects.

"But it's worth it. The people who come here to take advantage of our services all have the same needs and desires that everyone has," Bowling said. "They want to be accepted and feel like they're contributing to society."