3-04-2025 3:34pm

WCBDD to Host Open House

LEBANON, OH -- At the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) Open House, visitors will hear powerful stories from local families and individuals who embody the spirit of being “Driven to Succeed.”

WCBDD hosts two Open Houses each March to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Established in 1987 by President Reagan, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month increases public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities and provides the encouragement and opportunities needed for them to lead productive lives to achieve their full potential.

The annual WCBDD Open House events feature speakers from the community who share their experiences with disability. The first Open House will be hosted at 1 p.m., and the second will be held at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Warren C. Young Center, located at 801 Drake Rd. Both Open Houses will include a proclamation declared by a Warren County official. The evening session offers a live performance from the Voices of Warren County Choir. These events are open to the public.

This year, the events will feature speaker Ross Kester, a Centerville man who uses his self-determination, kindness, and faith to reach his goals and live life to the fullest. His passion for cars inspires almost every goal in his life, including his successes professionally and personally. Since moving to Warren County, he has found community at Cronin Auto Group of Lebanon.

WCBDD partners with Capabilities Inc., to assist individuals with obtaining their driver’s license. Capabilities specializes in providing services to people with developmental disabilities. Several individuals who have utilized these services to earn their driver’s license will share their experience with the program.

The Quiocho family will share their experiences of staying engaged in the community, supported by WCBDD services for their three children.

After the evening open house at 7:30 p.m., WCBDD will host an award ceremony to honor individuals with disabilities who have made recent professional or personal achievements. Examples of awards include the Independent Living Award, Community Builder Award, and the Academic Achievement Award.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a raffle for their chance to win a variety of gift baskets. Raffle tickets are $1 per ticket or $5 for 6 tickets. The raffle basket winners will be announced after the award ceremony. Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will benefit the Warren County Special Olympics Program.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.