The Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, known as The Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Center, was started in 1966 to help individuals in Geauga County with developmental disabilities. They support over 750 individuals and their families in the county by offering services from birth through adulthood. Several of these services include:
- Early Intervention Programs: provides services and support for families of children birth through age two in Geauga County
- Preschool, School Age, and Amish Schools
- Adult Services
- Case Management
- On Campus Residences
- Transportation
- Help Me Grow: housed at The Metzenbaum Center, a voluntary program for pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers between the ages of birth and three years old
Visit their website for a full list of services and details.
The Metzenbaum Center Residence
The four houses located on grounds were renovated in 2014 to better serve the individuals. These units now have single-occupancy rooms with en-suite bathrooms and roll-in showers. They can accommodate 25 individuals who require greater assistance with daily care. The residence provides quality care as well as intensive medical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to meet the specialized health needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Programs are implemented to develop skills which enable individuals to move to less restrictive community facilities.
Transportation
Transportation services are available to individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in Geauga County. Gaining access to educational programs, employment opportunities, and community integration activities is key to fostering a sense of well-being, independence, and inclusion in the community. They also transport more than 150 adults attending day habilitation programs, worksites, and social and athletic functions.
Employment Opportunities
The Metzenbaum Center believes that all people, regardless of disability, have the right to pursue a community-based work environment. The Employment First Program assists eligible Geauga County residents with developmental disabilities to obtain jobs in their community.
The goal in job development is to assist the individual in obtaining a job that best meets his or her interests and skills. Potential employees are taken through a readiness assessment and receive training in a variety of practical skills. A job developer will contact several businesses and introduce employers to potential employees. The job developer communicates information such as work schedule, rate of pay and job duties to potential employees. Individuals then receive on the job training with a job coach who also communicates with the employer to make sure the job expectations are met.
If you are an employer and would like to know more about the Metzenbaum Center’s Employment First Program, call 440.729.9406 or visit the Adult Services, Community Employment page on their website.
Maple Leaf Community Residences
The Metzenbaum Center also works closely with Maple Leaf Community Residences, Inc. (MLCR). This organization was created to locate, purchase, and maintain community houses for individuals with developmental disabilities There are currently 22 homes in operation. The houses are purchased with funds from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. More information about MLCR is available on their website.
These are only a few of the many services and the wealth of information provided by the Metzenbaum Center for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Please visit their website if you have questions of any kind or would like information. Friend them on Facebook as well.
The Metzenbaum Center
8200 Cedar Road
Chesterland, Ohio
440.729.9406
