In addition to Service & Support services offered by the Morrow County Board of Developmental Disabilities, alternative services and resources are available in the community.  Click below for additional information.

Help Me Grow
Morrow County Health Department 619 W. Marion Road
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-4014

Morrow County Hospital Therapy Department
651 W. Marion Road
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-5015Provides: Occupational, Physical, and Speech TherapyA list of therapy services in surrounding counties is available upon request from SSA or E.I. Service Coordinator.

Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning

Ohio Heartland CommunityAction Commission (CAC) Head Start
406 Bank Street
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-7045, Extension #320

Gilead Christian Preschool
3613 Twp. Rd. 115
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-5990

Cardington-Lincoln Local School District
121 Nichols Street
Cardington, OH 43315
419-864-6692

Public preschool and free preschool screening for students in Cardington School District.

Highland Local School District
6506 State Route 229
Sparta, OH 43350
419-768-3040

Public preschool and free preschool screening for students in Highland School District.

Mt. Gilead Preschool
145 1⁄2 North Cherry Street
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-1646
Public preschool and free preschool screening for students in Mt. Gilead School District.

Northmor Local School District (Central Office)
5247 Co. Rd. 29
Galion, OH 44833
419-946-8861

Public preschool and free preschool screening for students in Northmor School District.

Employment First

Governor John Kasich officially launched Ohio’s Employment First Initiative when he signed an Executive Order on March 19, 2012. The Executive Order established statewide collaboration and coordination by creating the Employment First Taskforce and Advisory Committee, and made community employment the preferred outcome for individuals with developmental disabilities.

What is Employment First?

Employment First is a statewide initiative designed to assist working-age adults with developmental disabilities explore their career options, seek jobs that match their skills and interests, and realize full participation in the community.  Employment First establishes and promotes community employment as the preferred outcome for working-age adults with developmental disabilities, as their abilities, skills and talents enrich the community and the people around them.

What are the benefits of community employment?

There are many benefits of employing people with developmental disabilities, including:

  • For individuals employed:  Greater independence, improved self-esteem, greater personal satisfaction, new connections and friendships with others and wealth building potential
  • For employers and co-workers:  A broader range of capable employees available, a dependable and motivated workforce, greater diversity and new friendships
  • For our community:  A stronger community with greater opportunities for contributions and participation for the good of all and less reliance on and more effective use of public funding

Learn more about Ohio’s Employment First initiative

Employment Navigation

Morrow DD supports individuals in employment navigation so they can find meaningful, fulfilling employment in the community that matches their needs and interests as they move along their desired career path. We collaborate with community partners to ensure employment navigation is person-centered and meets the needs and interests of each person.

People are at different points in their employment readiness, have varying work experiences, employment goals and other needs. Morrow DD, working in collaboration with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and other local partners, meets each person where there are, to help them determine the path they wish to pursue and to develop an individualized support plan that identify the steps needed to accomplish those goals. Service and Support Administrators (SSAs) collaborate with employment providers to support people with developmental disabilities who wish to work in the community. These services could include job development, job coaching, and retention services.  SSAs coordinate the resources and training individuals may need, and authorize and monitor funding and employment services and supports.

Common goals of Employment Navigation include: 

  • Preparing individuals for work in the community by helping them to understand the expectations and requirements of employment
  • Assisting  individuals in gaining the skills and knowledge they need to find and retain employment
  • Assisting each person ready for employment by helping them identify, find and get a job that matches their skills, capabilities and interests
  • Assisting individuals in becoming more integrated into the community through their employment

For more information, contact the Service and Support Administration department, at 419-947-1159

Provides: Learning and pre-vocational services, volunteer work, work experiences, life skills and social experiences and many other daily activities.

MARCA Industries
440 Douglas Street
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-9222
Fax: 419-947-8195
Email: michelle.albertini@marcaindustries.org

Angels Home Care LLC
Day Habilitation
4440 OH-61, Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-9373

Seniors on Center
Morrow County Services for Older Citizens, Inc.
41 W. Center Street
P.O. Box 214
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-6702
Provides: crafts, workshops, and games each afternoon following meals. Day and overnight trips. (for age 55 and older)

No Limits Outreach Center
4046 Twp. Rd. 246
Edison, OH 43325
419-946-5900

419-946-5912
Provides: crafts, Bridges Training, meals, reading and writing classes, feelings group, medication education class, Payeeship, etc.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)
(aka Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission)
800 Park Ave. West, Suite 105
Mansfield, OH 44906
419-747-3000
Fax: 614-985-8370
800-354-6271
Covers: Ashland, Crawford, Know, Morrow and Richland Counties

Experience Works, Inc.
877-265-7876 (OH)
Provides: employment and training for individuals over age 55.

Center of Vocational Alternatives (COVA)
614-297-7117
Government benefits analysis and consultation

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio
510 E. North Broadway, 4th Floor
Columbus, OH 43214
614-263-6020
Fax: 614-263-6094
Office hours: 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. During summer, the building closes at 2:30pm on Fridays.

Autism Society
614-284-6323

OCALI

Central Ohio Mental Health Center
950 Meadow Drive, Suite A
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-4560

Provides: mental health case management services

HelpLine
950 Meadow Drive
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
2-1-1 or 419-946-1350
Toll-free: 1-800-684-2324
Hearing Impaired: 7-1-1
Provides: crisis, information, and referral hotline

Seniors on Center
Morrow County Services for Older Citizens, Inc.
41 W. Center Street
P.O. Box 214
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-6702
Provides: information and referral, telephone reassurance program

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
165 West Center Street
Marion, OH 43302
1-800-374-2806

740-382-5452
Provides: assistance and support for parents dealing with IEP and school-related matters.

Seniors on Center
Morrow County Services for Older Citizens, Inc.
41 W. Center Street
P.O. Box 214
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-6702
Provides: light housekeeping duties, home delivered meals and transportation for qualified persons age 60+

Ohio Home Care
Morrow County Dept. of Job & Family Services (ODJFS)
619 W. Marion Road
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-9111
The benefit package consists of nursing services, personal care assistance services and/or skilled therapy services plus, one or more waiver specific service such as: home modifications, home delivered meals, adult day health care, respite care, supplemental transportation, adaptive/assistive devices, and emergency response systems. It is designed to meet the needs of consumers eligible for Medicaid who have been assessed to require an intermediate or skilled level of care. Without the services available through the Waiver benefit, these consumers are at risk for hospital or nursing home placement. Consumers approved for the OHC Waiver benefit may receive care and services at home, or they may choose to receive their care in a nursing facility.

Area Agency on Aging
780 Park Avenue West
Mansfield, OH 44906
1-800-860-5799
Administers PASSPORT waiver, Home Repair Program, and funding for essential appliances. Available to financially qualified individuals age 60+.

We Thrive Together

We Thrive Together offers virtual events and trips, classes, games, educational presentations, arts and crafts, discussion groups, articles, blogs, videos, self-advocacy and other resources.

We Thrive Together is accessible and FREE to individuals and groups wherever they are: at home, school, day centers and more. This is possible because Morrow DD and other county boards, nonprofit organizations, public & private foundations, for-profit companies and others commit to funding to make these programs available for everyone.

More information, including event calendars and resources can be found at: https://wethrivetogether.org/

Seniors on Center
Morrow County Services for Older Citizens, Inc.
41 W. Center Street
P.O. Box 214
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-6702
Provides: transportation to persons over 60 by appointment to Center, grocery, doctor, pharmacy, etc. Available to individuals who use wheelchairs regardless of age.

Morrow County Area Transit
419-864-3500
Provides: transportation by appointment for any purpose, fee-based.

Life Line Medical Ambulance
2615 St. Rt. 314
Chesterville, OH 43317
419-768-4000

Galion: 419-468-9911
Provides: transportation for doctor visits or other medical purposes, fee-based

Morrow County Job & Family Services
619 W. Marion Rd.
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-9111, ext. 2681

Provides: vouchers for free transportation to medical appointments for individuals receiving Medicaid.

In May 2018, Governor John Kasich signed the Technology First Executive Order, making Ohio the first state in the country to place an emphasis on expanding access to technology for people with developmental disabilities. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities works with county boards to ensure technology is considered as part of all service and support plans for people with disabilities. The executive order is not a technology-only policy but intends to help people learn more about how to use technology to improve their quality of life and how they can experience more independence and personal freedom.

People with developmental disabilities may encounter challenges in their daily activities, including accessing education, employment and healthcare services. Devices that engage in two-way communication or provide step-by step assistance can help people overcome these barriers and help them live the lives they want. Technology can help people to feel more secure in their home, provide instruction on how to prepare a meal, assist in accessing public transportation and much more. With these advancements, more Ohioans with developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to experience a life more fully integrated into their community.

Remote Support

Remote Support allows an off-site direct service provider to monitor and respond to a person’s health, safety, and other needs using live communication, while offering the person more independence in their home. Two-way communication is established, in real time, just like Skype or FaceTime, so a person can communicate with their providers when they need them. A person can choose supports like sensors that call for help if someone has fallen or cameras that help monitor who is at their door or visiting with them. This service often leads to an increase in independence, especially if the person needs support occasionally or just needs reminders throughout the day.

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology can be used as a creative solution to help with a person’s health and safety and can support a person’s desire for more independence at home, in the community, or at work. This service enables people to use smart or electronic devices to increase their independence. These options includes things that help with:

  • Cooking safety
  • Overnight support
  • Medication adherence
  • Fall detection
  • Visitor monitoring
  • Community navigation

The service also pays for consultation to make sure people are matched with the right technology to meet their needs, the appropriate equipment, and equipment training for the person as well as for their paid or unpaid caregiver.

Statewide Resources

  • The Ohio Tech Ambassador Network

The Ohio Tech Ambassador Network’s website includes many resources that highlight individuals who use enabling technologies and their success stories. This website has links for great resources throughout Ohio. In January 2021, the Ohio Tech Ambassador Network launched a program to shed light on how Supportive Technology, can enhance the lives and foster independence for people with developmental disabilities. You can find more information here: The Ohio Tech Ambassador Network

Please contact a Services and Support Administrator (SSA) for more information

419-947-1159

Morrow County Dept. of Job & Family Services (ODJFS)
619 W. Marion Road
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-9111

Provides: cash assistance program

HELP (Healthcare Equipment Lending Program) for Morrow County
7197 County Road 46
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
567-240-1191

Provides: equipment lending program that provides equipment free of charge to Morrow County residents.

HelpLine
950 Meadow Drive
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338 2-1-1 or 419-946-1350 Toll free: 1-800-684-2324 Hearing Impaired: 7-1-1
Text helpline to 898211

Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission
28 West High Street
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-2009

As funding is available provides: assistance with one month’s heating bill, summer cooling assistance, Emergency Food and Shelter Program, budgeting, diapers and personal care items. Call local office to see what programs are currently available.

Assistive Technology of Ohio 1314 Kinnear Road Columbus, OH 43210 1-800-784-3425 atohio@osu.edu www.atohio.org

Provides: assistive devices, lending library and trading post; adaptive toy lending library; low interest loans to purchase assistive devices, computer refurbish and reuse program.

OSU Medical Center Toy Library Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Dr., Room 188 McCampbell Hall
Columbus, OH 43210
614-688-3431

Provides: adaptive toys for children with special needs, up to age 6.

Book Angel Program
www.seedlings.org

Provides: free braille books to children with vision impairments

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
165 West Center Street
Marion, OH 43302
1-800-374-2806

740-382-5452
Provides: information, training and support.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC)
800-766-7426

Ohio Department of Education Office for Exceptional Children
614-466-2650

Disability Rights Ohio (fka Ohio Legal Rights)
50 W. Broad St., Suite 1400
Columbus, Ohio 43215-5923
800-282-9181
(TTY) 614-728-2553 or 800-858-3542

Legal Aid Society of Columbus
740-383-2161

Morrow Metropolitan Housing Authority
81 N. Rich Street
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-946-5789

Provides: low income rental assistance and home ownership through Federal Housing Voucher Choice (Section 8) Program.

Community Fund Management Foundation
1275 Lakeside Ave. East
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-736-4540

Establishes and administers trust funds for individuals with disabilities

Independent Living Center of North Central Ohio 419-526-6770

YWCA Child Care Resource & Referral 1018 Jefferson Ave.
Toledo, OH 43604
(an office will be opening soon in this area) 1-800-922-4453

419-255-5519
Child Care resources and referral

The Disability Foundation
2300 Kettering Tower
Dayton, OH 45423
937-225-9939
www.disability-foundation.org
Establishes and administers pooled trust funds for individuals with disabilities.

American Red Cross
419-946-2811

HelpLine
2-1-1 or 419-946-1350
Toll free: 1-800-684-2324
Text helpline to 898211
Administers Salvation Army funds. Used primarily for assistance with prescription costs.

Office of Ohio Consumer’s Counsel
419-306-0738 – Findlay
1-877-742-5622 – Columbus
Consumer Advocate for Residential Utility Customers

Ohio Free Rehab Centers
(844) 617-2040

Morrow County Economic Development Office
80 North Walnut Street
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-7535

Assistance with housing costs for homeless/families facing foreclosure. Low interest loans for home repairs.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
419-422-0242 – Findlay
614-255-2400 – Columbus
Home repair loans and grants. Foreclosure assistance.

Heartbeat of Morrow County, Inc.
900 Meadow Drive
Mt. Gilead, OH 43338
419-947-7730

Clothing for children up to size 7. Maternity clothes.

Clothes Closet Call local schools:

Cardington
419-864-6692

Highland Mt. Gilead Northmor
419-768-3040, 419-946-5736 or 419-947-1900

Clothing for Morrow County school-age children

Marengo United Methodist Church
419-253-5642

No Limits Outreach
Center 419-946-5900 or 419-946-5912

Morrow County Board of Developmental Disabilities

(Whetstone Center)

419.947.1159

Upcoming Schedule

April 23, 2024
  • MCBDD Board Meeting

    April 23, 2024  6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
    Morrow County Board of Disabilities (Whetstone Center) 406 Bank Street, Mount Gilead, OH 43338

    See more details

May 28, 2024
  • MCBDD Board Meeting

    May 28, 2024  6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
    Morrow County Board of Disabilities (Whetstone Center) 406 Bank Street, Mount Gilead, OH 43338

    See more details