OSAGE COUNTY  — Osage County Community Living (OCCL) Executive Director Cathy Roark confirmed this week that the Ability Center is closing its doors on Thursday with the hope of reopening.

“We’ve provided day habilitation service for 17 years,” said Roark, who recently celebrated her 25th year as executive director. “Day habilitation includes participating in community activities, promoting positive social interactions, and any other activities designed to accommodate a person’s skill level and goals.”

She added the Ability Center provided these services individually and as part of a group.

The center has seen a decline over the last two years, with the most significant factor being the passing away of many participants. Others have found competitive employment, which means they are not employed at the Capital Projects Sheltered Workshop in Jefferson City, a place for those with developmental disabilities to work in a safe environment.

Some individuals could not work or participate in the Sheltered Workshop due to health issues. Still others had retired from Capital Projects or only worked a few days a week. “If somebody needed or decided that they waned to only work 2-3 days a week, they would have a place to come and be active in the community,” Executive Assistant Kristen Steffens explained.

High school Special Education departments are working with community partners to place students in a competitive work setting, which has led to a decline in younger individuals utilizing the Ability Center.

“Some aren’t able to do competitive employment,” Roark added.

The Ability Center is funded through Medicaid for services provided to individuals. First, however, they need to speak with an Osage County Special Services caseworker, who will help them acquire a Medicaid waiver.

“Medicaid waivers for day services can be available to most,” said Steffens. “Justification is required as to why they need our services. There used to be a huge need, but now it seems like it’s dwindling because people are moving straight from high school into employment.”

To be eligible for services from Osage County Community Living, Inc., an individual must have a developmental disability that began before age 22, is likely to continue indefinitely, and results in substantial limitations with two or more of the following: living and working independently, written or verbal communication, self-direction, learning, mobility, or self-care.

Osage County residents with developmental disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Congenital disabilities, and developmental/intellectual disabilities may be eligible for services.

Unfortunately, Program Coordinator  Sheila Turner will not be able to keep her position, which is a difficult situation.

“Sheila always goes above and beyond,” said Roark of the 14-year veteran. “She shows up early, and on snow days, she’s here at 4 a.m. cleaning off the vans and ensuring the route is good for transporting individuals. Sheila is the best, and we’re going to miss her. She’s always open for new ways to help the individuals.”

Steffens added that she and Roark explored every potential avenue to find a way to keep Turner on staff.

“We’ve gone through every angle we could and run through scenario after scenario,” Roark agreed, adding she hopes the Ability Center regains individuals.

Turner is emotional about her departure. “I loved my job at the Ability Center,” she said. “When I started this job 14 years ago, I had no idea how rewarding it was going to be. I have loved each and every individual I have supported over the years. They all are like family to me. And, I can’t say enough about the girls I work with. Cathy, Kerrie (Jenkins) and Kristen are not only the best co-workers, they are also my best friends. I will miss them being in my life everyday. I hope there is still a future for the Ability Center. It’s a great program in our community.”

Thus far, Roark and Steffens have used Facebook to update the public and seek individuals.

So, what can people expect of the Ability Center’s day habilitation program?

Day habilitation services are provided to promote inclusion and self-determination. These services are based on personal goals set in each individual’s support plan. Services may include participation in community activities, promoting positive social interactions, and any other activities designed to accommodate an individual’s skill level. These services can be provided in a group setting or to an individual at the Ability Center or in the community.

Roark noted that the center on Jefferson Street is equipped with games, entertainment, a kitchen where individuals gather for lunch, and some exercise equipment.

“We also take individuals out for various activities,” said Steffens.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, public appearances were challenging for day program participants. Our options were extremely limited due to the closure of many points of interest,” said Roark.

Turner also provided a setting to work with individuals on specific goals.

For now, Roark added, this is the end of an era. “We’ve worked hard to build the program,” she said. “Not only are we losing an employee we value tremendously, we’re losing the program we fought to develop. Individuals are losing because, unfortunately, they will have no place to go.”

Roark believes things will change. “We know the need for our services will reoccur at some point,” she said. “What will happen if, six months or a year from now, individuals say they just want to work two days a week? What can they do? There’s nothing here for them, but we hope to generate some interest so we can reopen the doors.”

For more information about eligibility or to visit the Ability Center, visit Osage County Community Living on Facebook or call 573-897-0330.

OCCL board members are Chairperson Carol Luecke, Vice Chair Michelle Kliethermes, Secretary Tim Bower, Treasurer Mike Thomas, Joyce Neuner, Doris Stumpe, Lynn Howe, Carrie Swarthouse and Veronica Hoffman.