The Lawrence County Board for the Developmentally Disabled has settled into new quarters at 403 East Elm.
The building was the previous home of the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which is in the midst of planning for a new facility on South Carnation Drive.
George Woodward, director for the LCBDD, said the group had been seeking a facility larger than the one it occupied on the square in Aurora since 2006. He was excited when he saw the current site for the first time and managed to contain that excitement when inviting board members to see the facility for the first time.
As he directed a tour of the facility, he grinned as he talked about seeing the “wow” factor as people walk in the front door.
“It’s almost like the building was designed for us,” explained Woodward.
To make the building a better fit, members of the congregation agreed to add some cabinetry, a few walls (to provide office space for contract workers) and outfit a space for a kitchen.
Workers were able to make the changes “seamlessly” by using matching the existing wallpaper and paint. Woodward pointed out the color scheme is “calm and relaxing.”
Woodward was excited to point out the congregation left a variety of things LCBDD will find useful, such as 115 padded chairs, a sound system/cabinet, wall sconces, flower arrangements, a large easel, bookcases, a television, etc.
The largest space is designed for an activity room  with tables and chairs for doing puzzles, watching television/movies, doing crafts, etc.
The building has a stage area that is accessed via a ramp, which Woodward indicated would be helpful to clients for programs.
Completing the facility is large, concrete parking area and a concrete block storage building.
The LCBDD is fully funded through a tax paid by the property owners in Lawrence County. The board also provides  service programs, personal service assistance and  personal equipment for the developmentally disabled.
Programs at the center include games, crafts music groups, music therapy, craft days, etc. He noted some of the clients “shop” the bing prizes for the gifts to others during the year.
“The clients and their parents feel comfortable to come and go as they want, while some require assistance,” said Woodward about the center.
He noted Community Support Services, which has 35 years experience in case management, will be occupying the center’s previous location on the square.
The LCBDD Community Center is open for clients on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Officials are planning an open house for 2 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, January 20. The public is welcome to visit.