Benton County’s Developmental Diversity program will celebrate its 55th anniversary with a free community event on Tuesday, county officials announced.
The Aug. 25 gathering will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave., and will include light refreshments, cake, activities and an opportunity for attendees to meet staff, program participants and community partners. There is no cost to attend.
The program serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing a central point of access to support services. It traces its origins to 1971 when Benton County piloted a services coordination model aimed at establishing a fixed point of access and referrals, coordinating local services and advocating for people with developmental disabilities and their families. County officials say the pilot’s success contributed to what became a statewide, county-based system of support.
Jasper Smith, division director of Developmental Diversity for the Benton County Health Department, credited the program’s early growth to Barbara Sackett, who was its only staff member covering both Benton and Lincoln counties when it began.
The anniversary event will coincide with Smith’s retirement. He is set to step down Aug. 31 after 25 years with the program.
Laura Lonski will succeed Smith as division director starting Sept. 17. Lonski has worked at Benton County for the past decade, most recently as residential director, and has a background in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
More information about the anniversary event and the DD program’s services is available on the Benton County Health Department website.