Epilepsy Center

Website Links

Description

The group of parents incorporated in June 24, 1977 as The Epilepsy Association Center of Northwestern Ohio, hereinafter called "The Epilepsy Center" serving the Counties of Erie, Sandusky, Ottawa, Wood, Lucas, Henry, Fulton, Williams, Defiance and Paulding. The Epilepsy Center was organized by and was part of the Epilepsy Association of Ohio in Columbus. The newly formed Epilepsy Center's location was on 2023 Collingwood Blvd. 3rd Floor just above the old Flower Hospital. Based on the first recorded Board of Trustees Meeting minutes from September 9, 1977 the first Executive Director was C. Lynne Halbert and the first Board President was David McDonagh who was also the Director of Adult Program at Lucas County Board of Mental Retardation. In October 1978 the Epilepsy Center became affiliated with United Way and the first counselor, Virginia King was hired to provide services to people with epilepsy living in the community independently or with their families. In 1979 the Epilepsy Center opened the first group home, the Barbara Jean McDonagh Home on Parkside Boulevard, in memory of the daughter of Bernard and Juanita McDonagh who were instrumental in the growth of the Epilepsy Center. Within a short period of time the home was certified as an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) receiving Medicaid funding. Today, the home houses eight adult men and women with epilepsy/developmental disabilities. In August 2, 1980 the Epilepsy Center moved to a new location on 1830 West Bancroft near the Ottawa Tavern. During the same time, the Center became the recipient of two Title XX contracts through funding from federal block grants. This funding allowed the center to offer expanded services to people with epilepsy and starting a socialization support group for people with other developmental disabilities as well. In 1984 the Center became an affiliate of the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA). The Center started to expand its services by opening a satellite office in Henry County and by hiring a second counselor, Lyn Doll, as the Parent and Child Coordinator. In May 1985 the Center moved to a new location on 151 N. Michigan, Suite 315 in Davis Building. Only one year later, in May 1986 the Center suffered extreme fire damage and financial losses valued to over $15,000.00 as a consequence of the bombing of the Center of Choice situated directly under the Epilepsy Center in Davis Building. In September 9, 1986 the Epilepsy Center opened a second group home, the Jean Scott Furney Home on Glendale Avenue, named in honor of the Congresswoman Linda Furney's mother. Within a short time the facility was licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility receiving Medicaid funding. Today the home houses six adults with epilepsy/developmental disabilities. In 1989 the Epilepsy Center offered the first Family Camp for children with epilepsy and their families providing to all an opportunity for fun, socialization and education in a warm and accepting environment. This event was created by Kathy Sanks, a former Toledoan and an active Board Member of the Los Angeles County Epilepsy Society. The Family Camp continues to grow every year.

Products & services

Similar companies nearby