A Washington-based organization that works to expand opportunities for clients with disabilities is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week.

Washington County Development Center, Inc., or WCDC, was established as Rolling Meadows in 1971 by a group of concerned parents and individuals for the care and services of those with mental disabilities. These children were entering adulthood and were faced with little or no activity upon graduation, so a work activity center was established in the basement of the First Christian Church.

Some location changes came later and eventually the work activity center became administered by the Grant Wood Area Education Agency. The organization now has around 50 staff members that serve about 100 clients, and President David Hoffman encourages the public to learn more about WCDC at an Alive After 5 open house happening this Thursday, “We’re going to have some ongoing activities demonstrating what we do out here so people can walk through and get a sense. We just want people to come out and see what goes on out here. One of the things that I tell our staff is that I was in Washington as a principal for 18 years and I had no idea what WCDC was and I want everybody to know what WCDC is. These clients have so much to offer and we’re so proud of them and just a great group of people.”

There will be food, music, and more at the Alive After 5 sponsored by the Washington Chamber of Commerce from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at their main facility at 1425 West 5th Street. You can hear more about the event and WCDC’s history during a two-part Halcyon House Washington Page on air and at kciiradio.com.