Johnson County Developmental Supports was established in 1972 under the name of Johnson County Mental Retardation Center (or JCMRC) as a comprehensive community service agency. Through coordination, service provision and advocacy, JCDS helps people with developmental disabilities exercise options to choose where and with whom they live, where to work, to participate in favorite leisure activities and to build and maintain relationships with family and friends.

Although JCDS earns income from contract work with the business community and receives government funding, the agency’s financial needs run deep! Through Friends, JCDS is expanding its base of support to meet funding gaps in such areas as:

• Barrier-Free Housing
• Adapted Work Equipment
• Communication & Safety Devices
• Emergency Medical/Dental Fund
• Community Education Events
• Consumer Recreation
• Holiday, Evening & Weekend Transportation for Consumers

Annual Memberships help the Friends of JCDS broaden and maintain funding for the agency’s many service programs. As part of a community which cares about people with disabilities, we urge you to show your support by becoming a Friends member! Annual memberships range from $25 to $1,000 with each level of membership offering specific advantages. And all Friends members receive advance invitations to special fundraising events such as the annual golf tournament!

The dollars generated by these contributions are spent in the Johnson County community and directly benefit the people and programs of JCDS!

For more information about membership and its benefits, please call the Friends of JCDS office at 826-2626

The Art Shop is a project of the Friends of JCDS featuring original art created by men and women with severe and multiple disabilities. Matted and framed art work, cards and plaques are available for sale at affordable prices. Artists are paid from the sale of their work; a portion of the purchase price helps to fund the many consumer-focused projects of the Friends of JCDS. For information about art products available through the Friends of JCDS, contact Debby Land  at 826-2654.

Preserve The Past. Plan For The Present. Prepare For The Future. Join The Friends Circle of Support.

When Johnson County Developmental Supports opened its doors nearly 25 years ago, its mission was clear--to build resources to meet the needs and enhance the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Services have gone through many changes over the years, and now more than ever, JCDS must work hard to make it through these tumultuous financial times.

As a member of the Friends Circle of Support, you can play an important role in helping to ensure that JCDS will be an everlasting light in our community. With a gift to Friends through the Circle of Support, you are helping to assure that JCDS will continue to have the resources it needs to preserve its hallmark of quality services. And you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that JCDS will be there to serve generations to come.

To invest in JCDS’ future by becoming a member of the Circle of Support, all you have to do is remember Friends of JCDS in your will or estate plan with a gift, such as a cash bequest, land, stock, bonds, insurance, property or an annuity.

In financial terms, your gift to Friends will bring you and your heirs valuable tax advantages. In human terms, your gift will bring lasting life to an valuable part of the Johnson County community.

To find out more about joining the Circle of Support, please call Dr. Janet Hoffman at 826-2640. We look forward to hearing from you!