Howard County Children’s Center began operation in the annex of a local church building in 1971, providing services to 12 individuals with disabilities ranging in age  from 3-35 years of age.  With the help of community leaders, the center received a state grant the following year,  HCCC was off and running.  In the years to come, several additions, of buildings, staff, and clients, would evolve as the need arose.Only six years into the dream, Poulan, now Husqvarna, began contracting with the center for parts for weed eaters and chainsaws. This provided a valuable service to both the company and the center, allowing a viable workforce to contribute to the community while earning income to help support themselves. The success has been elevated to the level where the center now purchases and stocks all of the needed parts for assembly to be sold to Husqvarna. A new 20,000 square foot building now stands on 18 acres and includes a warehouse and recycling center for office waste, plastics, cardboard, and aluminum cans.Group housing for 34 residents was provided in 1983, thanks to a loan from HUD.  Adults learn to become self-sufficient in personal grooming, hygiene, housekeeping, and careers.  Transportation is provided by the center.In 1993, daycare for non-handicapped children was started, and was integrated with the developmentally disabled pre-schoolers.  By the late 90′s, more infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers were being identified with various handicaps. The waiting list continued to grow… Expanded classrooms were needed to accommodate the demand. In the pre-school, students receive various therapies as needed, in addition to a curriculum under the supervision of a certified teacher.Also, in the late 90′s, referrals and public awareness grew. Referrals came from such places as Children’s Hospital, counseling and mental health agencies, doctors, health units, and other providers of services for a person with disabilities.  Along with expanding services and the need to accommodate the area, staff also grew with certified personnel and support staff, including speech; physical, and occupational therapists, and even a part-time psychologist, to assist in the needs of the clients.A bass tournament, sponsored by Husqvarna, a golf tournament sponsored by Tyson Foods, and a telethon, sponsored by the Nashville Rotary Club, all play a part in the ever increasing demand and calling to help those less fortunate than ourselves.  The Howard County Children’s Center Board, director and assistant director, and staff invite you to become a part of this important service to those individuals who may not have a fighting chance otherwise. Your interest in this project can make a difference!   Howard County Children’s Center is a 501 ( c) (3)  not for profit, DDS Community Program.  Howard County Children’s Center serves children ( 0 – 5 years ) and adults 18 years and older with developmental disabilities.