Macon County Commission for Developmentally Disabled Citizens

08/28/2026

Last week, County Connections joined agencies from across the state at the Annual Tiered Supports Summit, where organizations had the opportunity to showcase the work they’ve been doing through Tiered Supports.

Service Coordinator Supervisor Nicole Donaubauer represented County Connections alongside our poster highlighting our Operational Reorganization and was available to share more about our work and answer questions.

Through the changes we’ve implemented, we’ve seen increased consistency and accountability, while also hearing from staff that their weekly goals feel more attainable and fair.

As we continue to grow, we’re always looking for ways to improve how we support both our team and the individuals and families we serve. Moving forward, we hope to expand our use of AI and other innovative tools to reduce administrative tasks and give our Service Coordinators more time for meaningful, face-to-face connection with the people they support.

We also remain committed to creating a supportive work environment where staff efforts are recognized and valued, while continuing to build meaningful connections within the communities we serve.

We’re proud of the work our team has done and excited to keep learning, growing, and improving!

08/23/2026

🌟 SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY: Wendy Hays 🌟

For our August Employee Spotlight, we’re excited to recognize Wendy Hays, Executive Director of MCCDDC!

Wendy is one of those people who keeps everything moving behind the scenes. She has been here since the very beginning and brings an incredible amount of knowledge and experience to our organization. We often joke that Wendy has probably forgotten more than the rest of us know! 😉

From navigating the complicated details to making sure everything runs smoothly, Wendy works incredibly hard to support County Connections, our staff, and ultimately the individuals and families we serve. Her knowledge, leadership, and dedication have played a huge role in helping shape our organization into what it is today.

We are incredibly grateful to have Wendy leading the way behind the scenes.

08/22/2026

🎉 Celebrating 5 Years of Lacy! 🎉

This August, we’re celebrating Lacy’s 5-year work anniversary with County Connections! 💙

Lacy is passionate about the people she supports and has one of the biggest hearts. She is a fierce advocate who isn’t afraid to speak up, push for what’s right, and make sure the people she supports have every opportunity to succeed.

Her determination is unmatched; when Lacy sets her mind to something, she doesn’t let obstacles stand in her way. She finds a way, keeps moving forward, and gives her all to the people and communities we serve.

We are so proud to have Lacy on our team and grateful for everything she has brought to County Connections over the past five years! 💙

Happy 5 years, Lacy! Here’s to many more! 🎉👏

08/20/2026

🐷💙 No Limits. Big Opportunities. 💙🐷

Today at the Missouri State Fair, individuals with cognitive and/or physical challenges had the opportunity to step into the show ring through the No Limits P.I.G. Show!

This special event pairs participants with experienced Missouri 4-H and FFA swine exhibitors who help them learn the basics of showing a pig and experience all the excitement of the show ring. The program is designed to promote independence, confidence, respect and FUN while creating an opportunity for everyone to be included in one of Missouri’s great agricultural traditions. (Missouri State Fair Foundation)

We especially love seeing our friend, Charlotte, getting to be part of this experience! We think you’re pretty sow-perb!🐷🏅 Moments like this are a great reminder of what inclusion looks like when communities create opportunities where everyone can participate, try something new and shine.

Interested in learning more about the No Limits P.I.G. Show? Check out the Missouri State Fair Foundation’s No Limits P.I.G. Show page.

Charlotte crushed the No Limits show!

08/19/2026

We love seeing our Service Coordinators out in the community sharing what they do! 💙 A big thank you to Ashley Anselmo for taking the time to connect with the Macon People First Chapter and share more about the role of a Service Coordinator. 👏

So much of the work Service Coordinators do happens behind the scenes and may not always be visible. They play a vital role in our communities: finding resources, making connections, advocating, and helping individuals and families access services and supports they may not have known were available. We’re proud of the work our Service Coordinators do every day to help create opportunities, promote independence, and support self-determination. Great job representing that work, Ashley! 👏💙

08/10/2026

Our County Connections family is grieving the unexpected loss of someone very special to us. 💙

Yesterday, we learned of the passing of one of the individuals we have had the privilege of serving and knowing. Her loss is felt even more deeply because she was also the beloved daughter of our own Brenda Arp, making her part of the County Connections family in more ways than one.

It is difficult to find the right words when someone who has been part of our lives is suddenly no longer with us. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity we had to know her, to be part of her journey, and for the memories that will remain with those whose lives she touched.

Our hearts are especially with Brenda and her family during this incredibly difficult time. We hope they feel surrounded by the love, support, and care of everyone who is holding them close in thought.

Please join us in keeping Brenda and her family in your thoughts as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who meant so much to so many. 💙

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

View Brianna Marie Arp's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

08/07/2026

Calling all moms who could use a little more connection, support, and understanding. 💛

Mom’s Night Out at Java Jive in Hannibal is happening tonight. This is a relaxed opportunity for mothers of children or adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to meet other moms who truly understand the journey.

☕ Coffee is generously donated by Great River Autism Connection!

📍 Java Jive — 211 N Main St., Hannibal, MO
📅 August 7
⏰ 6:00 PM

Come as you are, grab a coffee, and spend the evening connecting with other moms. Whether you’re looking for resources, friendship, someone to listen, or simply a chance to get out of the house. 💙

08/07/2026

We are incredibly grateful to MA Bank and the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund for selecting County Connections as a recipient of a $10,000 grant!

This investment in our organization is an investment in the individuals and families we serve. These funds will help us expand opportunities, enhance supports, and continue providing meaningful services that promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.

We are excited about the possibilities this grant creates and look forward to putting these funds to work in ways that make a lasting impact in our communities.

Thank you, MA Bank, for believing in our mission and for your continued commitment to strengthening Northeast Missouri. We are honored to be recognized alongside the other outstanding organizations receiving this year’s Member Impact Fund grants.

💙 Together, we’re building stronger communities and creating more opportunities for everyone.

08/06/2026

📢 Public Hearing Notice

The Macon County Commission for Developmentally Disabled Citizens (MCCDDC) Board invites community members to attend its upcoming Public Hearing.

💙 This hearing is an opportunity to learn more about the services and supports funded through the Council, hear updates on how these resources are making a difference for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community, and participate in the annual process of setting the FY2027 tax levy.

🤝 We encourage anyone interested to attend and learn more. Please see the attached notice for the date, time, location, and additional details.

08/04/2026

Happy 2-Year Work Anniversary, Morgan! 🎉

Today we're celebrating two years of Morgan being part of the County Connections team! Over the past two years, she has made a positive impact through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to supporting the individuals and families we serve.

Thank you, Morgan, for everything you do each day. We appreciate all you bring to our team and look forward to many more years ahead. Congratulations on this milestone! 💙