Center For Developmentally Disabled

03/25/2026

👏 Celebrating Years of Service 👏

We were honored to recognize Derrick Nelson for his incredible dedication to the Center for Developmentally Disabled. Over the past 8 years, Derrick has served as a valued member of our Board of Directors, including his role as Secretary on the Executive Committee and his contributions to the Staff Development Committee.

His leadership, insight, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our organization, our staff, and the individuals we serve.

Thank you, Derrick, for your years of service and support—we are so grateful for all you’ve done! 💙

03/25/2026

📣 What’s Up, Chillicothe! We Need Your Help! 🔨🏡
Center for Developmentally Disabled (CDD) is excited to share that we are in the process of purchasing Bellabrooke Adult Day Care Center—and we’re ready to give the building a fresh new look!
We’re currently seeking licensed, bonded, and insured contractors to help with:
🔹 Interior updates
🔹 Roofing work
We’re hoping to schedule site visits and begin collecting bids as early as next week, so if you or someone you know is interested, we’d love to connect!
This project will help us continue expanding services and creating welcoming spaces for individuals with developmental disabilities 💙
📩 Please message us to get scheduled.
📢 Feel free to tag or share with trusted contractors in the Chillicothe area!

03/24/2026

A little sparkle, a little swing, and a whole lot of heart ✨🥂
Our staff brought the glam and the grit to Pinstripes & Pearls—making sure every detail was just right while still finding time to enjoy the night!

From the first welcome to the final farewell, they were the real MVPs of the evening. 💙
Cheers to a team that works hard, shines bright, and makes it all look effortless!

03/23/2026

✨🖤 A Night to Remember at Pinstripes & Pearls 🖤✨

Our hearts are so full after an incredible evening at the CDD Pinstripes & Pearls Gala at Union Station!

Tameka, Tamara, Paul, Liz, and Jamise spent the night celebrating in true Gatsby style—arriving in a Cadillac Escalade and dressed to impress in their stunning themed outfits. 🚗✨

From enjoying a delicious dinner to socializing and even taking the stage, it was a night filled with joy, confidence, and unforgettable moments. 💫

Experiences like this are what it’s all about—creating opportunities, building community, and celebrating every individual in a big way. 💙

We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this magical evening possible!

03/20/2026

We’ve gone prime time, dolls! 🖤✨

Hilary and Karrie took the spotlight on MyKC Live (KCTV5) to give a sneak peek into this year’s Pinstripes & Pearls Gala—and let’s just say… it’s going to be the bee’s knees 🍸

From dazzling auction items to a speakeasy-style afterparty, Saturday night is shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss!

🎩 March 21 | Let’s misbehave for a great cause
My KC LIVE Karrie Duke

03/13/2026

💙 Staff Appreciation at Nolen Manor! 💙

We love seeing our teams lift each other up!

Brandy and Deanna took time out of their day to show some appreciation for the incredible staff at Nolen Manor by preparing a delicious lunch for everyone. 🍽️👏

Our staff work hard every day to support the individuals we serve, and moments like this are a great reminder of how special our CDD community is. Thank you to Brandy and Deanna for spreading a little extra kindness and appreciation! 💫

03/12/2026

While out in the community today Nathan had the exciting opportunity to meet a Tod Palmer from KSHB 41! Nathan was especially proud to show off his communication device and share how he uses it to connect with others.

A big thank you to 41 News for being so kind, welcoming, and accommodating. Experiences like this make a lasting impact! 💙

02/28/2026

On Wednesday, when CDD brought more than 100 advocates to Jefferson City for Disability Rights Legislative Day, we had the amazing opportunity to stop by the brand-new Special Olympics Missouri facilities — and WOW. 👏

They graciously transformed their gym into a welcoming lunch space for our group and invited us to tour the beautiful new complex. From the track and field space to the basketball gym, and even a dedicated doctor’s office supporting their athletes, every corner of the facility reflects a commitment to health, inclusion, and opportunity. 🏃‍♂️🏀❤️

We are so grateful to Special Olympics Missouri for their hospitality and for the incredible work they do across our state. Partnerships like this remind us that when we work together, we create stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone. 💙

02/27/2026

Our team came together to honor Black History Month with incredible food lovingly prepared by members of our staff, inspiring facts highlighting prominent leaders from the Black community, and festive décor that filled the room with pride and joy.

It was more than just a celebration — it was a time to learn, reflect, and recognize the countless contributions, achievements, and cultural impact of Black leaders past and present.

At CDD, we believe inclusion means celebrating the richness of every culture and the voices that shape our communities. Today was a wonderful reminder that when we come together to share stories, traditions, and history, we all grow stronger.

Thank you to everyone who helped make today meaningful and memorable! 💙

02/26/2026

Yesterday we had the honor of meeting with Representative Jon Patterson (District 30) — and we left feeling incredibly encouraged. 💙

He is a true champion for disability rights, and it was inspiring to hear his commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and ensuring every voice is heard. Leaders who not only listen, but take meaningful action, make a real difference for people of all abilities.

We are grateful for his partnership and dedication to building a more equitable community here in Missouri. 🙌♿️

02/25/2026

💙🏛️ CDD SHOWED UP & SPOKE UP! 🏛️💙

Today, Center for Developmentally Disabled was proud to attend Disability Rights Legislative Day in Jefferson City, MO and we brought the energy with us! 🙌✨

Our team joined advocates, families, and partners from across Missouri to make one thing clear: Disability Rights are Human Rights.

Days like today remind us that when we stand together, we are powerful. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and continues to fight for NO cuts to DD services and a stronger future for all Missourians.

💙

02/24/2026

As Starling Missouri’s spotlight this month, we have felt incredibly honored to share more about the work we do at the Center for Developmentally Disabled and the mission that drives us every day. We are so grateful to Starling Missouri for highlighting our organization and the individuals we serve.
We are especially proud that our CEO, Sarah Mudd, was recognized at the Starling Conference with the Legacy Award for her decades of leadership and advocacy within Missouri’s ID/DD system. Sarah is deeply appreciative of this recognition and of the peers and partners who have walked alongside her throughout her journey—from her early days as a DSP to her role today as CEO.
This award reflects not just one leader, but an entire community committed to strengthening services, advocating for equity, and ensuring people with developmental disabilities have every opportunity to thrive.
Thank you, Starling, for the spotlight, the partnership, and the shared commitment to building a stronger Missouri.

| What does leadership in action look like? 💙

At the Starling Conference, we were proud to recognize Sarah Mudd, CEO of the Center For Developmentally Disabled, for her decades of service and transformative advocacy in Missouri’s ID/DD system with the Legacy Award.

Sarah began her career as a DSP in 1991 and rose to CEO in 2014. When inequities in Missouri’s outdated rate structure created serious challenges for providers, she didn’t stay silent. Instead, she helped lead an advocacy effort alongside DMH and CMS that resulted in a four-year overhaul to standardize funding and strengthen the system statewide.

Her nomination came from Julie Edlund of Life Unlimited, a reflection of the deep respect she has earned from peers across the field.

Leaders like Sarah make Starling stronger. When experienced providers step forward to advocate, collaborate, and lead, our entire network, and the people we serve, benefit.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah on this well-deserved recognition!ion!