This is the OFFICIAL page of Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc.
04/24/2026
Thank you to everyone who supported us in Grow Green Match Day! 🌱💚 Because of you, we’re able to continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
And thank you to Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for hosting this amazing event and giving organizations in our community the opportunity to grow and make a bigger impact on those we serve.
04/23/2026
Yesterday was Administrative Professionals' Day and we are so grateful for our amazing team đź’™ They are the steady support that keeps everything running and the first smiles you see when you walk in the building. Thank you to Angie, Erin, and Tonya for everything you do.
We’d also like to give out a special shoutout to our administrative assistant Barb in Clay Center who is not pictured here but is still very much appreciated. Thank you Barb! 💛
04/23/2026
We have raised $48,595 so far! Thank you to this amazing community for coming together for this day. Together, we’ve raised over $2 million dollars for our organizations!!
If you would like to, you can still donate online until 11:59pm at growgreenmanhattan.com
Thank you everyone for your support!
04/22/2026
04/22/2026
Join us for Grow Green Match Day! 🌱
growgreenmanhattan.com
04/22/2026
Grow Green Match Day is in full swing! So far, we have raised $17,025. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!
Go to growgreenmanhattan.com to make your online donation to Big Lakes or visit us and other amazing nonprofits in-person at Colony Square Atrium.
04/22/2026
Today is Grow Green Match Day!
Donations between $25 and $1,000 will be matched 50%!
You can donate now online at growgreenmanhattan.com until 11:59 PM or come in-person today at 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
We will keep you updated all day on our progress!
04/22/2026
Grow Green Match Day starts in 3 hours!
Donate online at growgreenmanhattan.com/ from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM tomorrow, April 22nd or in-person at 555 Poyntz Avenue from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Thank you!
04/21/2026
🌱 Grow Green 2026 is tomorrow!
We'll be using funds to renovate our group homes to make them more accessible and comfortable for our clients!
You will be able to donate in-person at the Colony Square Atrium tomorrow from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM or online from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM at growgreenmanhattan.com
Donations between $25 and $1,000 will be matched 50%! đź’š
04/20/2026
April 22 is Grow Green Match Day hosted by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation!
This year, your gift will support our 'Big Improvement' campaign, helping us make important improvements to our group homes! Your donation will support new flooring, electrical upgrades, and other essential repairs that will create a safer, more accessible, and welcoming live space for the people we serve.
Plus, your donation will be matched 50% percent!
To learn more or donate online on Wednesday April 22nd, visit growgreenmanhattan.com/
Thank you for your support everyone! 💙💚
04/11/2026
A huge thank you to USD 383: Manhattan High School for selecting Big Lakes as the beneficiary for their Manhattan's Got Talent event. This incredible talent show was organized by their Interpersonal Skills class, and raised a total of $588. We are so grateful for everyone's generosity and support. Thank you again!
04/09/2026
Last week, we had the honor of celebrating Jim and his incredible 38-year journey at Big Lakes. đź’™
Starting his career working directly in the group homes, Jim rose through the organization and became the Chief Operating Officer, helping shape our residential and day services along the way. His leadership, dedication to staff, and advocacy has made a lasting impact at Big Lakes and the clients we serve.
Thank you, Jim, for your years of service, your leadership, and your heart. We're so grateful for you and we wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc.:
Big Lakes Developmental Center, Inc, established in 1973, is a private, nonprofit-organization serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Riley, Geary, Clay and Pottawatomie counties in Kansas. Big Lakes Developmental Center is supported by county mill levy and federal and state funding. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Our administrative offices are located in Manhattan, Kansas, where we operate an Adult Training Center along with a second Adult Training Center just 40 minutes north of Manhattan in Clay Center, Kansas. Big Lakes also owns and leases various residential homes and apartments as part of our Residential Services provided for adults age 16 and older who are developmentally disabled.
Our Mission
In the belief that Big Lakes Developmental Center was incorporated to provide services for the citizen who is developmentally disabled, our mission is “to provide quality services and programs which promote independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community for persons with developmental disabilities.” We advocate the rights of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
CARF Accreditation
You can be sure that Big Lakes adheres to the highest quality standards as our programs and services are accredited by the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF). CARF is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1966, committed to upgrading and continually improving the quality of services provided to individuals with disabilities. Big Lakes holds national accreditation in Community Housing, Community Integration, Supported Living, and Organizational Employment Services. We were initially accredited in 1980.