Agency News, Press Release

Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri Expands Developmental Disability Services

(Cape Girardeau, MO) – Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSOMO) is excited to announce the expansion of their Developmental Disability Services (DD) program into Butler and Dunklin counties.

The DD program provides Targeted Case Management to individuals diagnosed with a developmental disability who have been determined eligible for services by the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities. The goal of the program is to empower each individual to live independently, attain employment, and be valued members of the community.

CCSOMO Support Coordinators help families meet unmet needs by connecting them to resources, accessing state-funded supports, and managing relevant information. Effective immediately, these same services will be provided in Butler and Dunklin counties. New Support Coordinators will be hired in these counties, increasing the program’s reach to 175-300 additional clients.

“I am excited to expand into Butler and Dunklin counties and provide the same excellent services that we currently provide in Cape Girardeau, Scott, and Mississippi counties,” said Gina Blocker, Developmental Disability Services Director/Program Administrator.

The DD program began in Scott County in 2011 and expanded to Cape Girardeau in 2014 and Mississippi County in 2021. The program currently serves around 1,100 individuals.

“Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri is grateful for the opportunity to expand our Targeted Case Management services for those in need in Butler and Dunklin counties,” said CCSOMO Chief Executive Officer, Ken Palermo. “Building on our long history of serving the developmentally disabled, we will continue to impact lives positively.”