Council for Developmental Disabilities of Sandusky County
The Council for Developmental Disabilities of Sandusky County is a community group dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Sandusky County. The Council raises funds, sponsors events, and fills in the gaps where other support may not reach.
Our Mission
The Council works to promote the well-being of all individuals in Sandusky County who have developmental disabilities, whether they live at home, in the community, in foster homes, in institutions, or in public, private, or religious schools. We welcome everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin.
What We Do
Each year, the Council supports a variety of projects and programs, including:
- Summer recreation programs for students, with financial support from Sandusky County United Way
- High school scholarships for students pursuing careers in special education or related fields
- Equipment upgrades for the School of Hope
- Holiday parties and Christmas gifts for eligible adults and School of Hope students
These efforts are made possible, in part, through our annual Kentucky Derby Gala fundraiser.
Scholarships
Each year, the Council offers scholarships to graduating seniors and current college students from Sandusky County who are pursuing a degree in special education, working with people with developmental disabilities, or a related field.
In 2026, we had a record number of 18 scholarship applicants! Lexi Moon from Lakota High School was awarded a $1000 scholarship. Logan Hartman and Allie Andres from Bellevue High School were each awarded $500. The council also created a new scholarship category in 2026 called Scholars in Progress for existing college students. Emily Hoelzle from Fremont was awarded $1,000. Congratulations to those awarded and best wishes for their continued success!
Scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be posted below in January of 2027.
2026 Kentucky Derby Gala
The work of the Council is supported in part by proceeds generated from the annual Kentucky Derby Gala, a live watch party featuring signature appetizers and drinks, raffles, and fun games of chance. We would love to see you there!
Our History
The Council got its start in October 1955, led by Lillian Wonderly, a parent of a child with a disability. In those early years, the first classes were held in the old YMCA building on East State Street and ran entirely on donations.
In 1959, classes moved to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and in 1963 the program moved to a new building at 1001 Castalia Street, the same location SCBDD calls home today. That building became the School of Hope, and included classrooms, an office, a kitchen, and a multipurpose room that also served as the first workshop. In its first year at that location, thirty-one students were served.
Over the decades, the program grew. By 1967, two new classrooms and a sheltered workshop were added, and enrollment had grown to forty-five students. The Council has evolved over time from a governing board to the independent community organization it is today, focused entirely on supporting people and filling unmet needs.
Council Officers & Trustees
Roseann Cover
President
Lea Perrine
Secretary
Michele Mong
Council Treasurer
Thalia Britner
Michelle (Shelly) Kiser
Annette Overmyer
Carol VanDyne
Michaelle Goodman
Tony Mayle
Deb Kohler
Get Involved
We are always looking for dedicated community members to join us. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Council, please reach out:
Council for Developmental Disabilities of Sandusky County
1001 Castalia Street
Fremont, Ohio 43420