From Humble Beginnings

By 1956, class enrollment had increased and the current class rooms at the church and school were no longer able to accommodate the students.  Coincidently, it was at this time that Weymouth School on Reimer Rd. was being closed as a a result of a merger with the Medina City Schools.  Once again, the SHC pooled their resources, talents and energies. The organization successfully convinced the school board to allow them occupancy of this old school building. After much remodeling, redecorating and refurnishing, the newly named, St. Nicholas School was dedicated on December 8, 1956.

As the years passed and the children grew into adults, it became apparent that Medina County needed a facility that would provide constructive activities for individuals with disabilities. Not surprisingly, the SHC was able to gain financial support from the citizens of Medina County.  Community members successfully voted to approve a bond issue and a tax levy for the building and operation of a workshop facility. With plans poised for action, dreams came to a sudden halt with the news that the parcel of land originally promised by the county was no longer available. Months passed, offers were made and finally, the SHC purchased St. Nicholas School and its adjoining land.  Once papers were signed and legalities were cleared, SHC deeded the building and property to the county commissioners for use as the site for the Medina County Training Center.  After nearly two years of problems and obstacles, construction began. In November of 1962, 4 classes and 7 workshop clients moved into the newly renovated building.

In 1967, Ohio passed state wide law instituting county boards of mental retardation and developmental disabilities. The administrative and financial responsibility of the training center and school would now be assumed by the newly created Medina County Board of MRDD. Governed by a body of seven community members appointed by county officials, the Board continued to offer quality programs and services to individuals with special needs.

The board opened the doors to a new, state of the art facility in January 1992.  Known today as the Medina County Achievement Center, the building houses a school, a workshop and  administrative offices. The Board of MRDD also provides services through the operation our Service & Support Administration located in Seville, and our Community Services and Transportation Departments, both located in Medina.

In January of 2007 the Medina County Board of MRDD celebrated the Fifteenth Anniversary of the Achievement Center by burning the bond that financed the buildings construction. The agency also compiled two time capsules containing items from the agency's past. The first capsule is buried in the building's courtyard. The second capsule hold items donated by the staff and clients that commemorate fifteen years of the Medina County Achievement Center.  Both capsules are marked to be opened in 2057

We have seen tremendous growth and change over the past fifty years, yet we continue to provide the very best educational, occupational and social opportunities to the individuals we serve.

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Medina County Board of MRDD
4691 Windfall Road • Medina, Ohio 44256
Phone: 330.725.7751 • Fax: 330.722.4854 • Email: mcac@mcbmrdd.org