BERLIN -- On Tuesday, Aug. 7, a dozen people from around Worcester County met and formed the Friends of WCDC, a group dedicated to helping further the mission of the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC).

For 38 years, WCDC has been providing employment opportunities, day habilitation training and residential services to adults who live with an intellectual disability in Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties.

In September of 2007, a fire destroyed the WCDC buildings in Newark. The program survived for three years in temporary housing in Snow Hill while a new facility was constructed on the original site in Newark. The new building opened on Jan. 3, 2011, with new programs including a commercial laundry facility, assembly and repackaging rooms and a catering hall.

Local people who toured the new building were excited about the new offerings for those who live with a disability, and asked WCDC Executive Director June Walker how they could help. Walker suggested starting an auxiliary to help provide items the facility would need in order to provide more and better services to its clients.

Cathy Gallagher, an Ocean Pines resident who recently retired after running a similar agency for 40 years, was elected president. Jennifer Creed from Berlin, whose son Logan attends WCDC, will serve as vice-president. Secretary and treasurer positions will be filled at a future meeting.

The Friends of WCDC will meet the second Tuesday of each month at the center on Newark Road at 6 p.m. Membership is open to anyone interested in furthering the mission of WCDC as it seeks to provide a brighter future for those who live with a disability.