Developmental Center of the Ozarks (DCO)

07/28/2026

📸 The incredible gallery of The Life. I Choose. by Randy Bacon is showing until September 5th on Commercial Street! Be sure to visit and see stories of incredible independence and the power of choice.

The Life I Choose opens to the public this Saturday!

This exhibition shares portraits, films and personal stories from people served by Abilities First in Greene County. Each story offers a look at choice, independence, dignity and what it means to live the life each person chooses.

The Life. I Choose.
Portraits and Films by Randy Bacon
July 11 – September 5
C-Art Gallery
208 & 212 E. Commercial Street
Springfield, MO

Gallery hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We hope you’ll stop by, take your time with the stories and experience it for yourself.❤️

07/27/2026

Helpful tips on these dog days of summer

Save money and stay cool during the next round of extreme heat in Missouri with these air conditioner settings recommended by experts.

07/27/2026

We had a surprise Friday morning when our water heater went out! 💦 😤

DCO staff and consumers are very thankful for the quick and diligent work of Connelly-Waldinger for getting it fully replaced and installed within hours.

07/24/2026

Learn about all our open positions at www.DCOonline.com/careers

07/17/2026

We LOVE receiving your amazing gifts and donations!
They continue to do so much for the programs offered by DCO.

Check out our Child Care Wishlist to see how you can help. Every toy, tool, or dollar donated supports the care and growth of local families living in the Ozarks.

07/10/2026

www.winewalkspringfield.com www.dcoonline.com/events

07/08/2026

If you have the heart and experience of providing direct support care, come see what great positions are waiting for you!

Read more at www.DCOonline.com/careers

07/07/2026

Everyday moments of joy like this remind us how much fun a feeling of community can be.

We hope this photo brings a smile to your face!
What is something that made you smile today? 😊

07/04/2026

Have a great holiday celebrating 250 years of American independence! 🇺🇸

07/01/2026

What an incredible day celebrating the official ribbon cutting of DCO CONNECTS – Where Community Becomes the Classroom! 💚✂️

Our hearts are full as we reflect on the overwhelming support shown by our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this exciting new chapter for Developmental Center of the Ozarks. Your presence reminded us that when a community comes together, amazing things happen.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, community partners, donors, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this vision a reality. Your passion, hard work, and belief in our mission have helped create a place where adults with developmental disabilities can build independence, develop meaningful relationships, and become even more connected to the communities they call home.

DCO would also like to share a special thank you from one of our very grateful consumers in the new program. CL writes, "good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank my DCO consumers and staff for giving this amazing opportunity for the new location and more importantly, a huge thanks to the amazing Megan Warren (Connects site manager) who's killing it and is a hard worker. There wouldn't be a new DCO if it weren't for her, I thank you for that. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for her."

CONNECTS is more than a program—it's an opportunity to open doors, create possibilities, and celebrate inclusion every single day.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us make this dream a reality. We can't wait to see all that CONNECTS will accomplish together! 🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷