Macon County Commission for Developmentally Disabled Citizens

02/05/2026

Bittersweet doesn’t even cover it 🌴💛

After five amazing years, we’re saying see you later to Randi as she takes a well-deserved break to soak up some sunshine and fun in Florida for a couple of months. While we’re sad to have her away (the office won’t be the same), we’re excited for her to enjoy this adventure and all the sunshine she can handle.

Randi, thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and the laughs you brought with you every day. You’ll be missed more than you know.

Wishing you blue skies, sandy toes, and all the happiness in the Sunshine State ☀️🌊

02/03/2026

🌟Triumph Tuesday🌟

Owen has had an incredible year, and we want to shine a spotlight on his achievements as he prepares to graduate from Hannibal High School this May! Through the BEST (Basic Employment Skills Training) Program, he has gained valuable life and employment skills while working full time at the Douglass Community Food Pantry—helping with food distribution, stocking and organizing items, supporting daily operations, and interacting positively with community members. Owen has shown responsibility, consistency, and strong teamwork skills every step of the way.

The BEST Program gives students with disabilities real-world work experience during the school day, focusing on essential skills like communication, time management, following directions, and professional behavior. Students are treated like employees at community job sites, helping them build confidence and independence.

With the skills Owen has developed through BEST, it is the hope that he will be competitively employed someday.

We are incredibly proud of Owen’s growth and accomplishments this year! 👏🎓 A heartfelt thank you to Hannibal Public School District #60 for their dedication to transition planning, the Macon County SB40 (MCCDDC) Board for providing funding for one-on-one job coaching, Learning Opportunities/Quality Works, Inc. for their exceptional support, and Douglass Community Services for partnering to give students these meaningful opportunities. Thanks to this incredible collaboration, Owen has had the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive—an achievement made possible by these amazing partners.

01/31/2026

🌟 Feature Friday Spotlight! 🌟

We couldn’t let this week end without celebrating one of our friends who has been absolutely crushing it! 👏🎉

Please help us congratulate Kahlynn on earning Senior Student of the Month! 🏆📚

This recognition is such a big deal and truly reflects her hard work and determination. We are so proud to be part of her journey and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!

Way to go, Kahlynn—you earned every bit of this! ⭐️

01/30/2026

We couldn’t let the day go by without wishing Alex the happiest of birthdays! 🎉🎂

We are so glad she’s back with us at County Connections—she brings so much heart, positivity, and dedication to our team. 💙

Help us wish Alex an amazing day! 🎈🎁🥳

01/28/2026

📘 County Connections Annual Report

We’re excited to share our County Connections Annual Report, highlighting the work, impact, and progress made over the past year. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, the strength of our partnerships, and—most importantly—the individuals and families we are honored to support.

Thank you to our community, board members, and partners for your continued support and trust. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to the year ahead.

👉 Take a moment to read the report and see how County Connections continues to support, advocate, and connect.

01/27/2026

📢 We’re Hiring! Service Coordinator – Hannibal Office 📢

Do you have a passion for helping others, strong organization skills, and a heart for advocacy? We’re looking for a Service Coordinator to join our team in our Hannibal office!

✨ What you’ll do:
• Support individuals and families in navigating services
• Coordinate resources and advocate for meaningful outcomes
• Build strong relationships within the community

✨ What we’re looking for:
• Compassionate, dependable, and organized individuals
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Experience in human services preferred (but not required)

If you’re looking for a rewarding career where your work truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

📍 Location: Hannibal
📩 Apply here:

County Connections Careers Page - View all jobs and opportunities at County Connections and apply today. | Powered By Paylocity

01/23/2026

We are conducting this survey to better understand how our community experiences the world around them. Our goal is to learn more about the everyday factors—from the spaces we inhabit to the ways we communicate—that impact your comfort and participation. By sharing your perspective on your physical environment, financial accessibility, and community culture, you are helping us build a clearer picture of what true inclusion looks like. Please take just a few minutes to answer these survey questions. Thank you for your participation.

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01/15/2026

🎉 Happy 3-Year Work Anniversary, Kara! 🎉

Today we’re celebrating 3 years of Kara being part of the County Connections team! Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and the positive impact you make every day for the people we support and for your coworkers. We’re so grateful for all you do and are lucky to have you as part of our team. Here’s to many more years ahead!

01/14/2026

🎉 Happy 9-Year Work Anniversary, Barbie! 🎉

This month, we celebrate 9 amazing years of Barbie being part of the County Connections team! Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and the care you bring to the people we support every day. We’re so grateful for all you do and are lucky to have you as part of our County Connections family.

01/13/2026

Come join us for the 17th Annual Community Engagement Conference!

This is a free conference for families, self-advocates, providers, and community partners to come together to discuss available services, supports, and resources, as well as to address any barriers or gaps. It’s also a great opportunity to network and build new relationships!

(We also heard there is a pretty cool guest speaker. Hint, Hint: He makes really yummy jam!)

Register today and secure a free yummy lunch!

Email from Adair County SB40 Developmental Disability Board Secure your spot       2026 Community Engagement Conference Attendee Registration and T-Shirt Order     Registration is now open for the 20

01/09/2026

After 12 years of dedication, compassion, and countless moments of impact, we are saying cheers and tears as we celebrate Coley’s time at County Connections. 💛

Coley has been an integral part of shaping and growing our organization into what it is today. Her commitment, leadership, and heart for the people we serve have left a lasting mark that will continue well beyond her time with us.

While we are incredibly sad to see her go, we are also so excited for her and confident that she will be amazing in her next adventure. County Connections is better because of Coley, and we are deeply grateful for the years she spent walking alongside our team and community.

Cheers to the memories, the impact, and what comes next. Rude that you're leaving, but ok. 😉

01/09/2026

**Feature Friday**

We are honored to present a CASE award to the one and only Johnny Contratto!

Johnny, of Johnny's Crew is a true example of selfless community leadership. Year after year, Johnny goes above and beyond to support those around him, making a lasting impact on countless lives. He organizes an annual coat drive to ensure individuals and families stay warm during the cold months, allows usage of his trailer to members of Member's Peoples First to create floats for community events. He steps up during the holidays to make sure no family is forgotten. From providing Thanksgiving meals to
families in need to helping deliver Christmas presents that bring joy and hope.

Johnny's generosity is constant and heartfelt. His willingness to give his time, resources, and compassion reflects a deep commitment to his community, and his actions continue to inspire others to lend a helping hand. Johnny's dedication truly makes a difference, and our community is stronger because of him. Thank you for always going above and beyond! Johnny Contratto