Kylie Joyce, Region 2 services director for intellectual and developmental disabilities, told the Keith County Board of Commissioners that the North Platte Opportunity Center began providing waiver-funded services in the county on Jan. 1 and that 12 county residents currently receive services through the program.

The Opportunity Center’s takeover followed the retirement of the county’s prior administrator, Joyce said. Joyce told the board that if the county had to pay for the services without state and federal waiver dollars, the annual cost for those 12 individuals would be “around $1,300,000.” She said the program receives a majority of its funding from state and federal waiver dollars and that Keith County contributed $17,754 in county funds in the last fiscal year to support local clients.

Tina Gastineau and Gwen Books of the Opportunity Center described service expansion in Ogallala and North Platte. Gastineau said the center began with three clients in January and had grown to eight in six months, adding day supports, supported employment and residential services. She described community-based activities — volunteering with Kids Connection, Meals on Wheels and outings such as concerts and lake days — and gave examples of clients gaining skills, including one client who began automotive and skid-steer work after local outreach.

Joyce highlighted the governing board’s request to show the county the cost of services if waiver funding were not available; she presented aggregate figures to illustrate how much the county would face without state and federal dollars. Gastineau and Books said the center is working to find an accessible house for clients and to expand community connections.

Commissioners did not take formal action on the presentation; the item was presented as the region’s annual update and to brief the board on local service capacity and cost implications.

The Opportunity Center representatives left contact information with the board and asked the county to refer families or individuals who may need services.

Ending

The presentation concluded with thanks from commissioners and no motions; staff and the providers said they would continue outreach and coordination with families and local agencies.