Our Mission Is Done

There's an old saying that rings especially true for the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center: "When one door closes, another door opens for you."

The Fort Wayne Center closed April 18, 2007
Today, the doors are closed at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center. 127 years of history have ended - the end of an era of institutional care in Indiana for individuals with developmental disabilities.

But there's a bright new future ahead...
New doors have opened for the individuals who once lived here, new and exciting opportunities to live and work in their home communities. At FWSDC, we're proud that we've had this opportunity to help prepare them for a bright new future. And we're content to know that we've served them well.

Most importantly, the closure doesn't stop our caring...
In the words of former FWSDC superintendent, Fred Ryman: "We must never lose sight that serving and supporting this population, regardless of where they live, is a great opportunity and a very noble vocation." The heart of the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center has always been the dedication, the devotion and the caring of our staff for our individuals with developmental disabilities. So our caring won't stop. You'll find us in the community, again serving this population with support and understanding.

In tribute..
In March of 2007, the staff at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center spoke from their hearts when they designed, funded and dedicated a memorial placque that reads:

      "Dedicated to the many people
       who knew this as their home
       and to the faithful people who loved them
       for who they were."

At FWSDC, we're proud that we've had this opportunity to help prepare these individuals for a bright new future. And we're content to know that we've served them well.