Featured Project

OCCK Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Saline County, recently completed a project to construct an addition to its facility in Beloit. OCCK Inc. has provided services to disabled children and adults in North Central Kansas for over 34 years. The Beloit facility contains a work center that serves Mitchell, Jewell and Lincoln counties. The Kansas Department of Commerce Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provided funding for the project. The CDBG application was sponsored by Mitchell County.

Individuals receive services from three facets of the OCCK, Inc. operation. Some developmentally disabled consumers receive intensive, ongoing assistance through workshop or residential settings. Other consumers with disabilities work through the Independent Living Center to access information and resources to be able to stay in their homes longer. The final group of consumers utilizes assistive technology to enhance their lives and stay in their homes or care for themselves more independently.

The project scope of work included adding 3,850 square feet to the existing facility and modifying all systems as necessary to accommodate the new configuration. The original 4,000 square foot facility was constructed in 1975 and then rehabilitated in 2004 in what was the first phase of improvements to meet the changing and increasing demands of consumers. The new space contains a life skills training area, a black light/sensory room, and an assistive technology lab. New space has made it possible for consumers and their families to more easily come to the site and view assistive devices and discuss potential sources of assistance with staff. The workshop area has also been expanded so that it is safer and more efficient. Completion of this project has helped to maximize OCCK, Inc.’s service and efficiency at its Beloit location.

For more information about this project, contact the NCRPC. More information about OCCK, Inc. is available at www.occk.com. For more information about the project, contact the NCRPC. More information about the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program is available at the Kansas Department of Commerce website.