The Marshall County Association for Exceptional Children & Adults, Inc., was established as a non-profit organization in 1963 by a group of concerned parents who wanted to provide a class and eventually a school for their children with disabilities. Due to the public education system’s policy that individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities did not qualify for services, this group of parents wanted to better the lives of their children and others with ID/DD. The Marshall County School for Exceptional Children & Adults opened its door in one room of the Benton Church of Christ for twelve children and one teacher in the fall of 1963. By 1967, we increased to 16 children, 2 instructors, and one aide and had to move into the vacant First Christian Church on Olive Street in Benton, KY. In 1976, the old Briensburg school building was leased and the dream of that small group of parents became a reality. Our program name was changed in April of 1992 to the Marshall County Exceptional Center, because at that time children with ID/DD were recognized by the public education system and services were then available, we chose to continue our services for individuals graduating from the public school system.  In April of 1998, through a Community Development Block Grant and the generous support of the community, we moved into our 17,000 square foot facility located at 198 Old Symsonia Road in Benton, KY. The community must share the credit, without their compassion and continued support we could not offer the services which our individuals rely upon MCEC's Mission To provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with opportunities to lead full and meaningful lives through training, support, and loving concern. Our Goals In order to achieve our mission, we are committed to the following goals: -- To provide a continuum of services appropriate to the developmental needs of the individual. -- To prevent institutionalization through the offering of community programs, alternative, direct, and supportive services. -- To promote the delivery of services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the same resources and settings available to all citizens. -- To increase the skills of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities that are needed to participate in and contribute to the community.  -- To increase the public’s understanding of abilities and needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funding The Marshall County Exceptional Center is a 501C-3 private non-profit agency, as such we do not charge a fee for the services that we provide to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. While we are fortunate to receive some funding through waivers intended for the ID/DD population, our operational costs greatly outweigh that income. We are fortunate to live in such a compassionate and loyal community, as a great deal of our funding comes from private donations. Donations come from local businesses, churches, civic organization, individuals, etc. We are eternally grateful for each and every donation, as this insures our ability to provide our individuals with the services that they rely upon. Donate Now If you would like to donate to our organization please visit our website at www.m-c-e-c.org or call us at 270-527-1327. We will be happy to send you a tax receipt upon request as all donations are tax deductible. This information may be emailed to Lindsey Walker, Executive Director at lindseyw@m-c-e-c.org. Your donations go directly toward supporting MCEC and its mission to serve individuals with disabilities. We greatly appreciate your support!