History of The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio

The roots of The Epilepsy Center started with a small group of parents concerned with their children having epilepsy and wanting to shape for them a secure future. They formed a support group that started to meet on the campus of MCO.

The group of parents incorporated in June 24, 1977 as The Epilepsy Association Center of Northwestern Ohio, hereinafter called “The Epilepsy Center” serving the Counties of Erie, Sandusky, Ottawa, Wood, Lucas, Henry, Fulton, Williams, Defiance and Paulding. The Epilepsy Center was organized by and was part of the Epilepsy Association of Ohio in Columbus.

The Center’s goals were: to promote, support and encourage activities for the prevention and the treatment of epilepsy; to educate the general public about epilepsy with the aim to eradicate misconceptions; to promote economic opportunities for people with epilepsy and to provide programs, activities and support for people with epilepsy and their families.

The newly formed Epilepsy Center‘s location was on 2023 Collingwood Blvd. 3rd Floor just above the old Flower Hospital.

Based on the first recorded Board of Trustees Meeting minutes from September 9, 1977 the first Executive Director was C. Lynne Halbert and the first Board President was David Dutton who was also the Director of Adult Program at Lucas County Board of Mental Retardation.

In October 1978 the Epilepsy Center became affiliated with United Way and the first counselor, Virginia King was hired to provide services to people with epilepsy living in the community independently or with their families.

In 1979 the Epilepsy Center opened the first group home, the Barbara Jean McDonagh Home on Parkside Boulevard, in memory of the daughter of Bernard and Juanita McDonagh who were instrumental in the growth of the Epilepsy Center. Within a short period of time the home was certified as an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) receiving Medicaid funding. Today, the home houses eight adult men and women with epilepsy/developmental disabilities.

In August 2, 1980 the Epilepsy Center moved to a new location on 1830 West Bancroft near the Ottawa Tavern. During the same time, the Center became the recipient of two Title XX contracts through funding from federal block grants. This funding allowed the center to offer expanded services to people with epilepsy and starting a socialization support group for people with other developmental disabilities as well.

In 1984 the Center became an affiliate of the Epilepsy Foundation of America (EFA). The Center started to expand its services by opening a satellite office in Henry County and by hiring a second counselor, Lyn Doll, as the Parent and Child Coordinator.

In May 1985 the Center moved to a new location on 151 N. Michigan, Suite 315 in Davis Building. Only one year later, in May 1986 the Center suffered extreme fire damage and financial losses valued to over $15,000.00 as a consequence of the bombing of the Center of Choice situated directly under the Epilepsy Center in Davis Building.

In September 9, 1986 the Epilepsy Center opened a second group home, the Jean Scott Furney Home on Glendale Avenue, named in honor of the Congresswoman Linda Furney’s mother. Within a short time the facility was licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility receiving Medicaid funding. Today the home houses six adults with epilepsy/developmental disabilities.

In 1989 the Epilepsy Center offered the first Family Camp for children with epilepsy and their families providing to all an opportunity for fun, socialization and education in a warm and accepting environment. This event was created by Kathy Sanks, a former Toledoan and an active Board Member of the Los Angeles County Epilepsy Society. The Family Camp continues to grow every year. This year the “Pirates of Lake Libbey” family camp was attended by 89 people.

A third home was added on May 1989 on Askin St. in Maumee and operated as a Purchase of Service Home where the owner was able to remain in his house with staff supervision, training and the addition of a roommate.

In 1991 Supported Living/Individual Option Waiver was added as a new program offered by the Epilepsy Center. This program offers another avenue of providing services to individuals while they live in their own homes or with their parents.  The flexibility of this program allows the client to choose services from a provider for as little as a few hours to as much as 24 hours a day.

In 1996 the Epilepsy Center moved to our present location on 5405 Southwyck Boulevard, Suite 100.

In 1998 after several years of negotiations and considerations the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to discontinue our affiliation with EFA.

Over the years the Epilepsy Center made several attempts to increase the funding for our programs as well as to increase the visibility and awareness about epilepsy.

By far the most successful was the PGT (Practically a Golf Tournament) event that started in 1989. The next year the event expanded and each golf hole was designed by architects built by local builders and sponsored by major corporations in town.

In 1993 the PGT was moved to Franklin Park Mall which brought grater visibility and increased our revenues.

In 2001 we added another fund raising event called a Funky Formal Gala “Grazing on the Greens” that included food grazing donated by major restaurants in town, dancing and a Silent Auction.

The PGT and the Gala continued until 2005 when we moved both events to the Erie Street Market. The Gala changed to a formal event named “Formal On the Fairways”. This was a very successful event that included in addition to delicious grazing food and dancing a live and silent auction.

The Vocational and Adult Day Services Program began in 2007. The mission of the Vocational Program is to provide stimulating services and employment opportunities on an individual basis to promote choice, education and independence resulting in greater community inclusion. Currently, Adult Day Services running at capacity almost daily, since then we have added Supported Employment for clients working in our community and finally just recently began our Non Medical Transportation service, providing transportation to and from work or Adult Day Services. The Vocational Program has and will continue to benefit so many individuals. This has only added to our wonderful programs administered in your community by the Epilepsy Center. 

Here is the list of the Epilepsy Center’s Executive Directors who with the Board of Trustees’ direction and a very dedicated staff shaped who we are today. In spite of ups and downs over time we are looking optimistically to a bright future:

Lynne Halbert (1977), Ross Keisser (1978), Sherry Rickenberg (1979), Lee Ann Gorman (1980), Robert Smith (1982), Betty Brauchle (1986), Chad Bringman (2004-2007)

Dr. John G.

"The Epilepsy Center has been a great resource for many of my patients. This organization is truly dedicated to improving the lives of people with epilepsy."

Download a .pdf file of

New Client Collateral Packet

Adult Day Services Enrollment Form

If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it FREE by following the link below.

Please share your suggestions by clicking the box above.