Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office offers residential services for the developmentally disabled. It runs 11 group homes, eight in Putnam and three in Dutchess counties. The parent agency is the state Office of Persons With Developmental Disabilities, or OPWDD.
Jim Doddemeade runs this local office and has more than 24 years in the field. The OPWDD has operated in Putnam for more than 30 years and in this location for more than seven years.
This office also specializes in services that treat Prader-Willi Syndrome, a genetic disorder that may cause uncontrollable appetites. It also runs a day program, called Day Habilitative Services, in Pawling. This program helps persons with developmental disabilities to develop skills used in day-to-day living. The program also conducts field trips and organized activities in the community.