ABOUT US

At Tribble Center, we are proud to be a part of a community that values diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. We believe that by working together, we can create a world that is more accepting and supportive of advocates with disabilities and special needs. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Tribble Center is a non-profit agency that is dedicated to improving the lives of advocates with disabilities and special needs. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, person-centered services that promote independence, inclusion, and self-determination. We believe that every person has the right to live a full and meaningful life, and we are committed to making that a reality for the advocates we support. Our team of experienced professionals is passionate about what we do and is dedicated to providing the highest level of support to our advocates and their families.

Our History

In 1963, Mr. and Mrs. L.J. Powell decided that their special needs son, Brent, should have the same educational opportunities as other children. Together with Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Brown and Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Nalley, they organized the Oconee Association of Retarded Children (ARC). The first class started with five students and one teacher provided by the School District of Oconee County. In 1965, the Seneca Jaycees and the Seneca Sertoma Club began assisting with financial support and provided a VW bus for transportation.

Later in 1965, a neighbor, Mrs. Bert Tribble, joined the ARC. By 1966, the ARC had enrolled twelve students and facilities had become inadequate, so these twelve students were moved to Keowee Elementary School. With the law specifying that special needs students could be enrolled in special needs education only until age 21, it became apparent that a new facility would be needed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In 1974, the SC Legislature passed a bill, SC Code Ann. 44-21-810, which allowed for the creation of county Disabilities and Special Needs Boards. These Boards were selected by local delegation and appointed by the governor. The law also gave the county Boards the administrative responsibility of planning, coordinating, and providing service to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These services enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to remain in their natural homes, or to live in a community setting where they can participate as equal members of their community. The first two county DSN Boards were established in Laurens and Greenville counties. In August 1974, the ARC established the Oconee Disabilities and Special Needs Board.

In 1978, the Early Intervention program began to serve the needs of preschool children with developmental disabilities. In 1980, the Nalley Building opened adding classroom and office space, a kitchen, and Gymnasium. In 1984, Supervised Living and Competitive Employment Services were added to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living and working on their own in the community. As the good reputation increased of the people with intellectual disabilities from Tribble Center portraying them as hard working and capable employees spread through the community, job contracts increased in number. A new workshop was added in 1988 in response to the increased number of job contracts. In 1989, Supervised Living II moved into new apartments on the Tribble campus. In 1996, the first Community Training Home II was opened to provide residential service to three ladies. It is named Nalley Community Training Home in honor of Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Nalley who contributed so much to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Hugh Sr. and Rachel Brown were also instrumental with the birth of Tribble Center. They were one of the three families that saw a need and helped to pave the way for Tribble Center. The Browns had a small building behind Brown's Funeral Home. This building was where the first 5 students attended school. In 1998, Brown Community Training home was opened and named in their honor.
In 1997, the Administrative Building was completed. To date, Oconee DSN Board has opened thirteen Community Training Homes, has added many additional training programs, and continues to grow to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

OUR SERVICES