Heartspring Helps Kids With Disabilities Reach Full Potential
Published Aug 17, 2009
Since 1934, Heartspring has served more than 100,000 children with special needs.
Few things touch a parent’s heart more than the immeasurable love of a child with special needs. That’s why Heartspring has continued its mission of helping kids with disabilities reach their potential since 1934.
“Heartspring is the pioneering program for children with special needs and multiple disabilities‚” says Katie Bishop‚ director of marketing. “We were the first organ ization in the world to serve the number of children we serve under one roof.”
More than 100‚000 children have received care at Heartspring since it opened more than 70 years ago.
The organization serves children of all ages with its three specialty programs: The Heartspring School‚ a day and residential school for children nationwide with multiple disabilities including autism; Heartspring Pediatric Services‚ helping children with developmental disabilities; and Heartspring Hearing Center‚ helping individuals of all ages with hearing loss.
“Wichita has truly embraced Heartspring and the children we serve‚” Bishop says. “We have the support of the community‚ which allows our children to experience life outside of our campus – shopping at the mall‚ playing in local parks‚ eating out at restaurants and visiting the zoo. We are able to provide these children with opportunities they may not otherwise experience.”
Heartspring also reaches out to special needs children worldwide‚ with programs in China‚ Croatia‚ Romania‚ Malawi‚ India and Myanmar.
Heartsping is a nonprofit organization‚ with the majority of its $12 million budget coming from area school districts and social service agencies of enrolled children.
“To see first-hand the difference we make in the lives of these special children is truly remarkable‚” Bishop says. “To watch these families grow together as a result of their interaction with Heartspring is even more moving.”
Story by Melanie Hill
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