Building Expansion to Benefit Special Needs Infants

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Research shows infants with special needs benefit most from intervention in their first three years of life. So, when Kindering Center, a nonprofit specializing in neurodevelopmental services, found itself turning away families, it had to act fast.

Today the Bellevue-based organization announced plans to build additional facilities to serve 35 percent more children by 2002. Kindering Center also announced a grant of $500,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, bringing it closer to the $3.5 million needed to complete the project.

"Babies can't wait. We have a one-time opportunity to make a critical difference in a child's IQ, language and motor skill development," explained Mimi Siegel, executive director of Kindering Center. "We currently serve 1,000 children who are developmentally disabled, medically frail or vulnerable because of abuse or neglect. Community response to their needs has been terrific. We've raised $2.3 million, but we still have a ways to go before we break ground next spring."

One in five children are at risk of developmental problems. As the region grows, so does the number of children in need of help. By the year 2015, the number of children in King County with special needs will increase by 50 percent. Kindering Center, founded in 1962, helps children and families through an array of services, including physical and speech therapy, family and sibling counseling, parenting classes, a nutrition and feeding team, therapeutic child care, specialized foster care, and outreach to local daycares.

"Things that other kids take for granted, my son must struggle and fight for, and my wife and I must struggle and fight along with him. His hard-fought achievements have rewarded us with the proudest moments of our lives. Kindering Center helped us reach those milestones," said Iain Rooney, parent of a special needs child and board member of Kindering Center.

The planned expansion will allow Kindering Center to add 12,500 square feet to its existing 9,000-square-foot building, and significantly increase available parking. Construction will be completed by the summer of 2002. More information on the Kindering Center, its services or expansion can be obtained at 425-747-4004 or <www.kindering.org>.

"No parent should be told their child has a disability and needs immediate intervention, only to find that there is no place for them to get help," Siegel emphasized. "We help children learn the basic skills, like how to sit up, eat solid food, or play. But, more than that, we provide what every child and family deserves – hope."

Kindering Center is a non-for-profit neurodevelopmental center, which has been providing comprehensive services for infants and children with special needs since 1962. The Center is committed to creating and providing superior, individualized, family-centered services for children who are disabled, medically fragile or vulnerable because of abuse or neglect. Its goal is to develop maximum potential, hope and community understanding. Kindering Center is located at 16120 NE 8th Street in Bellevue and can be reached at 425-747-4004 or on the Web at <www.kindering.org>.