Our love for kids just keeps on growing!
NOW OPEN
New Knights of Columbus Developmental Center Opens
T
he Knights of Columbus Columbian Charities Missouri State Council established the first developmental center in the region for children with special needs in 1981. Because of the exceptional health care and service provided in the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, more space was needed to accommodate the center’s needs. Open in Spring 2013, a new 11,000 square-foot space was unveiled, made possible in part by a generous $251,000 contribution from the Knights of Columbus of Missouri and Illinois, and the Supreme Council, making it
the largest center for autism in the Eastern Missouri. The new center specializes Psychology and Psychiatry and treating patients with language disorders, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and acquired and traumatic brain injuries. This specialized treatment is made possible with two new observation rooms fitted with two-way mirrors, more Members of the Knights of Columbus accepting photo of the new center.
space for Higgins, the therapy dog; indirect lighting to make kids feel more comfortable; larger exam rooms; a new conference room and parent education programs; and a grand, modern entrance with room for kids to play. The new center’s exam rooms and play areas are designed to be a soothing and comforting space for patients and families and help children with autism who often struggle with too much stimulation and crowds. The center is experiencing rapid growth as a result of the new facility, located just behind the medical center. In January 2013, two full-time speech therapists and a parttime occupational therapist were added to the KOC staff. In 2012, the center had 185
An open house of the new center was held on May 15, 20i3.
patient visits per month, compared to the 494 patient visits per month they are seeing now. This new and vibrant center was made possible through the continuous support of the Knights of Columbus Councils, the generosity of the community
This new and vibrant center was made possible through the continuous support of the Knights of Columbus Councils, the generosity of the community and exceptional partnerships with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater St. Louis and the Glennon Guild.
and exceptional partnerships with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater St. Louis and the Glennon Guild. Additional support came from the St. Louis Archdiocese, through Glennon Sunday donations in 2012 and various other donors, whose generosity is proof that one can make a make a difference in the life of a child. The Knight of Columbus Developmental Center staff pose with Knights for image of new building.
glennon.org Fall 2013 • 3