Kindering
This month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on our partner, Kindering. As an organization, Kindering makes a profound difference in the lives of children with diverse abilities and their families. Founded in 1962 by five parents of special needs children with disabilities and developmental delays, Kindering has since evolved into the largest and most comprehensive neurodevelopmental center in the Pacific Northwest. With a mission nothing short of inspiring: to embrace children of all abilities by providing them with the finest education and therapies needed to empower them to soar, they have been a beacon of hope, compassion, and empowerment for countless families across the Pacific Northwest.
At the heart of Kindering's impact lies its dedication to holistic development, education, and support. Each year, they touch the lives of over 10,000 children and families through an array of services, including pediatric therapies, special education, and family support. Their reach extends to children from birth to 11 years old, encompassing those with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities, as well as children facing developmental delays and complex medical needs. An essential aspect of Kindering's ethos is that they do not turn any family away due to an inability to pay.
Recognizing the critical importance of early support, Kindering plays a pivotal role in the lives of these children during their most formative years. An astounding 85% of brain development occurs within a child's first three years—an irreplaceable period of growth. During this crucial phase, Kindering provides pediatric therapies, special education classes, and family support services, capitalizing on the infant and toddler brain's remarkable capacity to absorb information.
The impact of Kindering’s work is remarkable – a staggering 99% of the children they serve make measurable progress toward their developmental goals. These early supports have far-reaching, lifelong positive effects, with approximately half of the children completely closing the developmental gap with their typically developing peers by the age of three.
To learn more about Kindering and its extraordinary services that are transforming lives, please visit www.kindering.org.
Foundation Pillar: Education
Funded: September 2023