Spaulding Youth Center Raises Critical Funds for Playground during Swing into Spring Breakfast
June 10, 2015
Spaulding Youth Center hosted over 80 local business owners, community leaders and dedicated supporters for their annual Swing Into Spring Breakfast on April 22nd. This free breakfast was designed to further acquaint the public to the multi-faceted facility located in Northfield, NH. Spaulding Youth Center offers educational, residential, therapeutic, foster care and other programs and services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning or developmental challenges. In addition, the event program included a compelling and informative presentation into the driving need to provide the children and youth at Spaulding with specialized playground equipment, which is an ongoing improvement initiative for Spaulding.
Jennifer Benjamin, one of Spaulding’s Occupational Therapists, spoke at the event and shared insight earned from her fifteen years of experience in the field. “Outdoor play is essential for all children’s development and particularly those with unique challenges. Swings are rocking chairs for children who are no longer babies but who still need to be soothed,” shared Ms. Benjamin. “Swinging is a most helpful activity for regulation and focus, and therefore, a critical need for the Spaulding Youth Center campus.”
Among the over 30 table sponsors and 20 personal donors, Spaulding received significant contributions from the Lyon Foundation, AutoServ Dealerships, Banwell Architects, and several generous anonymous donors.
“We are dedicated to providing this essential equipment and related experiences to the Spaulding Youth Center students. In our initial conversations with companies who design and install special education playgrounds, we have elected to pursue a phased approach for our implementation,” explained James Clements, Spaulding Youth Center CEO and President. “With the generous support of organizations state-wide, we have secured the needed funds for Phase 1, but there is still a great need to provide the remaining necessary equipment for the children at Spaulding.”
To be a part of a future playground improvement phase, Spaulding is welcoming donations by mail and online. To make a contribution by mail, send donations written to Spaulding Youth Center Foundation to 72 Spaulding Road, Northfield, NH 03276. Spaulding also offers secure and easy online giving opportunities at http://spauldingyouthcenter.org/give by selecting Swing Into Spring Breakfast from the options. Plans for a grand opening on campus for the Phase 1 equipment is currently underway, with details to be announced on the website www.spauldingyouthcenter.org in the next few weeks.
About Spaulding Youth Center
Spaulding Youth Center is a leading provider of services for children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning and/or developmental challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Services include academic, behavioral health, residential, foster care, health and wellness and family support. Spaulding Youth Center Foundation is a taxexempt 501 (c)(3) nonprofit. For information about Spaulding Youth Center, visit www.spauldingyouthcenter.org.
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