A Wichita organization that provides educational opportunities for children with special needs is moving forward with its plans to add a new building and to renovate spaces on its current campus.
Heartspring offers a wide range of services and therapies through several programs, including the Heartspring School, Pediatrics Services and Autism Services.
Its board of trustees unanimously approved plans on Tuesday to improve the Wichita facilities.
In a press release, Heartspring President and CEO David Stupay says the number of students in his school has more than doubled since the campus opened in northeast Wichita. As a result, waiting lists are at all-time highs.
“There are children and families who come to us who we have to turn away each week because we simply don’t have the space to serve them,” Stupay says. “We will continue to push ourselves and to grow to serve these families. Our hope is that one day we will be able to say yes to every family that comes to us for services and give them the hope and opportunity they are seeking.”
A fundraising goal for the project has yet to be released.
“We have a loyal and generous group of supporters who have empowered us over the years to meet and expand our mission,” Stupay says. “The need for our services is overwhelming, and it is because of this loyal support we are able to begin the first phase of this project immediately. Initial funding has been secured. However, to fully complete the project, there will be additional fundraising needs and opportunities for support."
Phase 1 of the project will include a new 9100-square-foot group home and the remodel of all six of the organization's current group homes. The current capacity in each home is eight. The new group home will be able to serve 12 children. It will also include a 3200-square-foot cafeteria remodel to replace the current one. When the existing cafeteria was built, it was designed to serve the 30 students on campus one meal per day. Heartspring now serves around 60 children three meals a day every day of the year.
There will also be a new addition to the existing Pediatric Services building. The expansion will include more classrooms and therapy space, and will allow for an additional 90 therapy sessions per week.
A groundbreaking for the project will be held in the spring. The first phase of the project is estimated to take eight months to complete.
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