40 Years of Helping Kids Shine
On May 2, 2007, Penfield Children’s Center embarked on a year-long observance of 40 Years of Helping Kids Shine. Penfield Board members together with city, county and state officials helped Penfield’s kids and staff mark the occasion with a balloon launch and cake, of course!.
In 1967, local physician Dr. Willard Downing and his associates established the Via Marsi Montessori School for Exceptional Children in a church on 4th and Cherry Streets. Their school applied the precepts of world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield* who stressed early intervention for children born with developmental disabilities.
The demand for space forced a move in 1974 to a renovated bowling alley on 26th and West Well Streets renamed Penfield Children’s Center. Additions to the building followed in 1988, 1994 and 1998. Last year, Penfield Children’s Center helped 1,331 infants and young children to a brighter future by providing early intervention services, special education, therapy and child care. Nine out of ten children enrolled at Penfield live within five miles of the Center and their families live at or below federal poverty levels; 84% of Penfield’s kids are members of ethnic minorities.
Mindful of Dr. Penfield’s dictum “never, never let them down,” Penfield Children’s Center’s professional staff of special education teachers, therapists and case managers develop a specific plan of care for each child who comes to Penfield. Birth to 3 early intervention services are provided regardless of the severity of the child’s disability or the family’s ability to pay. As a result, almost 30% of Penfield annual operating revenue is funded through charitable donations made by individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations together with the proceeds from fundraising events benefiting Penfield.
*Dr. Penfield was a world-renowned neurosurgeon who stressed early intervention for children born with developmental disabilities. His daughter Priscilla Penfield Chester was one of Penfield Children’s Center’s founding Board members and continues to serve in an emeritus capacity.
 What’s a celebration without cake?!
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 Penfield Board Chairman Patty Schuyler and Penfield’s President Jim Ryan welcomed everyone to the celebration.
 Joining in the festivities are (from left) Alderman Robert Bauman, Penfield President Jim Ryan, State Senator Spencer Coggs and Dashell Young from the County Executive’s office.
 40 balloons were released in honor of 40 Years of Helping Kids Shine. WTMJ-TV4 recorded the launch.
Ready... Set...
 ...there they Go!!!!
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