The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation, Inc. has awarded $9,500—entirely funded by donor support—to Ephraim McDowell Kids Can Do Pediatric Therapy Center to support the development of therapeutic clubs for children with special needs. This initiative enables children to participate in extracurricular activities such as dance, cooking, fitness, and other enrichment opportunities—experiences they may not typically have access to due to their unique challenges.
The donation will be used to fund therapist-led clubs like the Kids Can Dance Club, which recently held a recital showcasing the hard work, growth, and joy of participating children.
The goal of this program is to bridge the gap between clinical therapy and real-world application by giving children opportunities to practice and apply their skills in social and engaging environments. These clubs address vital areas of development, including physical activity, social-emotional learning, nutrition, and self-care skills.
“We are proud to support this meaningful initiative,” said Laura Richard, Director of the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation. “These clubs go beyond traditional therapy by offering children the chance to connect, grow, and thrive in ways that are fun and inclusive. It’s an incredible example of how healthcare and community outreach can work hand in hand to improve quality of life.”
“Thanks to the Foundation’s support, we’re able to offer structured, therapist-guided clubs that help children build confidence, practice important life skills, and simply experience the joy of being a kid,” said Ellen Scalf, Occupational Therapist at Kids Can Do and program lead for the extracurricular clubs. “Families have been overwhelmingly supportive, and we’re excited to expand these opportunities throughout the year.”
The Kids Can Do team will continue to collaborate with community partners—including dietitians, fitness professionals, counselors, and educators—to provide individualized and meaningful club experiences tailored to each child’s developmental needs.
This initiative aligns with Ephraim McDowell Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves. By promoting inclusive, skill-based extracurricular activities, the program is paving the way for a healthier and more equitable future for children with special needs.
About the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation, Inc.
The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation, Inc. has been dedicated to improving the health of communities served by Ephraim McDowell Health for more than a quarter-century. Through philanthropic support and community outreach, the Foundation helps provide advanced, comprehensive, and compassionate care to patients while addressing critical health challenges in the region.
For more information about the Foundation’s efforts, please visit https://emhealth.org/health-care-foundation/ or contact: Laura Richard at ldirchard@emhealth.org.
