Wichita, KS- Serving as the 2nd VP of the Kansas State Council in 2010 Phyllis Simmons needed to designate a fund raising event for the state project, Heartspring, in Wichita. Phyllis met with staff at Heartspring during the time they were researching the possibility of building an outdoor therapeutic play area for the children with developmental disabilities. They suggested that they Kansas State council raise funds for this project. They took on the challenge and raised funds that year for the advancement of the Heartspring Treehouse. Due to the ESA commitment to their state project, they agreed in the to be the lead sponsorship for the project. Currently, they are in the third year of a five year commitment to raise $60,000 for the project. The project became a reality and ground was broken in the Summer of 2012. The project is now in the completion stage and Kansas ESA members were provided a private tour of the Treehouse in November of 2012. Plans for signage and a dedication ceremony are being planned for The Summer of 2013.
Danielle Cramer an Autism Specialist, said, I use it every week. It’s a great motivator to promote successful programming. My kids want to go out there even when it’s freezing cold. They say it’s worth getting a little cold.
Great Work Kansas! Keep it up!