Wendell Foster has announced it is constructing a “state-of-the-art” aquatic therapy center. Funding for the project is coming from a one-time appropriation of $450,000 by the Kentucky General Assembly through House Bill 1.
Wendell Foster has been providing services to people with disabilities for 75 years. What started with Wendell and Edith Foster opening their home to children and families to provide rehabilitative services and education has become a multi-service organization providing more than 65,000 services annually to people with disabilities.
The funds will allow the organization to begin the construction of the aquatic therapy center within the Latham Outpatient Therapy Facility on campus. The center will feature an accessible zero-entry pool with multiple therapy stations. Construction is slated to begin this summer, with therapy services planned in the new center by the end of the year.
“This significant investment will profoundly enhance our capacity to provide essential services to individuals with disabilities,” said Wendell Foster Board Chair Tim Allen.
Wendell Foster has been providing aquatic therapy services, which take place in warm water, since its inception. For many with disabilities, the service offers muscle relaxation, increased range of motion, pain relief, and promotes independence in daily life. Currently, Wendell Foster is the only provider of aquatic therapy specifically for people with disabilities in the region, according to a release from the organization.
CEO Doug Hoyt said this effort was supported by Senator Gary Boswell and State Representatives Suzanne Miles and DJ Johnson.
“Their leadership to secure this funding, along with the support of the General Assembly, allows us to continue to be a leader in serving and supporting people with disabilities,” he said.
Boswell said he, Miles, and Johnson “all agreed that this project was a high priority to serve the valued clients of Wendell Foster.”
Miles said she was grateful “to be part of a community that values investments for the betterment of our vulnerable citizens. We appreciate the gem in Owensboro we have in Wendell Foster.”
Johnson added that “the upgraded facility will significantly increase the quality of services provided by Wendell Foster and only serve to improve the excellent reputation Wendell Foster enjoys locally and nationally.”
