Children's Village steps forward again

This editorial appeared April 23, 2009, in the Yakima Herald-Republic.

Last week's groundbreaking to expand Children's Village in Yakima, a nationally recognized health care center for children with special needs, is the continuation of a promise to bring quality care within a quality facility.

It's a promise that's as inspiring as it was in 1997 when Children's Village opened its doors. During this time, the number of children being served has more than tripled, with an increasing number being diagnosed as autistic -- a developmental disability that often involves difficulties with communication and social skills.

To meet the needs of this growing number of newly diagnosed children with autism, Children's Village will open a Community Autism Center of Excellence in its expanded facility. This new center is in addition to services already being offered -- from special medical and dental work to physical and occupational therapy.

The expansion is being led by the Memorial Foundation, the fundraising arm of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Total costs for the two-story, 13,000-square foot expansion will reach $8.1 million, with $1.6 million of that amount going to support programs. Already half of that figure has been raised through donations.

Indeed, it will be a daunting task to raise the additional $4 million. But the Memorial Foundation has proven again and again to be up to the task. The foundation certainly has a proven winner in Children's Village, which has become a model recognized throughout the nation for its collaborative and innovative approach to caring for children with special needs.

We applaud Children's Village for what it has accomplished and wish it continued success in the future. We know our community will be there with its financial support to make the dream of caring for children with special needs a reality.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Bob Crider, Barbara Serrano, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.