World Renowned NAPA Center Brings Therapy Treatments to Disabled Children
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - The Grace Fisher Foundation Inclusive Arts Clubhouse put out the welcome mat for the NAPA (Neurological and Physical Abilitation) Center, a world renowned foundation devoted to children with varying disabilities, for a three-week Pediatric Intensive Therapy pop-up.
"We've loved having NAPA at the Clubhouse," said Grace Fisher, Founder & Creative Director.
From March 9th through the 27th, six specially trained therapists worked with 15 children between the ages of 18 months to 12 years for intensive and immersive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention).
"We are truly grateful and honored to report that this is the SECOND straight year the NAPA Center has come out to provide their incredible services to our community," said Selena English, a Santa Barbara resident and mother of one of the child participants.
NAPA has 10 centers worldwide; the closest to Santa Barbara is in Los Angeles. Local families call the exceptionally trained staff and programs "life changing."
English credited $40,000 raised from "our local network" to offset the $165 cost per session for families and, donations from more than 30 local businesses.
She also called the experience, "heartwarming."
"The children have been able to have so many great games, working on various developmental goals," said English. "More importantly, they're having so much fun getting better, getting stronger, getting more confident. It's been just such a thrill for the families, therapists and outsiders to see."
"It's been really special for the families and for the kids," said Fisher.
Fisher, who was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a rare polio-like illness at 17, invited the community to celebrate the third anniversary of her Inclusive Arts Clubhouse.
"We recently increased our staff," said Jana Brody, Development and Operations Director of the Grace Fisher Foundation. "We are adding a musical therapist to our programming and we are just continuing to grow and partner with 20 non-profits in town."
Grace Fisher and her team are thriving and the Clubhouse is flourishing. See for yourself at the April 12th anniversary celebration from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at La Cumbre Plaza.
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