WARSAW — Joe’s Kids, a nonprofit pediatric therapy clinic serving children with physical, occupational, speech and Dyslexia therapy needs across Northeast Indiana, has announced plans for a transformative facilities improvement project made possible by a generous $1.5 million grant from United Way of Whitley and Kosciusko Counties.

The comprehensive renovation and accessibility project will enhance safety, expand
therapeutic capacity, and improve the overall experience for the nearly 700 children
served annually at Joe’s Kids.

“We are deeply grateful for this incredible investment in the children and families of our
community,” said Rebecca Bazzoni, executive director of Joe’s Kids. “These improvements will not only create a safer, more accessible environment — they will strengthen the quality of therapy we can provide and allow us to meet the growing needs of the kids we serve.”

The project includes major upgrades to the parking lot and drainage systems, the installation of a more accessible and family-friendly drop-off zone, and significant
remodels of both the gymnasium and the kitchen area. The redesigned kitchen will
become a functional therapy space tailored to support older children in developing real-
life skills through occupational therapy.

The improvements reflect Joe’s Kids' commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-
based therapy in an environment designed to support children’s success and independence.

“We believe in Joe’s Kids and the powerful impact they have on families in our region,”
said Randy Polston, with United Way of Whitley and Kosciusko Counties. “This investment
ensures that children with varying abilities have the resources, space, and support they
need to thrive.”

Construction and renovation efforts began this past summer with project completion
anticipated by the spring of 2026.

Joe’s Kids extends its heartfelt gratitude to United Way for their continued dedication to
strengthening families, supporting child development, and improving the quality of life in
Kosciusko and Whitley Counties.

For more information about Joe’s Kids, visit JoesKids.org.

The post Joe’s Kids announces new renovation plans with support from United Way appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WINONA LAKE -- LaunchPad, the Kosciusko and Whitley County Child Care & Early Learning Coalition, held a night of celebration to honor childcare and early learning professionals at the Winona Heritage Room in Winona Lake Thursday evening, March 23.

Sponsored by United Way of Whitley and Kosciusko Counties and Silveus Insurance Group, the early educators were provided dinner and an opportunity to hear from musician and author, Jim Gill. Mr. Gill is a child development specialist from Chicago who shares his expertise on the benefits of music, play and literacy for young children.

Several early learning professionals were recognized for the recent achievements in attaining educational certificates or degrees, licensing or registering a new program, or improving quality in the state’s quality rating system, known as Paths to Quality.

Sherry Searles, director of LaunchPad for Kosciusko said, “We really wanted to honor the work that these folks are doing day-in and day-out. We are so thankful to those who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that young children receive a high-quality education. Research tells us that the first five years are essential in a child’s brain development, so where they spend their day matters."

Whitley County’s LaunchPad director, Rachel Alexander said, “We are honored to recognize
our dedicated childcare providers who are shaping the lives of young children every day. They play such a vital role for families and it’s exciting to bring more awareness to their importance in our community.”

“One of the most important factors in a child’s development is their relationship with their
teacher,” said Darren Bickel, President of United Way.  “If the child feels they are safe, able to be curious about their world and confident in their ability to explore what they don’t understand – everything starts to fall into place.”

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