Since its inception in 1954, the Meyer Center for Special Children has met the needs of young children with varying abilities. Dr. Leslie Meyer’s firm belief that “in the right environment, any child can learn” has been the foundation of this very special place.
South Carolina Declared March 1st Meyer Center Day!
We recently visited the Meyer Center for Special Children to join a HUGE celebration. The state declared Saturday, March 1, Meyer Center Day! This recognition is not handed out often, and is a tremendous honor. Classroom parties commemorated the event as well as the Center’s 71st birthday. Students and teachers in each class wore designated color shirts, making it easy to recognize each group.
When these learners lined up for photos, they took typical school class pictures to a whole new level!
Dr. Meyer’s dream has grown from twenty children in 1961, to one hundred eighteen students from seventeen different zip codes. Five buses run morning and afternoon routes. One hundred qualifying children are currently on the Waiting List.
Visit their website to offer support. Every effort to shorten that list is appreciated!
Seventy faculty members include three nurses and nineteen therapists. The largest of the twelve classes has eleven students and the smallest has six. Strive classes support students with autism. There’s a therapy room, complete with soft lights and aromatherapy (my group had to drag me out of this room). Music therapy has been added to traditional occupational and physical therapies. Three playgrounds and several large group rooms offer opportunities for students to interact.
Equipment for children is exorbitant. The estimated cost per student is $40,000. “No child turned away due to a family’s inability to pay.” Resources for funding include medicaid/insurance reimbursements, South Carolina Department of Education, and various grants and scholarships.
Forty percent of operating expenses rely on the generosity of our coveted donors and supportive community.
Say Hello To Sophia Williams
We were introduced to Sophia, a.k.a. FiFi, a beautiful young girl with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. She was the first recipient of the Jeni Kleckley Cain Scholarship Fund. Jeni Cain owns Monkee’s Of The West End in downtown Greenville. Her love for the community extends far beyond Falls Park. Cain was first introduced to the Meyer Center during a college internship in 2017. The experience left quite the impression.”The Meyer Center is where passion meets potential, and I am beyond honored to play a role in making early intervention possible for children who need it most.”
A Quick Word From A Future Journalist
On the day we visited, we had a Blue Ridge Middle School student job shadowing us. She wrote about the Meyer Center in her own words.
“The Meyer Center is a wonderful opportunity for physically and cognitively challenged children to receive education specifically designed to their needs. Whether it’s physical, sensory, or speech therapy, this program helps every kid they can. The second you walk through the doors, you’re greeted with radiant smiles and warm welcomes from not only the staff, but the children as well.
I know that I will definitely be coming back to the Meyer Center and absolutely bringing some friends to share this wonderful experience with. Don’t forget to wish the Meyer Center a Happy Birthday!” – Lindi Williams, 8th Grade
No way could we ever describe all the exceptional aspects or remarkable people who make up the Meyer Center for Special Children. Drop in on their website and see for yourself. Better yet, schedule a tour! We promise, you will not leave the same.