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Announces Funding for Pediatric Sensory Center

Children with a broad range of developmental disabilities will receive enhanced therapeutic care thanks to a generous gift from Town & Country Credit Union and Trinity Health Foundation.

Town & Country Credit Union Interim President/CEO Stefanie Rupert announced the award at today’s official opening of the Credit Union’s newest branch location at the Trinity Health Healthcare Campus and Medical District.

According to Rupert, Town & Country Credit Union will donate $50,000 to create a trio of sensory rooms at Trinity Health’s Outpatient Pediatric Therapy Clinic. The Trinity Health Foundation will also participate in the amount of $25,000.

“The more we learned about this project the more we were determined to get involved,” said Rupert. “These additional spaces will elevate the outstanding work that’s already being done to support children in all areas of development.”

The pediatric initiative is one of several efforts stemming from a partnership formed last year between Trinity Health and Town & Country Credit Union. Most notable is the new Town & Country branch – the credit union’s twelfth location in North Dakota and fourth in Minot.

Located in the atrium of Trinity Health’s main hospital lobby, the new branch is full-service with an ATM. Their team can assist members with deposits, withdrawals, transfers, cash advances and loan payments. In addition to opening new CDs and savings, money market and checking accounts, offering financial counseling, and even scheduling appointments to discuss loan options.

Wade McDowell, director of Trinity Health Therapy Services, says the pediatric sensory initiative has been a longtime dream of his. The state-of-the-art rooms will consist of a sensory gym and two calming rooms. Each area will be equipped with features that provide either a stimulating or a stress-free environment.

“The gym will be more of a gross motor room with climbing walls, a zip line, monkey bars, stairs, ladders, crash pads for jumping and a house that will serve as a play structure,” McDowell said. Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups essential for activities that require whole-body movement and coordination. “The other rooms will be calming rooms with sensory lights and a dimmer to provide a lower sensory environment,” he added.

McDowell says the combined spaces will offer a safe and structured environment where young patients can play and explore while improving core strength, social interaction and sensory processing skills. “Patients won’t realize they’re in therapy because they’ll just be enjoying themselves,” he said.

Trinity’s Outpatient Pediatric Therapy Clinic, located in Trinity Health West, is staffed by a team of seasoned therapists who offer physical, occupational and speech therapy tailored specifically for children. All services are individualized and utilize therapy models to help children achieve their goals.