Giving our kids a better environment to heal, learn and grow.
Our kids require more patience, more time learning life skills, and different approaches for their education. Cunningham serves students who need intensive special education services as well as therapeutic treatment for their emotional and behavioral challenges. Through exemplary programs and services, our youth develop the learning and coping skills needed to be successful in public schools.
As you can imagine, a well-designed education environment is critical to their success and in early 2019, Cunningham was able to give our youth just that. The Rosann Gelvin Noel Education Center (Noel Education Center/NEC) became home to our students in January and February of 2019. The NEC moved our students from multiple outdated buildings into one 50,100 square foot state-of-the-art building designed specifically for kids with special needs.
The Noel Education Center is home to:
- CIRCLE Academy Education Program (Urbana)
- Gerber Education Program
- Coach Lou and Mary Henson Gymnasium
- Beulah and Edward Schmidt Cafeteria
There is ample space in the Noel Education Center to work in groups or individually. There are sensory rooms with equipment to help teach self-regulation and build motor skills. The acoustics, lighting, and furnishings in the NEC will be selected to meet the kids’ special needs. Cunningham’s educational, recreational, and therapeutic programs are now under one roof so teachers, therapists, and other staff can work more closely together on each student’s individual needs.
Cunningham Children’s Home has a proud 127-year history of helping children in the darkest of situations rise up to live a healthy, meaningful, and successful life. Even with aging and inadequate facilities prior to the NEC, progress was witnessed each and every day.
Just imagine the impact the new Noel Education Center is having on our Cunningham kids today! Read more: Welcome to Paradise
Our thanks
You can still help
While our students are finding successes in the NEC and Henson Gym, the construction and operating costs remain. Your gift will provide the best possible education for our very deserving kids! Click on GIVE NOW, designate the NEC and complete a credit card gift. You may also contact Tim Manard, Development Officer, at 217.337.9071 or tmanard@cunninghamhome.org. He is happy to help you and answer any questions you may have.