12/04/2024

Wentworth-Douglass Grant Provides $30K for Children with Disabilities

DOVER, N.H. –Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has awarded a $30,000 community benefit grant to Reach for the Top, a family-centered outpatient occupational, physical, and speech therapy service for children with disabilities.

The funding will be used to support advanced trauma-informed pediatric therapies to better support children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

“We are pleased to be able to provide support to Reach for the Top and be part of the solution to address this urgent need,” said Meaghan Heusler, Wentworth-Douglass community benefits manager. “Access to trauma-informed pediatric rehabilitation services is often limited, which can have lifelong impacts on the physical and mental health of children. Our contribution will help increase the availability of local occupational, physical, and speech therapists with advanced trauma-informed training, and help ensure children in our community can access necessary care more quickly.”

Founded in 2014, Reach for the Top has expanded from serving 80 children and families to more than 490 in 2023. Serving children from birth to age 20 across New Hampshire and Southern Maine, the organization has seen an alarming increase in the number of children experiencing domestic violence, sexual abuse, medical trauma, and families struggling with substance use issues. Experts say children who are exposed to these adverse experiences benefit from specialized therapies. Reach for the Top says it has dozens of children waiting to receive care from specially trained therapists.   

“This generous gift from Wentworth-Douglass will have an immense impact on our ability to serve the community and will make a tremendous difference for children and families impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences. We are incredibly honored to be able to strengthen the community and make positive change together,” said Amy Rich Crane, executive director and occupational therapist at Reach for the Top.  

“We served 490 children and families last year, providing specialized therapies and enrichment programming to give children with disabilities and exceptional needs incredible opportunities and ways to advance their skills to reach meaningful goals set together by the child, family, and therapist,” said Crane. “This funding will help enhance access to trauma-informed care, reduce wait times, develop support systems for families and clinicians, and expand specialized services to address pelvic floor therapy, sensory processing post-trauma, and selective mutism.”  

Wentworth-Douglass conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment every three years to identify where the hospital should focus its programs and services to improve the overall health of the individuals and families it serves. The funds donated are approved by the hospital’s Community Benefit Funding Disbursement Committee and are not raised through any public or private donations.