The Sherwood Autism Center at 8030 Ward Parkway Plaza is expanding. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Derohanian, the Sherwood Center.
Sherwood Autism Center undergoes expansion
By Kristin Vaughn-Petersen
Sherwood Autism Center is expanding its services in Kansas City. The center, which provides services at 8030 Ward Parkway Plaza for students ages 5 to 21, and at 79th and Chestnut for its adult progress, is investing $3.5 million so that both groups can receive services at one location.
The 8030 Ward Parkway Plaza is undergoing an expansion and renovation largely funded by donors. It will add 10,000 square feet for 150 additional adults to receive services from Sherwood. The reconstruction will add new therapy rooms and classrooms. Four classrooms are being renovated over the school break and will be ready when school resumes August 26.
A construction update was recently provided for donors and interested parties at the home of Mike and Candis Lochmann of Kansas City, MO. The guest list included Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas indicated he looked to experts such as those running the Sherwood Center to answer questions regarding autism in our metro area. He congratulated Sherwood members on their fundraising and construction efforts, noting it will allow for “…more prevocational training for adults with autism so that they can have the same opportunities for work that we all enjoy. “
Sherwood CEO Laci Maltbie provided an excellent reminder: “We often overlook the fact that children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. This new building will provide the resources to help these adults learn the skills they need to find jobs.”
According to the most recent data available, this program provides services to children from 14 area school districts. This list includes all of the area districts within south Kansas City. In addition to providing Special Education services, Sherwood prepares students and adults to join the workforce.
To learn more about their services, events, or how to donate, go to sherwoodcenter.org.