Chamber Business Connection Vol. 1, Issue 6 | Page 13

Heinzerling Foundation The Heinzerling Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that cares for non-ambulatory individuals with multiple developmental disabilities. The Heinzerling Foundation was started by Otto and Mildred Heinzerling in 1959 in a little medical building in Whitehall. The original name was “Peck O’ Wee Ones” and did not become the Heinzerling Memorial Foundation until 1974, when Robert Heinzerling, Otto and Mildred’s son, became the Executive Director. In 1979, the Heinzerling Memorial Foundation opened their doors in Columbus with 104 beds for children ages birth-22, current ages range from 2-50 in this building. In 1982 the Heinzerling Development Center opened, which houses adults ages 24-80. They later opened a shel- ter house for outdoor activities and an outdoor sensory park. The sensory park allows for residents to experience nature in a way that they cannot in a typical park. Also offered to residents is the option to participate in day programs. Currently, 67 residents, from both buildings, are transported to these daily programs. They are always looking for volunteers and funding. They have several dif- ferent ways to volunteer. They have Volunteer Buddies for youth ages 11-13, but they must be supervised by an adult. A Volunteer Friend are volun- teers ages 14 and older, a Program Assistant is one-on-one contact with a resident to work on self-help and socialization skills. Therapy Volunteers construct adaptive equipment and assist the therapist in individual ses- sions. Volunteer Support includes sewing, gardening, entertainment, arts and crafts, hairdresser and more. Senior Volunteer Programs provide se- nior companions and foster grandparents that are assigned to work with a case load of residents on a daily basis. Groups can also volunteer to either sponsor or work on special projects or assist with fundraising. The Heinzerling Memorial Foundation has begun their Capital Campaign to build eight group homes with eight bedrooms in each one. The exist- ing buildings are becoming crowded, and this campaign will help with the overflow. Two houses have already begun the building process, but they are looking for land to build the other six. For more information visit website http://www.heinzerling.org/. CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECTION 13