MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Clothed in Compassion is raising money for a proposed $7 million pediatric therapy clinic as demand for its services exceeds the capacity of its current space.
Founder and Clinical Director Megan Bartley said the organization serves between 60 and 70 children each week, with more than 80 others on a waiting list. Four therapists are on staff, but the facility allows only two to see children at the same time.
“We want to get these kids in for services, but we physically do not have the space or capacity for that at this time,” Bartley said during an interview on the BW Morning Show.
The organization held its annual benefit Saturday, celebrating nearly four years of service and supporting fundraising for the first phase of a planned four-phase campus in Hutchinson. Clothed in Compassion will mark its fourth anniversary Oct. 31.
Bartley said the proposed clinic would include therapy gyms, smaller treatment rooms and a room focused on feeding therapy. Additional space would allow therapists to conduct more appointments simultaneously, hire additional staff and expand programming for families.
She said a larger facility could bring the number of weekly therapy sessions to about 100, with room for further growth.
While fundraising continues, the organization is searching for an interim location. Bartley hopes to move into a larger temporary space by early next year. She did not announce a construction timeline for the permanent clinic.
Clothed in Compassion provides pediatric occupational and speech therapy, along with more than 20 free community initiatives annually.
Bartley said pediatric occupational therapy uses purposeful play to help children develop skills for everyday life. Sessions may address sensory processing, emotional regulation, planning, coordination, school readiness and self-care.
Support also extends to parents, siblings, grandparents and other caregivers.
“We really want to have this holistic, intentional, holistic approach to not just support the child but also support the entire family unit,” she said.
The long-term campus vision includes an accessible kitchen for Kitchen Hero Academy programming, an inclusive fenced playground and accessible apartments for families traveling for extended or intensive therapy.
Bartley also hopes to establish satellite locations in smaller rural communities, with the Hutchinson campus providing support to therapists serving areas with limited access to care.
She credited sponsors, volunteers, staff and board members with making the annual benefit possible and helping raise awareness of the children and families the organization serves.
“This work doesn’t happen in isolation,” Bartley said. “We have to have the support of our community behind us.”
People interested in volunteering, organizing a fundraiser or supporting the building project can call 620-741-6677 or email hello@clothedincompassion.org.