By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
OLATHE, Kan. -- Forty-one years ago, the vision of KidsTLC began inside a home across from City Hall in Olathe, Kan.
Today, KidsTLC serves thousands of children across the State of Kansas and took another step in maintaining its success by dedicating the new Kelly Family Foundation Behavioral Health, Autism and Wellness Center.
The dedication was held Thursday at 480 S. Rodgers Road in Olathe, Kan.
According to KidsTLC Chair Dr. Bob Drummond, nearly 330 donors stepped up to make the new facility happen.
"The need to serve children is even greater now then it was then," Drummond said. "The campaign wasn't easy, but 326 donors stepped up."A non-profit organization launched in 1972 by the Johnson County Young Matrons, KidsTLC serves children and families across the State of Kansas and the Kansas City metro area.
Among the services they offer children include autism treatment, behavioral health, community outreach, on-campus psychiatric treatment and other health services.
While many in the crowd were there to tour the new building, Drummond said the people and the services provided is what the story is really about.
"A building is only beautiful because it has beautiful programs," he said.
Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said the expansion of KidsTLC will help children across Kansas have better childhoods.
"Part of the reason for this is to help children so they have wonderful childhood memories," Gilmore said. "This new center will provide that type of help. This is going to be a bright spot for the community."
The new center will primarily focus on wellness issues and autism services.
