JAMESTOWN, N.D. — After years of dreaming and designing, North Dakota's Anne Carlsen Center is about to celebrate a milestone.
Since the 1940s, the center has worked with children who have disabilities and making sure their educational and medical needs are met. Imagine what it took for Anne Carlsen to launch her dream of helping others in North Dakota, especially for those born with physical challenges. She was born without hands and feet, yet she went on to college and graduate school, eventually building a center in Jamestown more than 80 years ago that bears her name.
A U.S. president even honored her at the time.
Today, Anne Carlsen has early intervention programs across the state of North Dakota and Fargo-Moorhead and a new $60 million, state-of-the-art center in Jamestown about to open. "It is just shy of unbelievable. It's been a dream for so long," said Anne Carlsen Center CEO Tim Eissinger.
Across 110,000 square feet, the new center for its 34 students boasts a therapy pool, outdoor play and learning area, and individual bedrooms for the students and classrooms. There are 18 teachers here. Nurses are available 24-7 who help care for kids with some of the most complex medical issues.
ADVERTISEMENT "We believe that in showcasing and having more of a public persona, we can really shine a light on the fact of the incredible people we work with, their contributions to society. It's not something left in the shadows, this is something to be bold and proud of in the stat.
