HOWLAND With $1.5 million, Project Love hits goal

The center moved to Howland-Wilson Road in 1969 and last expanded in 1982.
HOWLAND -- Project Love, the capital campaign to pay for expansion of the Children's Rehabilitation Center, has reached its $1.5 million goal.
Expansion will allow the Howland-Wilson Road center to add and enhance therapeutic, educational and supportive services to children who are medically fragile and disabled, along with their families.
"The campaign began with outstanding support from a number of foundations and community-minded individuals and gained momentum as we neared the goal, thanks to a lot of citizens reaching deep into their pockets to help the children who use the center's resources," said Steve Lewis, Project Love co-chairman.
"It is heartwarming to see how the people in our community rallied when asked to show support for the special needs of the children who are clients of Children's Rehabilitation Center," Lewis said.
The Children's Rehabilitation Center began as a project by the Rotary Club of Warren in 1951 and evolved into the Trumbull County Society for Crippled Children in 1957, with participation of the Niles Rotary Club.
The center moved to Howland-Wilson Road in 1969 and last was expanded in 1982.
On with its mission
With the money raised, Project Love can proceed with its objective to help CRC with its mission: To make sure that everyone who needs its services is able to receive them.
CRC offers physical, occupational and speech therapy and day care to more than 500 children each year, regardless of their parents' incomes. It receives funding from United Way and Trumbull County Lifelines. The project would nearly double the size of the Howland-Wilson Road facility.
CRC plans to build a new wing and renovate service areas. The center has experienced record high enrollments and faces a growing waiting list of potential clients. Children are enrolled in programs that including physical, infant and occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, medical consultations, learning and rehabilitation for autism, individual and family counseling and Kids' Garden day car for children who are disabled and others who are not.
Lewis expects groundbreaking plans to be announced soon and the expansion is expected to open in 2004.
Gifts and pledges from 167 individuals, 37 businesses, 14 foundations and 12 civic and other organizations contributed to meeting the goal.
Anyone who wants to contribute to the expansion project may call Dominic Mancini at (330) 856-2107 for more information.