Wyoming Valley Children’s Association…
The idea for WVCA began in 1923 when members of the Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre and Community Chest, now the United Way of Wyoming Valley, expressed a desire to help handicapped children. By 1924, the Association was officially organized as Wyoming Valley Crippled Children’s Association and orthopedic clinics were being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Harry A. Smith, assisted by Dr. J. Torrence Rugh, Dr. Louis W. Jones, and other consultants.
In addition to serving on the Agency’s Board of Directors, Rotarians volunteered their time and resources to transport children from all areas of Luzerne County, so the children could be treated at the clinics. Today, The Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club, and other local Rotary Clubs, continue to hold fundraisers, special events for the children, and personally donate to help sustain WVCA.
Although polio and tuberculosis were brought under control, the demand for services did not lessen. The agency adapted and grew to meet the needs of children with various developmental delays.
A Nursery School Program started in 1952, Speech Pathology services began in 1954, and in 1974 Early Intervention services became the top priority. Occupational therapy was re-established in 1974 with special emphasis on sensory integration, therapeutic feeding, and adaptive seating. 1985 brought the name change to what it is today: Wyoming Valley Children’s Association.
Current programs include: The Together We Grow Preschool, an infant and toddler daycare program, Early Identification and CATCH Clinics, Early Intervention Under 3 Program, and therapeutic services for speech, occupational, physical, and music therapies. In 2019, WVCA was proud to launch two new Kindergarten classes for children of ALL abilities.
WVCA is dedicated to nurturing the development potential of all children. Our staff continually educate and familiarize themselves with the latest educational strategies and therapy techniques. WVCA serves typically developed children, as well as children with various diagnoses and conditions:
| Autism Spectrum Disorders | Down Syndrome |
| Premature Birth | Gross Motor Delay |
| Sensory Integration Disorders | Developmental Delays |
| Muscular Dystrophy | Speech/Language Delays |
| Intellectual Disabilities | Arthritis |
| Visual Impairment | Cerebral Palsy |
| Seizure Disorder | And more… |
WVCA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and donations to WVCA are tax-deductible, as applicable by law. To make a donation to support WVCA’s programs –> click here. If you have a question about our organization or our services, please call our office at 570.714.1246 and speak to a member of our staff today.
