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The History of Children's Rehabilitation Center
In 1947, an Amarillo woman named Evelyn Wagner gave birth to a child with cerebral palsy and hearing difficulties. In an effort to find help, she contacted Dr. Charles Sadler, an Orthopedic Surgeon and Dr. George M. Waddill, a Pediatrician. Both were prominent physicians in the city. Due to the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Wagner, the physicians, and many volunteers, the Amarillo Cerebral Treatment Center opened in an apartment on West 10th Street.
The Center continued to expand the number of patients and the area that they served. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Amarillo Community, the Center was able to build a facility and moved into “the house that warm hearts built” located at 808 Crockett Street in 1952. Charlotte Amberson became the Center’s first director. By 1959, the Center served 100 children with Cerebral Palsy providing physical, occupational and speech therapy.
In 1961, Richard G. Balke became Executive Director and under his leadership the Center became a “new symbol of hope.” Mr. Balke teamed up with Dr. Claude Zevely from the Amarillo Independent School District, and they worked diligently to set up a program to serve school age children. The medical community supported the Center by volunteering; physicians began to see Center patients free of charge. We continue to have physicians that volunteer.
Moving to the Amarillo Medical Center to be located in the Child Growth and Development Complex in 1979, the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center changed its name to Children’s Rehabilitation Center and its mission to serving all physically disabled children. After his death in 2001, the center was renamed again to honor Richard Balke.
Meet Patty and Erin
What motivated you to get involved with your organization?
Patty: As I began to look for employment, I felt led of the Lord to look for work that would be more fulfilling - work that I would feel like I was not only helping my family, but helping individuals in a community I care about. When I heard about CRC, I felt strongly that if I was chosen for the position, it would be an opportunity to be of service to children with disabilities.
Share a favorite memory from working with your organization.
Erin: There are so many! Some memories are funny; others are sad but still favorites. One of the best is about a kiddo that showed up to Kindergarten and could not walk or stand. Through many months of extra hard work between therapists, doctors, and parents, this child had all of the necessary ingredients to begin a standing program. I positioned him in what is called a Mobile Prone Stander. It is difficult to describe, but I would call it a big, modified scooter. An MPS helps keep a kid in a standing position, but it has large wheels the child can push to move himself around while he is in a standing position. Once he was in and rolling around the classroom with all of his friends, he smiled from ear to ear. He was finally on eye-level with his buddies, and it gave him great joy. The teacher had tears in her eyes to see him smile that big. This is why I do what I do!
Tell us about some of the challenges you overcame in order to get involved.
Patty: One of my biggest challenges was fear. When I first came, I saw children with severe disabilities and was concerned for the health of my three children.
How have you changed from being involved with your organization?
Erin: I am filled with joy every day. Even on the toughest days, there is always joy in a child’s smile.
What is your greatest life lesson?
Patty: Beth Moore says, “What a comfort to know that the places God chooses to lead us always flow out of His unfailing love.” I believe he lead me to CRC to learn that these are God’s special kids. Every child is such a blessing. They are all created differently, but each one is very special in their own right. Life can change in a moment. Don’t ever take life for granted; enjoy every minute of it!
Excuses often keep people from volunteering. Give our readers some advice that might help them take the steps needed to get involved.
Erin: We would love to have anyone help us in any area, even if they are uneasy interacting with children. We recognize that individuals possess unique talents and not everyone is suited to crawl around on a classroom floor with a child with Cerebral Palsy, for example. We love it! The kiddos come first but unfortunately, other things get pushed to a lower position on the priority list, such as organizing equipment or filing paperwork. We accept help in any area and thrive on it.
What is your favorite thing about your organization?
Patty: Helping each of the children to be just like the old adage, “the best you can be!” It’s seeing children grow to every ounce of potential that God has put in their lives, because whatever that is – it’s perfect for them. We are in their lives for many years. Because of that, our mantra has always been, “We don’t treat children; we raise them.”
How have your experiences changed your priorities?
Erin: I used to think my heart had a limit on how many people it could love. Working with special needs children has taught me my heart has no limits. I would bring every child home with me if I could, but experience at CRC has taught me to hold on tighter than ever to my own family because you never know what may happen in the next minute, hour, month or year.
What sacrifices have you made in order to continue your efforts?
Patty: It’s like any other full-time job. I wouldn’t call it sacrifice, I’d call it dedication. It’s supposed to be an 8 to 4:30 job, but because I love it, I carry it with me most of the time. John Ruskin said, “The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.” I have received so much more than I would ever be able to give.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind from your life and your involvement with your organization?
Erin: I know there will always be children with special needs in the Panhandle. I hope my children, my children’s children and all of the acquaintances in between will know that CRC is the leader in providing therapy services for special kiddos. When a child may have no one else, I hope that someone will think of CRC.
