Joe’s Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic in Warsaw that provides physical, occupational and speech therapy to children with special needs in Kosciusko County and the surrounding areas.

Joe’s Kids provides care to children with a wide variety of diagnoses, including autism, cerebral palsy, stroke, Down Syndrome, and many other genetic and developmental disorders. Currently, there are approximately 60 children receiving care at Joe’s Kids and another 50 children on the waiting list.

Started in 2014, Joe’s Kids is led by Executive Director Rebecca Bazzoni, MS, PT. In Rebecca’s words, “I believe real courage comes from God when we trust in Him as we face something new and maybe even a little scary. The children I work with remind me every day of what courage is as they tackle new challenges and conquer them!”

On March 26, Joe’s Kids received $80,000 from the K21 Health Foundation to assist with operational expenses. Due to poor reimbursement rates in pediatrics, Joe’s Kids is unable to operate as a for-profit business and relies on community support to offer ongoing care for these special kids.

According to K21 President & CEO Rich Haddad, the grant money is intended to support the incredible efforts being put forth by the therapists at Joe’s Kids to serve our community’s children and to allow Joe’s Kids to bring more children in off of the waiting list. “Joe’s Kids provides a much needed health service to the children of our community and K21 is pleased to support their efforts,” Haddad said. “It is our hope at K21 that others in our community will join our effort by coming along side Joe’s Kids in their mission to provide the highest level of care possible for each of their special children.”

On Saturday, May 3, Joe’s Kids will be hosting a 5K or 1 mile Splatter Dash at Winona Lake Park. Wear white, run or walk, and have fun in support of Joe’s Kids. To learn more about Joe’s Kids or to sign up for the Splatter Dash, visit www.joes- kids.org.

Joe’s Kids is located at 3540 Commerce Dr. in Warsaw.