State Major Project: Therapy Program for Children
Overview:
Since 1954, the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children, Inc. has provided home-based occupational or physical therapy to children from birth to age 21 with developmental delays or physical disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to the family served
“Our Kids”
Any child in Washington State with an Occupational or Physical Therapy prescription for treatment and whose family lives within reach of our therapy team is eligible to be helped by the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children. However, only those most critically in need can be accepted into the therapeutic program. While the children we serve range in age from birth to 21, preference is given to infants and young children who are medically fragile or who would otherwise go without services due to their family’s lack of resources, and to children who will experience deterioration in their status without therapy.
Eligibility for services does not require affiliation, membership, or association with the Elks, any of its members, or lodges.
From a single therapist covering Washington State over 70 years ago, the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children has grown into a vital and highly respected part of the statewide pediatric healthcare community. Today, it provides home-based occupational or physical therapy to eligible children with developmental delays or physical disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to their families.
After over 34 years as a Washington Elks occupational therapist, Sarah Junkin-Clark, OTR/L, 
now serves as Therapy Supervisor. In this role, she supports and mentors the talented team of 16 occupational and physical therapists who are dedicated to the program’s mission of providing high-quality, family centered therapy services to children throughout Washington State. Sarah continues to see a small caseload of children and is passionate about helping children reach their fullest potential while empowering families.
The present caseload for the Washington Elk therapist average 20-25 children per full-time unit. Therapy units are located all across the state of Washington, and consist of a licensed therapist, transportation, and specialized equipment to meet the unique needs of the children they serve.
As the Washington State Elks Major Project, The Washington Elks Therapy Program is committed to responsible stewardship of donor contributions. With administrative costs kept low, over 86% of each contribution goes directly to its purpose—therapy for children in need. Through this commitment, the Washington Elks continue a proud tradition of improving the lives of children, families, and communities across the state.
Parent/Guardian participation during therapy is critical to each child’s success. We believe that the parent/guardian is the expert on the child and that our role is to teach families how to carry through therapeutic activities into daily life, with an emphasis on home programs and parent participation. One hour per week of therapy is only the beginning of a 24 hour, 7 day a week therapeutic process. We know that each family is unique and that the best therapy program comes from caring relationships and valuing each child’s special needs and abilities. This is best accomplished when the whole family takes an active role in treatment planning.
The Program’s existence and success depends on the contributions from Tall Elks, Tall Ladies, Coin Boxes, Memorials, Honor Gifts, and Bequests. Only with the support of Washington Elks and other Friends of the Program can they continue to make a difference in the lives of these young people.
