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Our History

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Jamie Delagrange and Chris Weaton

A Legacy of Equality & Empowerment

Though the agency has undergone many changes since its founding in 1943, Turnstone's heart and soul have not changed. We remain committed to helping people with disabilities gain independence and live with dignity.

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A History of Generosity

Support Turnstone's long-standing mission of serving people with disabilities with a donation today. Turnstone was founded by a passionate group of volunteers in 1943 and this commitment continues today thanks to annual donations from people who believe in equality and empowerment.

Our Timeline
1943
1943

The Allen County Society for Crippled Children is formed to continue bedside teaching programs that are being eliminated by the Junior League. Plans for Hanna Homestead School begin development.

1947

Hanna Homestead School for children with physical disabilities opens.

1958

A preschool program is developed after Fort Wayne Community Schools assumes operation of Hanna Homestead and opens Brentwood School for children ages 6 to 16 with disabilities.

1962

Property at 2722 Fairfield Avenue is purchased with a gift of $20,000 and the preschool program finds a permanent home, with an enrollment of 19 children.

1960s
1962-1972

During this decade of growth, additions are built at the Fairfield Avenue facility, including physical therapy and speech rooms, a whirlpool, an access ramp, and a playground.

1973
1973

The homebound therapy program is created for adults with physical disabilities, and the preschool program is renamed the Robert E. Witte Pre-School Center.

1977

The adult day program is created.

1985-1986

The agency relocates to 3320 North Clinton Street.

1989
1989

The Allen County Society for Crippled Children and Adults, Inc. is officially renamed Turnstone Center for Disabled Children and Adults. The name is inspired by the Ruddy Turnstone bird, which is a fitting symbol for the agency. The Ruddy Turnstone finds food by moving heavy stones with nearly any part of its body. When a stone is too heavy for a bird to move alone, other Ruddy Turnstones gather to assist. The characteristics of Ruddy Turnstones speak to the spirit of the agency, the children and adults we serve, and the community. At Turnstone, children and adults with disabilities learn to overcome their disabilities by adapting their bodies to perform many of the daily functions that others may take for granted. When the disability is difficult to overcome, other people such as teachers, therapists, and volunteers gather to assist.

1992

Turnstone launches its residential wheelchair ramp construction service.

1993-1995

A successful $3.75 million capital campaign is conducted and Turnstone grows to include a full-size gymnasium, an expanded therapy space, and program area.

1996
1996

A therapeutic sports and recreation program for children and adults with physical disabilities is created.

1999-2000

A successful capital and endowment campaign raised $2 million to construct a therapeutic pool and adult therapy area and to renovate the children’s wing.

2001

A medical transportation service is launched in cooperation with the Community Transportation Network, and in 2006 they take over Turnstone's transportation program. Turnstone’s Adult Day Services program receives CARF accreditation.

2004

Turnstone receives a grant from the United States Department of Education to create health and wellness programs for people with disabilities. As a result, the agency opens the region’s first accessible fitness center for youth and adults with physical disabilities.

2005
2005

The Dr. Robert Kimbrough Early Learning Center (named after a local orthopaedic surgeon and friend to the agency) opens. Programs feature inclusive preschool and childcare for children of all abilities. Before- and after-school care is added in 2009.

2009

Turnstone becomes a designated Paralympic Sports Club. Turnstone receives a United States Department of Education grant to expand inclusive programming as well as sports and recreation programs.

Gerard Kayaking
2011

The Healthy Minds & Healthy Bodies program launches for veterans with disabilities. This program is established through the United States Olympic Committee Paralympics program and the Veterans Administration.

2012

The $1.5 million Madge Rothschild Pediatric Therapy addition adds 10,000 square feet for pediatric therapy. Turnstone becomes a chapter of Disabled Sports USA.

2013

The $14.1 million “Big Dream” Turnstone of Tomorrow Capital Campaign launches to add 100,000+ square feet for an adaptive sport and recreation fieldhouse; Health and Wellness Center with a large therapeutic pool; 3,000 square feet for the Adult Day Services program; and extend Livingston Road to add a new vehicle entrance.

November 2013

Turnstone receives Silver Level designation as a Paralympic Sports Club.

December 2013

Turnstone becomes a member of the United States Association of Blind Athletes.

June 2014

The official groundbreaking ceremony is held for the “Big Dream” Turnstone of Tomorrow. Amy Purdy, motivational speaker, Dancing with the Stars celebrity, and former Paralympic snowboarder is the guest speaker at the event.

December 2014

Turnstone receives Gold Level designation as a Paralympic Sports Club.

December 2014

After 20 years as Executive Director at Turnstone, Nancy Louraine retires. She is replaced by Mike Mushett.

February 2015

Turnstone enters into an agreement with the United States Association of Blind Athletes to become the home of the USA Men’s Goalball Team.

February 2015

Turnstone and Parkview Health Ortho Hospital/Sports Medicine partner to provide support for the Goalball training program and other Turnstone-sponsored sports programs.

2015
September 2015

Turnstone opens the Plassman Athletic Center, which includes 125,000 square feet of new program and administrative office space.

October 2015

The USA Men’s Goalball Team and coach move to Fort Wayne to live and train for 2016 Paralympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in September 2016.

February 2016

A Memory Care Day Service opens.

October 2017

The USA Women's Goalball Team and coach move to Fort Wayne to live and train as part of the resident goalball program in partnership with the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes.

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May 2018

Turnstone became one of eleven official training sites in the Olympic family.

July 2019

Turnstone and the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes hosted the city of Fort Wayne's largest international event, and the first Paralympic Qualifier of its kind to be held in the United States, welcoming 700 international guests from over 40 countries for the 2019 International Blind Sports Federation's Goalball & Blind Judo International Qualifier.

March 2020

Turnstone offered virtual support services for clients and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote support and services were made possible by Virtual Turnstone operations that encompassed a variety of digital approaches to empower people with disabilities.

June 2020

Turnstone Fitness and Aquatic Center reopened with COVID-19 precautions in place.

October 2020

Turnstone and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation dedicated a newly resurfaced and enhanced McMillen Park. The project was funded by a $50,000 NBA All-Star Legacy Grant which seeks to expand the accessibility of basketball across the state of Indiana.

February 2021

Turnstone added counseling support services to the list of programs and services.

Goalball
August 2021

Team USA Men's and Women's Goalball Athletes continue to train at Turnstone in the Goalball Center of Excellence and travel to Tokyo for Historic Paralympic Games after being rescheduled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The USA Women's team returned with a silver medal finish.