ST. CHARLES, Mo. — United Services for Children, a St. Charles–based pediatric nonprofit marking 51 years of service, has received a Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to fund a new 2,700-square-foot therapeutic indoor play space. United Services plans to open the play space this fall at its therapy center, located on Harry S. Truman Blvd. Designed by the organization's licensed therapists, “The Inclusion Gallery” will be Greater St. Louis' first year-round indoor play environment created from the ground up for children of all abilities.

The play space will offer a sensory-rich, developmentally calibrated environment where children with complex developmental needs can play side by side with their siblings, peers, and caregivers. Every element, from equipment selection to spatial design, will be grounded in evidence-based pediatric therapy best practices and inclusive play research.

Julie Turner, United Services for Children President and CEO, said receiving national recognition from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation carries meaning far beyond the funding itself.

“It affirms for our families, our staff, and our community, that what we are building here in St. Charles matters on a national stage,” she said. “Children of all abilities deserve places where they can play and participate fully. This award tells our families that the country is paying attention.”

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life Grants Program, created by the late Dana Reeve in 1999, supports nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and municipalities whose projects improve access, independence, community engagement, and quality of life for individuals living with paralysis and their families. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $50 million to over 4,100 projects across the United States.

M+H Design is the architect for The Inclusion Gallery, with construction by Vanstar Construction Co. The space was designed by United Services' licensed therapists, who provide speech, occupational and behavioral therapy for more than 400 children annually. United Services is positioning the project as a replicable national model that other communities can adapt to expand inclusive early childhood play environments across the country.

“When a play environment is designed with accessibility and inclusion built in from the very start, every child benefits,” Turner said. “Not only the child with a disability, but every sibling, neighbor, and family member who plays alongside them. That is where real community begins.”

The Reeve Foundation grant joins a growing roster of early supporters, including the St. Charles County Mayors' Charity Ball, Commerce Bancshares Foundation, Thrivent Financial, and Sunrise Rotary Club. As construction and equipment investment continues, USC invites businesses, foundations, civic partners, and individual donors to help bring this signature project fully to life ahead of its fall 2026 projected opening.

To learn more about the project, schedule a tour, or contribute to the capital campaign, contact Julie Turner at jturner@unitedsrvcs.org or (636) 926-2700 x509, or visit unitedservicesforchildren.org.

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About United Services for Children

Founded in 1975, United Services for Children is a pediatric nonprofit organization based in St. Charles, Missouri, serving more than 400 children each year through speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, inclusive preschool, and family navigation services. With an annual budget of approximately $3.9 million (of which 89 percent is directed to program services), United Services helps children of all abilities learn, grow, and participate fully in family and community life. Learn more at unitedservicesforchildren.org.

About the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. Through its National Paralysis Resource Center and Quality of Life Grants Program, the Foundation has awarded more than $50 million to over 4,100 projects nationwide since 1999. Learn more at ChristopherReeve.org.