75^th Anniversary of Courage Center

Courage Center, a nationally known rehabilitation and resource center marks its 75^th anniversary on April 10, 2003.  Founded in 1928 as the Minnesota Association for Crippled Children, it was reincorporated in 1978 as Courage Center.  From its inception, the private, nonprofit organization has been dedicated to meeting the changing needs of people with disabilities, regardless of age.

“Acquiring a disability is a life-changing event,” said Eric Stevens, CEO.  “An accident or an illness can dramatically and irreversibly change the path our life is taking.  This can happen to anyone at any time.

“For 75 years, Courage has touched and transformed hundreds of thousands of lives.  People know that Courage is a trusted resource that will help people regain their health and their independence so they can live more productive and fulfilled lives.”

Services are provided at Courage Center in Golden Valley, Courage St. Croix in Stillwater, Camp Courage and Courage North, as well as many other locations around the Twin Cities, at Courage Duluth and regional day camps.  Comprehensive services include physical rehabilitation; mental health, vocational and community-based services; camping; and sports and recreation activities.

Each year 17,000 people utilize these services, with consumers coming from each of Minnesota’s 87 counties.  In addition, every year Courage Residence helps approximately 100 people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and congenital disabilities regain their independence.

Over the years, Courage has been a pioneer in the disability field.  It developed the first camp for children with disabilities in the 1930s; led the nation in identifying architectural barriers in public buildings in the 1950s; created Courage Residence in the 1970s; and helped found a new health service delivery model for people with disabilities called AXIS Healthcare in the 1990s.  Courage also has been an innovative leader and partner with other community organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity.

Courage obtains nearly 40 percent of its $30 million annual operating budget from community giving.  Two well-known fund-raising efforts include Cars for Courage and Courage Cards & Gifts.  In addition, thousands of volunteers donate more than 80,000 hours of service yearly.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.courage.org .