Creating Space for Young Minds to Heal and Grow
Washburn embarks on capital campaign to help meet a growing community need
Washburn provides a vital resource for Twin Cities families and children. In the past five years, Washburn has doubled the number of children it serves each year.
Still, there’s an unmet need. Only one in five children in our
community struggling with mental health issues receives treatment.
Washburn’s significant growth has placed insurmountable strain on the current facility and additional growth is not possible. To meet a growing demand, Washburn is engaging the Twin Cities community to create a children’s mental health facility that will help more young minds heal and grow.
In 2011, Washburn launched a $21 million capital campaign to build a
new facility. The new building will enhance Washburn's therapeutic work
by providing:
A healing environment – Natural elements will be incorporated to create a children’s mental health center, based on research that shows nature supports the healthy development of children. Nationally renowned Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, will consult on the building’s design to ensure a therapeutic, healing environment.
A Training Institute – Washburn’s current training program will be expanded to offer enhanced training for staff, students and other community professionals.
Don Shelby, former WCCO anchor, serves as chair of the campaign. The agency is grateful for a $1 million gift from General Mills. Major gift cultivation began in 2011 with a goal of having a new facility by 2014.
Learn More about the Campaign
Fact Sheet
Fall 2011 Campaign Update
The Impact of the New Building
News Clippings about Washburn’s campaign
Washburn Center Plans Glenwood Facility (January 2012)
Southwest Journal: Washburn Center for Children receives capital campaign gift from General Mills (January 2011)
Minnesota Council on Foundations: $1 Million Capital Grant from General Mills to Washburn (December 2010)
Twin Cities Business Magazine: Don Shelby to Chair Washburn’s Capital Campaign (November 2010)