The Therapy Place purchases six acres to expand services for children with special needs

The Therapy Place has purchased a six-acre property in northeast Columbia, marking a significant milestone in the nonprofit’s mission to ensure every child with special needs has the opportunity to pursue their goals, realize their dreams, and reach their full potential.

The newly acquired property at 8911 Two Notch Road (former fitness facility) will provide the space needed for The Therapy Place’s long-term vision of expanding pediatric therapy services, growing the Bridges School, and creating new opportunities for children and families who are currently waiting for specialized services.

“This purchase represents hope,” said Dawn Darby, CEO and Co-Founder of The Therapy Place. “Every week we hear from families searching for specialized therapy or educational services for their child, and too often we’re limited by space. This property gives us the opportunity to dream bigger and ultimately serve more children who deserve every chance to reach their full potential.”

Founded in 2010, The Therapy Place provides pediatric physical, occupational, speech, and feeding therapy, intensive therapy programs, family support services, and the Bridges School for children with complex developmental needs. Today, the nonprofit serves children from across the Midlands and beyond, helping hundreds of families each year navigate challenges with expert care, innovation, and compassion.

While plans for the new campus are still in the early stages, the organization envisions a purpose-built facility designed specifically for children with special needs. Future plans include expanded therapy space, additional classrooms for Bridges Therapeutic School, outdoor learning and recreation areas, family gathering spaces, and room to develop new programs as community needs continue to grow.

The purchase of the property marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Before the first shovel reaches the ground, The Therapy Place will be taking the time for planning, fundraising, designing, and preparing for construction. Throughout that time, the organization will continue serving children every day from its Forest Acres campus, where it has proudly called home for the past 15 years.

“Forest Acres is home,” Darby said. “This community has embraced our families, celebrated our children, championed our mission, and walked alongside us every step of the way. We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support we’ve received over the years.”

Since opening its doors in 2010, The Therapy Place has served more than 1,200 children with over 100 different diagnoses through individualized therapies, specialized education, family support programs, and inclusive community opportunities. As demand for services has grown, so has the organization’s vision for what is possible.

About The Therapy Place

The Therapy Place is a Columbia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with special needs achieve their fullest potential through innovative pediatric therapies, Bridges Therapeutic School, family support services, and inclusive community programs. Since 2010, The Therapy Place has empowered children and strengthened families by providing individualized care in an environment where every child is valued, every family is supported, and every milestone is celebrated.

For more information or to learn how to support the future expansion, visit thetherapyplace.org or call (803) 787-3033.