Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Lambrecht.
Hi Lana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a Public Health Nurse and had worked at the county level helping people access needed services and support. While working at the county, I saw the lack of services for children in the community and how challenging it is for families to find and retain staffing. I knew there could be community supports with inclusion to help support these children and families. I set off to help build a positive resource for the community.
Understanding children’s diverse needs and how their special needs/disabilities can impact them, I wanted to help make a positive impact on their lives. I founded A Spark of Possibilities a.k.a. Spark 2 Hope, a non-profit center specially designed to help support children of varying abilities and needs. It is a sensory gym and day center that children can explore through play. While exploring, children are able to build on a variety of skills. Staff help with encouraging physical and fine motor activities, sensory integration, communication, social skills and positive behavioral skills. Families have loved seeing their children gain skills and having their children be more regulated at home.
On certain days we are also open to the public so that any child can explore the various room. We provide date night caregiver supports 2 Fridays per month. We have events open to the public throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for event updates!
Together as a community, I know that children with special needs and disabilities can have the supports and resources they need to be all that they can be!
Helping to bridge the gap in services for children with special needs. Let’s grow together!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, we have had many obstacles as this is a new service to the state of Minnesota. The state and counties love the concept and support that we are providing. However, it has been hard work spreading the awareness that the sensory center is here and what services we provide. We continue to reach out to the community and schools in our area.
We have a waiting list of children/ families who need services. However, they currently don’t have any financial assistance. Spark 2 Hope is looking for community sponsors to help these children access needed services. As a sponsor, you will receive updates, art projects, letters, and more. Let’s Grow Together!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are extremely proud that Spark 2 Hope is the first sensory center that provides children with needed support in Minnesota! We help support children with varying special needs. We have gotten to watch children grow and forge friendships. We are open all year to better support our community.
We are a unique sensory center that provides needed support and integrates therapies throughout play to help children. We have nursing staff on site and can help support medically fragile children and children with nursing tasks. We have staff that has worked with children with cognitive delays and ones who need behavioral support. We help provide support for all children with special needs to help meet their needs and work on building skills to help them find a better sense of self. Every child needs a variety of sensory input throughout development. However, every child is different in their needs, so we help support those needs and work on building skills.
We also have open gym times for adults with special needs and disabilities.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness and joy come from working with children and families. Seeing each child gain skills, grow and forge friendships. Hearing from the parents how beneficial coming to the center has been for their child. Being a positive impact on a child’s life makes every day a great day!
Pricing:
- Open gym $10 for 1.5 hours of play
- Caregiver relief pricing depends on level of care for a child. Check out our website.
- Before, after school and non-school days care depends on the child’s level of care. Check out our website.
- Date night $60 per child
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spark2hope.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spark2hope/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082955516121
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@spark2hope.mn
