01 Feb 2021 Nonprofit serving disabled children turns 60

Milestones Services, Inc., formerly Faulkner County Day School is turning 60 this year. Founded in February of 1961 as an alternative to residential institutionalization, a group of 5 parents of children with developmental disabilities formed the program for their school age children. In the basement of the United Methodist Church with a retired schoolteacher, Nonye Haynes, and a budget of $2,400 per year, the concept was born.  

Executive Director Teresa Little has been employed with the agency for 37 years. “Many changes have occurred through the years with new research, laws passed and community growth. We are still a nonprofit and the same kind of people who have served and loved this community for the past 60 years.”

Milestones now serves 100 children, age 6 weeks to 5-years/old, most of which have delays in their development. “We offer developmental, physical, occupational and speech therapy in a quality early childhood setting,” Little said. “We provide nutritious meals throughout the day, nursing services and transportation to Conway and all of Faulkner County.” The experienced program works with the parent and primary care physician to evaluate the child’s needs after the referral.

They hope to plan a celebration later this year.