Menomonee Falls-based Kohl’s Corp. recently partnered with Penfield Children’s Center to create the Kohl’s Building Blocks Program. Kohl’s is donating $1 million over the next three years for completion of the project which will help victims of child abuse, young children with behavioral problems or children with significant disabilities by providing access to specialized educational and developmental services through Penfield. The donation comes from Kohl’s philanthropic program, Kohl’s Cares for Kids, which sells special merchandise, including plush toys and books, and donates 100 percent of the net profit to benefit children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.
“Penfield, right here in our hometown, does amazing work providing important developmental services for infants and young children. Kohl’s is pleased to be in a position to support such a valuable service for kids here in the Milwaukee area,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We value our long-standing relationship with Penfield, and this new program is creating additional services and resources for children who need care.”
Penfield Children’s Center works with 1,400 Milwaukee children each year providing early intervention therapy services, Milwaukee’s largest special care nursery, a one-of-a-kind behavior clinic and family and parent programs. Approximately 90 percent of all families enrolled at Penfield are living below the poverty line.
“This $1 million gift is an incredible tribute to our long-standing partnership with Kohl’s and the collective work we do in the Milwaukee community,” said Christine Holmes, president and CEO of Penfield Children’s Center. “Through this new program, our shared commitment will once again help ensure a brighter future for thousands of vulnerable children and families. We are honored to be partnering with Kohl’s to bring this important program to life.”
The three year Kohl’s Building Blocks Program will create an integrated model of specialized professional support combined with quality resources and early learning materials that specifically support the complex needs of young children who have significant behavioral problems, have been victims of abuse or neglect or have a significant disability limiting development, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, birth abnormalities or traumatic injuries.
