As we start the New Year we want to share with you one of our favorite Orlando non- profit home, The Russell Home for Atypical Children. This home proudly displays License Number 1 issued by the State Welfare Board as the first non-profit home for brain-damaged children.

The home consists of children from various ethnic groups as well as various handicaps and needs. The first child that arrived at the home was in 1951 and is still in the home today.

The Russell Home is “Home” for a number of children and adults with the mental age of children whose handicaps prevent their independent functioning in the community. The Russell Home provides around the clock specialized care, love, and a “Home-like atmosphere so vital to their special needs.” The home also provides day care on a regular or part time basis, as well as temporary respite care during vacations, emergency situations, or just a break for parents whose handicap child lives at home.

 By choice The Russell Home operates without the benefit of federal, state, or local funding, the purpose being to eliminate possible restrictions that would defeat the founding principal of the home, that acceptance be based solely on the need for services offered. Because it is a unique facility-the only of its kind in Central Florida-there is always shortage of space. Referrals come from churches, doctors, police departments, and the courts for permanent, or part-time or interim care.

 Michael arrived at the Russell Home via Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital at the age of 3 weeks, and was only 4 pounds and 6 ounces. Born with just a brain stem and Hydrocephalus, his life expectancy was only for weeks. A shunt was inserted to drain and prevent further swelling. Along with a lot of love and care, Michael is still surprising the family daily.

 Thus, the Russell Home over the years has captured the interest and the support of the surrounding community. Holiday Inn Main Gate East has been proudly supporting the home for several years and would like to thank all our associates, friends, partners for their kind offerings.

To learn more about The Russell Home or to see how you can help, please visit their web site at

www.RussellHome.org.

 Holiday Inn Main Gate East

5711 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy.

Kissimmee, FL 34746

407-396-4222