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Press Release

For Immediate Release

2018/08/28

Heartspring employee celebrates 50 years of employment with Heartspring

WICHITA, Kan.— Heartspring recognizes Michael Pennington for his 50^th employment anniversary.

Michael Pennington, a maintenance supervisor at Heartspring, started working at Heartspring in August of 1968, when it was known as the Institute of Logopedics. This year marks his 50^th year with Heartspring, setting an unprecedented record for longest employment time anyone has been employed at the organization.

Pennington grew up on the original Institute of Logopedics campus at 21^st and Jardine Drive in Wichita. His father was also a maintenance supervisor. On August 28^th of 1968, Pennington began working as a maintenance assistant with his father. 

Heartspring has been Pennigton’s first and only employer. “I have been with Heartspring all my life. This is the only job I’ve ever had,” Pennington states. 

Dr. Martin Palmer with the University of Wichita (now known as Wichita State University) founded the Institute of Logopedics in 1934 to service children with special needs. In 1949, the University of Wichita acquired the land where the Institute moved to expand its residential facility. The Institute of Logopedics changed its name to Heartspring in 1993 and moved to its 29^th and Rock campus in 1998.

Heartspring’s vision is to create hope and opportunity in the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Institute of Logopedics’ original campus (ironically, now Opportunity Drive) started a cultural legacy in creating hope and opportunity for children: The campus is now home to the Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas and The Opportunity Project (TOP) Early Learning Centers and the United Methodist Open Door.

Heartspring creates hope and opportunity that changes the lives of children with special needs and their families. The residential school, outpatient pediatric services and Autism Services programs aim to help children of all ages succeed by gaining the skills necessary for a more independent lifestyle. More information at www.heartspring.org.