The Two Rivers Head Start Agency has just joined forces with T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More), Easter Seals and the NIU Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic in hopes to better accommodate the people of DeKalb and surrounding areas.

Members of these services and surrounding media met Friday at the facility, located on 2425 Bethany Road, to see their new additions.

Different types of therapy will be offered at the center and they are aimed at low income families with children with disabilities. The facility will be used for children up to 5 years old.

The reason for the merging of the four groups is to better accommodate the people who have children with disabilities, said Melissa Iwanicki a physical therapist for Easter Seals.

“It’s multifaceted to service all needs of the child in one location … A lot of families were excited to have one location because they were traveling long distances to get treatment for their children,” Iwabicki said.

The addition of NIU to the equation is a big step for the university.

“We can work on research projects to find out what methods are effective,” said Anne Davidson, director of the NIU Speech and Hearing Clinic. “[The facility] provides another clinical education opportunity for NIU students.”

NIU President John Peters was at Two Rivers on Friday in anticipation of the new additions.

“It’s a perfect fit for the outreach mission for the Northern Illinois Region,” Peters said.

Expectations at the Two Rivers Head Start agency are high.

“The partnership is going to be wonderful,” said Sue Whalen, center supervisor for Two Rivers Head Start.

The workers are ecstatic about their new home.

“Its a huge improvement … they made a clinic out of an airplane hanger,” said Kara Birznieks, occupational therapist for Easter Seals. “We are very excited about the changes and there is more equipment to come.”

Marie Huff, developmental therapist for T.E.A.M. said that the partnership allows families to connect.

“It’s a lovely network for families to see how other families are dealing with kids with disabilities,” Huff said.

The facility puts disadvantaged children in situations that make them feel better around other children.

“Children need to be with other children their age … it helps them learn,” Huff said.

Another benefit to having everyone in one place is that the organizations can communicate more effectively about each of their patients.

“It facilities a team in which the family plays a critical role,” Davidson said.

For information about Two Rivers Head Start and its new facility and services, call the center at 748-3713.