AUGUSTA – The Children’s Center, a United Way Agency, is the recipient of this year’s Mid-Maine Rose Society’s charitable donation. The gift was received by Executive Director Fran Mullin from Shirley Ross of Waldoboro, society president.

The center is a nonprofit organization that provides family-focused services for children. The center specializes in meeting the needs of children with special needs by offering programs that encourage individual growth and development of children; provides support for their families; and promotes inclusion of all children in the community.

Services may be obtained for children with special needs from birth to age 5. They may be referred to the center by a parent or other caregiver through direct contact with the Children’s Center or through a referral by a physician, nurse, social worker, Child Development Services or other agencies and individuals.

Early intervention services include individual and team evaluations, preschool, toddler groups, parent/child groups and pediatric therapists for: occupational, physical and speech/language therapies.

The center also provides respite care training for families in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Oxford and Waldo counties that have a child with disabilities up to age 18 or 20.

A new addition and renovations to the building on Capitol Street have recently been completed. The next phase of the campaign is the playground. Play helps children build skills in communication, problem solving and negotiation.

The Rose Society encourages and educates the public in the practice of rose growing. It is also a charitable organization.