History

In 1947 Mrs. Evelyn Wagner gave birth to a child with cerebral palsy and hearing difficulties. Seeking help for her child she contacted Dr. Charles Sadler, Orthopedic Surgeon and Dr. George M. Waddill, Pediatrician, both prominent physicians in Amarillo. Due to the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Wagner, these two physicians and many volunteers, the Amarillo Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center opened in an apartment on West 10th Street.

The Center expanded in number of patients and areas served. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Amarillo community, the Center was able to build a facility and moved into “the house that warm hearts built” located at 808 Crockett Street in 1952. Charlotte Amberson became the Center’s first director. By 1959 the Center served 100 children with Cerebral Palsy providing physical, occupational and speech therapy.

In 1961 Richard G. Balke became Executive Director and under his leadership the Center became a “new symbol of hope”. Mr. Balke teamed up with Dr. Claude Zevely at the Amarillo Independent School District and they worked diligently to set up a program to serve children in the schools. The medical community of Amarillo offered volunteer support including some physicians seeing patients at the Center free of charge.

Moving to the Amarillo Medical Center in 1972, Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center changed its name to Children’s Rehabilitation Center and its mission to serve all physically disabled children. After his death in 2001, the center was renamed again to honor Richard Balke.

The Richard G. Balke Children's Rehabilitation Center now sees over 550 children with disabilities. We go into most counties of the Texas Panhandle to provide physical and occupational therapy. The Center, through the Board of Directors, volunteer physicians and dedicated staff has continued to grow and strive to be the very best in working with children with disabilities.