It’s rare to have a splash park and a training apartment housed on a university campus. But those are just two of the amenities featured at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Both were showcased during a tour for members of the University of Nebraska Foundation Board during its June 15 meeting, which was held at MMI. The board, which meets three times a year, also gathered at the Wigton Heritage Center the night before.
Hosting the board – and offering a tour of the 2-year-old facility – was an honor, said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD.
“Without the partnership with the foundation, this would have been impossible to even dream of, let alone create,” Dr. Gold said of MMI’s new home. “Every day that I come here to meet families and patients, I’m inspired by the fact that the whole community came together to make this possible and to make a difference in the lives of these individuals.”
The tour, led by Melonie Welsh, MMI director of community engagement, took the group to the observation deck overlooking the gym and swimming pools, splash pad and playground and past a training apartment where clients can practice independent living skills. The visitors also had the opportunity to view examples of adaptive technology and inclusive health care services at MMI.
Many caregivers’ goals and expectations for their loved ones are uncertain when they receive a diagnosis of a disability, Welsh told board members.
“It’s our job to partner with them and other community stakeholders so their loved ones can reach those dreams,” she said. “Our goal is to transform lives of all individuals with disabilities and complex health care needs, their families and the community through outreach, engagement, premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.”
As some group members peered out at the pool area, which features both hot- and cold-water pools, one stopped to admire the artwork done by clients that adorn the hall.
Angie Muhleisen, UNF board chair-elect, praised the space and its unique features.
The visitors also had the opportunity to view examples of adaptive technology direct care and research and inclusive health care services at MMI’s Caring for Champions.
The fundraising goal for the MMI building, which was dedicated in 2021, was one of the fastest reached in the foundation’s history, said Don Voelte, current board chair. That’s in part because people in Nebraska — and the surrounding region — support the activities and population served by the institute, he said. MMI is part of the University’s current Only in Nebraska fundraising campaign which hopes to raise $1 billion for UNMC. While the new MMI facility doubled its space for programs and research, funds are being sought for program expansion, research, and new initiatives as well as funds to recruit and retain faculty, post-doctoral and graduate students.