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DECORAH — A new haven for youth development is taking shape in downtown Decorah. Next to Modish, the Chrysalis Children's Center is preparing to open its doors this fall. Catering to children between the ages of 2 and 18, the center aims to provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to their developmental needs. Renovations, overseen by Finholt Construction, are already underway to transform the building into a nurturing environment. When it opens, the Chrysalis Children's Center will boast a dedicated team comprising three full-time therapists, one float therapist, an office manager, a care coordinator and two additional staff members. These professionals will offer a variety of services including individual therapy, family therapy, care coordination, social work and skill development. One standout feature of the center is the inclusion of a "SMART room," designed for sensory motor arousal regulation therapy. This innovative therapy is particularly effective in addressing complex trauma cases in children. This SMART room will be the first of its kind in the area. Designed to help children and teens who have experienced difficult or traumatic events, SMART rooms use various tools like weighted blankets, balance beams and exercise balls to help them feel better and build stronger connections with others. The therapy focuses on two main things: moving around and forming good relationships. By doing activities together and building bonds with therapists or caregivers, children learn to manage their emotions and feel more stable. By offering such specialized services locally, the center hopes to alleviate the need for families to travel to distant cities like Iowa City or Minneapolis for similar treatments. This strategic move is expected to draw youth and their families from the wider region, ensuring access to vital resources closer to home.

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Chrysalis Children's Center to Open in Downtown Decorah