Our Story
Established in 1951 by a dedicated group of Delta Gamma alumnae from Washington University in St. Louis, the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments (DGCKids) has been a beacon of hope and support for children with visual impairments for over seven decades. What began as a local initiative to address the needs of young children has blossomed into a comprehensive organization providing vital services and programs to families in Missouri and Illinois.
1951 – The Shining Light Tree Lot
Bettie Stupp Kohl, Pat Gilbert, and a group of Delta Gamma alumnae founded what is now known as the Delta Gamma Center. Their goal was to provide services to children with a visual impairment and offer support to their families. To fund this initiative, they started the Shining Light Tree Lot. Leading the charge, Bettie, as the Tree Lot Chair, and Pat, as the Sales Chair, orchestrated a successful inaugural season, selling 3,400 Christmas trees.
At its inception, the founders of DGCKids set forth on a mission to provide educational services for children in the earliest years, emphasizing guidance and education for their parents. Over the years, the core services offered by DGCKids have evolved significantly, encompassing home-based educational services for infants and toddlers, birth to three years old, who are blind or visually impaired.
1979 – Vision Screening Program
In 1979, a group of Delta Gamma alumnae developed a volunteer-driven preschool vision screening program to help identify potential vision problems at an early age when treatment can have the best outcome.
Additionally, DGCKids now offers occupational, physical, and speech therapy, along with a myriad of individual and group support services for families with children of all ages, up to high school graduation.
2007 – Spirit of Children Award
In 2007, the Center received the “Spirit of Children” award from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Presented “for outstanding efforts to improve the welfare of all children in the St. Louis metropolitan area,” the award reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence.
DGCKids remains unique in the greater St. Louis area as the sole organization addressing the early intervention and support needs of families and children with vision impairments. This commitment to serving the community was recognized in 2007 when DGC received the prestigious “Spirit of Children” award from the American Society of Pediatrics, honoring its outstanding efforts to enhance the welfare of all children in the region.
2008 – Purchase of 1750 S. Big Bend Blvd.
In 2008, DGCKids purchases the property at 1750 S. Big Bend, and groundbreaking takes place in November, leading to a capital campaign that raises $3.5 million.
The impact of services and programs extends far beyond its walls, reaching into the lives of countless families who have found solace and support. Through collaboration with medical professionals, educators, and community partners, DGCKids continues to pioneer innovative approaches to empower children with visual impairments to reach their full potential.
Today, DGC stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion. With a team of dedicated professionals and the unwavering support of its donors and volunteers, the organization looks forward to a future filled with promise and possibility, where every child with a visual impairment can thrive.
Explore exciting career opportunities at DGCKids and join our dedicated team making a difference in the lives of children with visual impairments. Visit our Careers page to discover how you can contribute to our mission and grow with us!
DGCKids offers free vision screenings for children aged six months to six years and ability awareness presentations for groups and schools. We also provide valuable connections to professionals who can support a child’s unique needs. If you’d like to see our programs in your community, please contact us!
Get involved and make a difference by volunteering or joining one of our programs like Tandem Adventurers, a popular cycling activity for kids with visual impairments. Explore our volunteer opportunities and see how you can help inspire and empower our incredible community!