Anne Carlsen Center Ballantyne Berg Campus Opens
The Anne Carlsen Center, a non-profit organization providing individuals with developmental disabilities or delays with services and supports for over 80 years, announces the ribbon-cutting and public open house of its Ballantyne Berg Campus located at 2200 20th St. SW in Jamestown on Thursday, June 6, starting at noon. The state-of-the-art facility is the new home for Anne Carlsen's comprehensive array of pediatric residential/medical services, education, therapy services, and assistive technology. The public is invited to explore the new campus, which is part of a larger system that serves over 3,100 individuals across North Dakota. The historic festivities will include group tours, an engaging program, interactive games, food, and fun-filled activities for all ages.
Anne Carlsen Therapy
“Our roots go deep in Jamestown — as a service provider, employer, and community partner,” said Tim Eissinger, CEO, Anne Carlsen. “The solid foundation here in Jamestown has allowed us to grow, to branch out to other communities across the state, and offer some of the most innovative care solutions for the individuals that need us the most. We’re excited to share this new facility with the people of Jamestown and the state of North Dakota as a whole, as both a resource and a cornerstone for continued growth.”
A Pathway to the Future
The new facility is the culmination of the Anne Carlsen Center’s Pathway for the Future campaign, a 59-million-dollar project spanning eight years. The Ballantyne Berg Campus marks a new chapter in the services and capabilities of the Anne Carlsen Center and the families it serves.
The new residential space features 34 private rooms specifically designed to better serve the needs of children and young adults with medically and behaviorally complex needs. Larger private spaces allow for easier access to specialized adaptive and medical equipment while fostering a homier, more independent atmosphere.
The new facility also houses the Anne Carlsen Center for Learning, a fully accredited private school, serving up to 40 K-12 students. Key updates include flexible learning spaces designed for each student and an updated classroom infrastructure. The center ensures dynamic learning environments for current and future students, fostering growth and development at the individual level.
Additionally, the campus offers unique recreational areas designed to facilitate social interaction, peer engagement, and physical activities for individuals, families, and staff. This includes a therapy pool, a 20 x 40-foot warm water therapy pool with moveable floor depth, a fully accessible and inclusive outdoor playground, and a built-in track connecting all areas of the campus for year-round access. An indoor sensory gym and playground offers a structured environment for the development of sensory, communication, and motor skills. Dedicated therapists guide children through activities involving swings, trampolines, therapy balls, tunnels, climbing walls, and more to develop skills, improve confidence, and increase independence.
“The possibilities of medical and behavioral outcomes are constantly evolving,” Dr. Myra Quanrud, Anne Carlsen Medical Director, said. “The Ballantyne Berg Campus enables us to provide cutting-edge pediatric residential/medical services, education, therapy services (physical, occupational and speech), and assistive technology for decades to come.”
A Mission of Inclusivity and Independence With a Strong Focus on Advocacy and for the Goal of Independence [MQ1]
The new campus solidifies Anne Carlsen Center’s commitment to the Jamestown region, which is only part of their statewide impact. The center serves individuals and families across North Dakota and Minnesota through additional locations in Fargo/Moorhead, Valley City, Bismarck, Minot, Bottineau, Devils Lake, and Grand Forks. The organization employs just under 600 individuals in a wide range of medical, educational, and support positions.
Together, this network of caregivers continues the legacy of Dr. Anne Carlsen to provide greater independence and quality of life for individuals with medically and behaviorally complex needs. Born without forearms or lower legs, Dr. Carlsen refused to let her physical impairments prevent her from living life to its fullest. She dedicated many years of her life to the center, serving as a teacher, administrator, and mentor. Her life’s work lives on through the countless number of people served by the center over the last 80 years.
“Eighty years ago, the world was a less inclusive place for people with disabilities,” said Eissinger. “What started as a school to serve those with physical impairments has continued to evolve, providing state-of-the-art physical and behavioral treatment solutions for a diverse community of young people and their families. Each step along our journey is a testament to her staunch belief that nurturing abilities changes lives.”
Learn More
For more information on the range of services and career opportunities available statewide, visit www.annecarlsen.org, or stop by the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house June 6, located at 2200 20th St. SW in Jamestown. The program is free and open to the public and kicks off at noon.