The longtime executive director of the Special Learning Center, who helmed the center for more than 35 years, then went on to lead the center's foundation, will step down from the foundation this weekend.
Next week, friends, families, clients and other supporters will gather to recognize her at a retirement reception. The reception is open to the public and will take place 4-6 p.m. Aug. 5 at McClung Park.
Debbie Hamler was involved with the merger of the Peter Pan School and the Goshorn Center, which together became the Special Learning Center in the mid-1980s.
Under her leadership, the center built a new facility in 1991. Over the decades, it has grown from serving 25 children to more than 700. And it reaches 20 school districts in numerous counties - providing early childhood special education and therapy services.
Hamler said in a Special Learning Center news release the center was a blessing to her.
"My time at SLC has been a ministry more than a job," she said.
She added she plans to continue volunteering at the center when needed.
The center's foundation has created a Debbie Hamler Legacy Fund, intended to further her work. To donate to the fund, visit the center's website and designate your donation "Hamler Legacy Fund."