DAVENPORT, Iowa — It's an exciting week at Autistic & Loved in Davenport as they install a brand-new sensory gym. The store provides chewable jewelry and special gifts for children with autism and their families.
Autistic & Loved was created by community leader Dr. Argrow "Kit" Evans-Ford after she saw a need for more autism resources in the Quad Cities. Evans-Ford also founded the local nonprofit Argrow's House and just recently, bought a strip mall in Davenport to expand its services.
That strip mall at 3811 Harrison St. will house the new gym and is now home to Autistic & Loved's permanent storefront.
The organization hosted a "watch party" on Monday and will again on Tuesday as they install equipment and other facilities that the gym will need. Evans-Ford said the gym has been strategically thought out to create the best sensory experience for children with autism.
"We're gonna have sensory swings in here, rock climbing wall, a turbo slide, trampolines, so that our kids with sensory challenges have a safe space to be able to come have fun and also be themselves," she said.
The nonprofit doesn't have an exact opening date yet but hopes it will be within the next month. You can find updates from Autistic & Loved on its Facebook page.