Tuesday’s groundbreaking of Caleb’s Clubhouse in Minot is a victory for the community and an example of community-building at its best.

Caleb’s Clubhouse, a preschool and after school program, will open in Oak Park Village this August. The programs at Caleb’s Clubhouse will specialize in early intervention and treatment for children with development needs, such as autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The preschool, according to the Minot Public School District calendar, will work with the school district, and its founder and executive director, Shannon Schmidt, and is interested in developing a relationship with Minot State University and could offer internships to MSU students studying appropriate fields.

Furthermore, and importantly, Caleb’s Clubhouse will serve all children and those with developmental needs will learn alongside other children – an essential element particularly when it comes to children with autism.

Minot, like most cities its size, has limited offerings when it comes to children with special developmental needs. Caleb’s Clubhouse fills that void, while bringing modern, specialized techniques into the marketplace.

Schmidt has been lauded – deservedly so – for her intense effort to make Caleb’s Clubhouse a reality. Her vision, drive, and recognition of a community need, combined with assistance from the Minot Area Community Foundation, is now resulting in this new valuable asset to Minot.

There is a lesson here about what someone, properly motivated, with an idea beneficial to the community can accomplish. Similarly, there is a lesson here that financial assistance is available to those with vision of how to better the community.

Welcome to Minot, Caleb’s Clubhouse, and hearty thank you from the community.