Bellevue-based Kindering, a non-profit neurodevelopmental

center that provides therapies and services for infants and children with special needs, has received a $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation.

The newly-granted funds are intended to help support special projects at Kindering, most notably the CHERISH program (CHildren Encouraged by Relationships in Secure Homes), which was created in 2004 to meet the needs of foster children and their foster parents or relative caregivers.

Kindering officials say it is essential for every child to develop at least one close, dependable relationship in order to develop to his/her fullest potential. Children in

foster care are considered at extremely high risk of not developing this relationship since the types of early life circumstances that lead to foster care situations – including separation from the primary caregiver, abuse

and neglect – are also primary causes in the development of attachment disorder.

If the attachment relationship is provided or restored during the formative birth to three years, these children can make a remarkable recovery, program officials say.

The CHERISH program begins with a comprehensive evaluation of attachment issues, including assessments of the child’s developmental and case history, and of the relationship between caregiver and child. The program encourages

bonding, creates an attachment relationship, and ultimately develops attachment capabilities for the child that will transfer to all relationships over the child’s lifetime. More information about Kindering is available by calling 425.747.4004 or at its website at www.kindering.org.