The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs is a unique program in many ways. For instance, did you know that the youngest child to start The Bell Center was only two days old when she started? That's because our philosophy on early intervention calls for a child to begin receiving services as soon as he or she is medically able. After all, early intervention is all about maximizing a child's ability and helping him to start achieving developmental milestones as soon as he can. Why wait?

Just for fun, take a look at this. Did you know that:

• The Bell Center is completely privately funded, receiving no federal or state monies. The Bell Center's operating budget is made by an annual donation by The Service Guild of Birmingham as well donations from individuals and corporations, grants by foundations, a modest tuition from families, and earnings from an endowment established through a capital campaign in the late 1990s.

• The Bell Center is not a United Way agency. However, we are fortunate that many contributors to the United Way designate that their funds are to be distributed to The Bell Center. The United Way is happy to make that contribution, minus a small administrative fee.

• Many Bell Center parents meet Betty Bell for the first time in the hospital. Betty is known for her hospital visits to newborns and their parents, demonstrating the love and support they come to know at The Bell Center.

• Bell Center children come in all different sizes and nationalities. For instance, a child who graduated a few years ago was just 13 ounces at birth! And often, international children at risk for developmental delay find their way into Bell Center programs. Through the years, we've served children from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Russia, China and India.

• Two of our children's favorite activities are creative movement and working with the dogs. For those two activities, we have to thank our community partners Children's Dance Foundation and Hand in Paw. These activities are an essential part of the fun and therapy of The Bell Center.

• Not all Bell Center volunteers are women. It's true, most of our volunteers are women, but we're delighted to have two long-standing male volunteers whom we love. The children especially are drawn to the men in their classrooms.

• The Bell Center always needs new volunteers. We're fortunate to have the support of the volunteers of The Service Guild as well as a strong group of community volunteers. But our growing programs can use your help. If you're interested in volunteering, contact Andi Gillen at agillen@thebellcenter.org.