Welcome to Butchie's Pool!

We are a 501 (C)(3) Nonprofit Agency.

.Being alive brings no joy if the quality of one's life is without hope or meaning

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King states a truth that is undeniable in the mind of each of us, but when one is handicapped they cannot partake of the opportunities that hold such possibilities with the ease that most of us enjoy.  In these cases, without help, the life lived can feel empty or even hopeless.  Our organization exists to create the means necessary to empower the individual with special needs, whether the dysfunction or handicap is physical, mental, or emotional.

The actual impetus for this "Pool with a Heart" came in October of 1961 when a little boy named Butchie Montna was born with Downs syndrome.  His parents, Larry and Norma Montna, quickly rejected the accepted medical views of the time concerning mental retardation (which usually advised to "institutionalize") and dedicated every day of Butchie's life to lovingly nuture and enlarge upon their son's capabilities.  They became tireless advocates for more understanding and better education for all who struggled under the stigma of being handicapped.  When Bthcie was tragically killed by a drunk driver at the age of 14 his devastated parents knew that the work could not be finished, that their son's life could inspire and help others.  One of Butchies greatest loves had been swimming  and his parents had delighted to see him thrive and beam with progress while in the water.  To carry on their beloved sons legacy it is understandable that they chose to build a pool that was specifically engineered to be accessable to persons with disability, no matter the level of disfunction.  This vital space of respite and healing was built wholly by the hands and hearts of this community, paid in full by local funding, and stil evokes a tender response from those who werw involved.

Butchie's Pool programs has blossomed beyond the original purpose.  Now it serves many people in our community, young and old, who have a wide range of health needs.

The purpose of Butchie's Pool is to provide rehabilitation for those with permanent and/or temporary disabilities.

Our Mission is to provide a wide range of healthy water based activities for people with disabilities that is affordable by all.