JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Anne Carlsen Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities for over 80 years, is set to celebrate the ribbon-cutting and public open house of its new Ballantyne Berg Campus. The event will take place at 2200 20th St. SW in Jamestown on Thursday, June 6, beginning at noon.
The state-of-the-art facility will serve as the new home for Anne Carlsen’s comprehensive pediatric residential and medical services, education, therapy services, and assistive technology. The public is invited to explore the new campus, which is part of a larger system serving over 3,100 individuals across North Dakota. The celebration will feature group tours, an engaging program, interactive games, food, and activities for all ages.
“Our roots go deep in Jamestown — as a service provider, employer, and community partner,” said Tim Eissinger, CEO of Anne Carlsen. “The solid foundation here in Jamestown has allowed us to grow, to branch out to other communities across the state, and offer some of the most innovative care solutions for the individuals that need us the most. We’re excited to share this new facility with the people of Jamestown and the state of North Dakota as a whole, as both a resource and a cornerstone for continued growth.”
The new facility represents the culmination of the Anne Carlsen Center’s Pathway for the Future campaign, a $59 million project spanning eight years. The Ballantyne Berg Campus marks a significant advancement in the services and capabilities of the Anne Carlsen Center.
The residential space features 34 private rooms designed to better serve children and young adults with medically and behaviorally complex needs. These rooms offer larger private spaces for easier access to specialized equipment while fostering a homier, more independent atmosphere.
Additionally, the new facility houses the Anne Carlsen Center for Learning, a fully accredited private school serving up to 40 K-12 students. The school includes flexible learning spaces and updated classroom infrastructure, ensuring dynamic learning environments for current and future students.
The campus also offers unique recreational areas to facilitate social interaction, peer engagement, and physical activities for individuals, families, and staff. These amenities include a 20×40-foot warm water therapy pool with a movable floor, a fully accessible outdoor playground, and a track connecting all campus areas for year-round access. An indoor sensory gym and playground provide a structured environment for developing sensory, communication, and motor skills.
“The possibilities of medical and behavioral outcomes are constantly evolving,” said Dr. Myra Quanrud, Anne Carlsen Medical Director. “The Ballantyne Berg Campus enables us to provide cutting-edge pediatric residential and medical services, education, therapy services (physical, occupational, and speech), and assistive technology for decades to come.”
The new campus solidifies Anne Carlsen Center’s commitment to the Jamestown region and its statewide impact. Serving individuals and families across North Dakota and Minnesota, the center operates additional locations in Fargo/Moorhead, Valley City, Bismarck, Minot, Bottineau, Devils Lake, and Grand Forks. The organization employs just under 600 individuals in various medical, educational, and support positions.
Together, this network of caregivers continues the legacy of Dr. Anne Carlsen, who provided greater independence and quality of life for individuals with medically and behaviorally complex needs. Dr. Carlsen, born without forearms or lower legs, dedicated her life to the center, serving as a teacher, administrator, and mentor. Her life’s work lives on through the countless people served by the center over the last 80 years.
“Eighty years ago, the world was a less inclusive place for people with disabilities,” said Eissinger. “What started as a school to serve those with physical impairments has continued to evolve, providing state-of-the-art physical and behavioral treatment solutions for a diverse community of young people and their families. Each step along our journey is a testament to her staunch belief that nurturing abilities changes lives.”