Pony Bird

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Providing quality care to non-ambulatory persons of all ages with significant intellectual and physical disabilities.

For over 39 years, Pony Bird, Inc. has been a leader in providing a homelike setting for 
non-ambulatory children and adults with significant intellectual and physical disabilities.

Originally founded in 1977 by Dana and Sue Hockensmith, Pony Bird started as a small home for 10 children with a family atmosphere, which stood out as an innovative approach to care. At Pony Bird, children were provided a warm and empowering support system where their abilities were celebrated. Children with complex diagnoses like Cerebral Palsy and traumatic brain injuries were given a chance to explore their own unique skillsets, while integrating with the community. These pioneering guidelines influenced how the surrounding public perceived special needs individuals.

Today, Pony Bird has six homes located in Mapaville and DeSoto, Missouri that provide 24-hour care for up to 60 individuals, along with offering respite care to the members of the community.  Pony Bird is the only private not-for-profit organization in the greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area to support individuals of all ages and has been recognized by the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health for our outstanding level of care.