An Oklahoma City childcare center that provides specialized care for children with severe autism and special needs is now struggling to remain financially stable while trying to expand its services for families in need.
Unique Little Angels was founded to help children who often face difficulties finding acceptance in traditional daycare and school settings. The center now serves families across the community by offering therapy, daycare, and support programs tailored to individuals with severe autism and other special needs.
Program Started From One Mother’s Personal Experience
Owner Leeanna Pannell said she created the program after struggling to find support services for her own daughter, who is severely autistic and nonverbal.
“Schools and daycares gave up on us, so we created a place,” Pannell explained. [Source]
What originally began as an in-home daycare has since grown into a broader care program offering support services ranging from infants to senior adults with special needs.
Pannell says the mission has always been to provide families with a safe and understanding environment where children with higher care needs are accepted and supported.
Families Say Specialized Autism Care Options Are Limited
Parents who rely on the center say finding daycare and educational support for children with severe autism can be extremely difficult.
Parent Melony Belloso said many traditional daycare facilities were unable to accommodate her children’s needs.
“I couldn’t find anywhere to put my kiddos,” Belloso said. “They kept getting kicked out of daycares.”
Belloso explained that the services provided by Unique Little Angels have helped her children remain emotionally regulated while also allowing her to continue working and supporting her family.
“It’s the difference between me being able to work and care for my kids or not being able to work and care for my kids,” she added.
Growing Demand Increases Pressure on Specialized Care Providers
According to Pannell, the need for specialized childcare and therapy services continues to increase across Oklahoma, especially for children who require individualized attention and one-on-one support.
The center is now attempting to expand beyond daycare services into long-term residential care for individuals who age out of traditional childcare programs.
“We decided to get a fourplex facility so we could provide residential living for those who age out of daycare services,” said Pannell.
However, financial difficulties are putting those expansion plans at risk.
Funding Cuts and Repair Costs Threaten Expansion Plans
Pannell says recent funding reductions and unexpected repair expenses have created serious financial strain for the organization.
“Major cuts were made which we lost some kids then regained it because the demand is so high,” Pannell explained. “We also came into some repair issues putting us back 30 days.”
She said balancing operational costs while continuing to provide affordable care for low-income families has become increasingly difficult.
Supporters of the center say losing services like Unique Little Angels would leave many Oklahoma families with very limited care options for children with severe autism and complex needs.
Owner Calls on Community and State Leaders for Support
Pannell is now asking community members, investors, and Oklahoma lawmakers to help keep the center operating and support future expansion efforts.
“I’m asking for any state senators, anybody that’s in power, any investors, anybody,” Pannell pleaded. “Help save my community.”
The organization has launched a GoFundMe campaign for people who want to contribute financially to the center’s mission and ongoing operations.
How to Help Unique Little Angels
Community members interested in supporting Unique Little Angels can donate through the organization’s GoFundMe campaign or contact the center directly at 405-905-5112 for additional information.
Unique Little Angels Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Unique Little Angels |
| Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Services Offered | Autism daycare, therapy, special needs support |
| Founder | Leeanna Pannell |
| Expansion Goal | Residential living services |
| Current Challenge | Financial instability and funding cuts |
| Community Need | Specialized autism and special needs care |
| Contact Number | 405-905-5112 |
Unique Little Angels has become an important resource for Oklahoma City families searching for specialized autism and special needs care.
Founded from one mother’s personal struggle, the organization now supports children and families who often have limited options elsewhere.
As demand for specialized services continues to grow, financial pressures threaten the center’s ability to expand and continue serving the community.
Supporters hope increased community involvement and state assistance can help preserve one of the few specialized care programs available for families facing these challenges.
