The Windmill Project is a non-profit 501(c) organization based in Alexandria, MN. Our board consists of volunteers who are passionate about providing activities and opportunities for the special needs community within our local area.

Our Story

History of the Windmill Project

The Windmill Project has been an integral part of the Alexandria community since the early 2000s, providing support to families of children with disabilities and special needs. It originally began as part of a regional, federally funded experimental grant aimed at empowering parents to partner with professional service systems. When the federal funding ended, a dedicated group of family volunteers, supported by local professionals, recognized the positive impact of the project and committed to sustaining it.

In 2004, the Windmill Project was incorporated as a non-profit organization directed by a board of community parent volunteers. Since its inception, the project’s primary focus has been on building relationships between parents for peer support and connecting them to relevant resources. In the early days, disabilities were often segregated and not visibly acknowledged within local communities. Today, individuals with disabilities are more integrated into our communities in various ways.

With the help of the internet, the Windmill Project has expanded its reach, connecting people with disabilities and their families to essential services and resources. Today, the project’s main role in the community is to provide sensory-friendly events that foster connections and relationships within the special needs community.