Our Story
In 1977, Bev Larson had a dream. She wanted to help children with disabilities and emotional challenges survive and thrive in the world.
Her friend, educator Barb Kralj, agreed and their combined vision created a partnership.
They believed bringing diverse children into a joint classroom would provide a foundation for learning. Together core values of acceptance, compassion and understanding could be developed. “We always knew we would build a school,” said Barb. “The vision Bev had for education and taking care of kids and family—that was always her priority.”
In working with parents of children with developmental disabilities, they realized that many had needs not being met. Together they created Old Mill School, offering “A Special Education Experience” to all children.
“We always knew we would build a school.”
–Barb Kralj


Pioneers in the Education Field
Today, Larson and Kralj are considered pioneers in the field of education. They created a preschool integrating normally developing and special needs children in the same classroom. This soon became a model for the nation and is now widely used with children of all ages.
Mainstreaming kids with a range of disabilities is now accepted practice in public schools.
The community preschool program remains a cornerstone of Old Mill Center for Children & Families.
We are committed to providing critical services that would otherwise not be available in our community.
Old Mill Center has grown from serving eight families in 1977 to over 2,000 children and their families annually through six distinct programs.
Families remain at the center of our work. Our services address educational, social, emotional, and family needs of children. The range of services we offer provide multi-leveled, individualized and group support. These services support at-risk children, from birth to 18, as well as their families and caregivers.
Dr. Larson passed away in March 2012 at the age of 67. Her legacy remains alive with the children and families Old Mill Center currently serves. It also lives on in the many families, children, and staff whose lives she has touched.

In the News
2021
Good Words: Grant purchases emergency supplies
Corvallis Gazette-Times — June 7, 2021
Old Mill sets virtual auction for May 1–8
Corvallis Gazette-Times — April 26, 2021
Good Words: Grant will help purchase supplies, books
Corvallis Gazette-Times — April 26, 2021
2020
Old Mill Center opens relief nursery facility in Monroe
Corvallis Gazette-Times — December 16, 2020
Good Words: Company provides support for children, families
Corvallis Gazette-Times — September 21, 2020
Corvallis solar group making inroads
Corvallis Gazette-Times — August 6, 2020
Corvallis approves social service, housing funding
Corvallis Gazette-Times — July 20, 2020
Good Words: Old Mill Center thanks auction supporters
Corvallis Gazette-Times — July 13, 2020
Good Words: Club donates books to center
Corvallis Gazette-Times — July 6, 2020
Good Words: Grateful for assistance
Corvallis Gazette-Times — June 29, 2020
Good Words: Old Mill Center receives grants
Corvallis Gazette-Times — June 15, 2020
Old Mill Center holds online auction
Corvallis Gazette-Times — June 11, 2020
Good Words: Support of Old Mill Center for Children and Families
Corvallis Gazette-Times — June 8, 2020
Corvallis gives out $360K to nonprofits
Corvallis Gazette-Times — May 28, 2020
Good Words: Grant supports nursery, mental health
Corvallis Gazette-Times — May 11, 2020
Good Words: Grant helps maintain continuity
Corvallis Gazette-Times — April 27, 2020
Old Mill Center to host online/streamed fundraiser
Corvallis Gazette-Times — April 13, 2020
Solarize Corvallis Moves to Old Mill Project
The Corvallis Advocate – April 13, 2020
Candy company donates sweets to Corvallis community organizations for Easter
Corvallis Gazette-Times — April 11, 2020
Good Words: Thanks for generous support
Corvallis Gazette-Times — March 2, 2020
At Our Best: Benton, Linn agencies receive tribal donations
Corvallis Gazette-Times — February 24, 2020
Good Words: Companies brightened holidays for many
Corvallis Gazette-Times — February 1, 2020
Good Words: Heartfelt thanks for support
Corvallis Gazette-Times — January 18, 2020
Corvallis takes a bow: Annual awards program honors city’s best and brightest
Corvallis Gazette-Times — January 17, 2020
2019
Good Words: Agencies support children’s resources
Corvallis Gazette-Times — December 28, 2019
Good Words: Shop shares the love of reading
Corvallis Gazette-Times — December 23, 2019
Good Words: Dealership puts a dent in food insecurity
Corvallis Gazette-Times — December 16, 2019
73 nominated for Celebrate Corvallis Awards
Corvallis Gazette-Times — December 13, 2019
The giving came in buckets: Benton Community Foundation unveils philanthropy awards
Corvallis Gazette-Times — November 16, 2019
Good Words: Grants will fund Monroe nursery
Corvallis Gazette-Times — September 21, 2019
Good Words: Agency benefits from fundraiser
Corvallis Gazette-Times — September 14, 2019
Good Words: Zonta grant backs Hispanic mothers
Corvallis Gazette-Times — September 7, 2019
Good Words: Thanks to foundation for funds
Corvallis Gazette-Times — August 31, 2019
Good Words: Individuals make fundraiser a success
Corvallis Gazette-Times — August 26, 2019
Business in Brief: Center announces board members
Corvallis Gazette-Times — August 19, 2019
At Our Best: Zonta Foundation awards 11 grants
Corvallis Gazette-Times — July 27, 2019
Old Mill Center gets grant to help open Monroe facility
Corvallis Gazette-Times — May 27, 2019
At Our Best: Thrift shop awards $35,000 in grants
Corvallis Gazette-Times — May 25, 2019
Corvallis school pageants raise more than $150,000 for charities
Corvallis Gazette-Times — May 10, 2019
Old Mill Center auction, dinner set for May 4
Corvallis Gazette-Times — April 3, 2019
Good Words: Center thanks foundation for funds
Corvallis Gazette-Times — March 16, 2019
Corvallis housing board hears pitches from nonprofits
Corvallis Gazette-Times — February 26, 2019
Caring Community: $450,000 to local service groups
The News Guard — January 7, 2019
Celebrate Corvallis tickets go on sale
Corvallis Gazette-Times — January 2, 2019