July 22nd, 2010
We know that until all our children are back home in New York, our work will never be done. You realized this, too, and when we asked, you helped. Now the dream is becoming a reality.
The day has finally arrived! Join us as we break ground on the Tom Golisano School at Springbrook!
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When: Thursday, July 29, 2010 - 12:00pm-2:00pm - Ceremony Starts Promptly at 12:30pm.
Tours will be available following the ceremony. Luncheon will also follow for invited guests.
Where: Springbrook - 2705 State Highway 28 - Oneonta, NY 13820
Click Here for Directions
Please RSVP to Beth Peterson at (607) 286-7171 ext. 283 or petersonb@springbrookny.org.
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July 13th, 2010
Springbrook’s HELP (Helping Enrich Lives of People with Disabilities) Committee will host its Bi-Annual Two Day Yard Sale on July 23 and 24, from 8:00am to 4:00pm both days. The Yard Sale will take place on Springbrook’s Main Campus at 2705 State Highway 28 in Oneonta. Items available for sale include new and gently used furniture, clothing, toys, household items, decorations, books, DVDs and more.
Ducks for the Annual Duck Derby will also be available for adoption.
All proceeds from the Yard Sale will benefit people with developmental disabilities throughout Otsego County and Central New York.
Members of the community wishing to donate items to the Yard Sale may contact Elaine Shulgay at (607) 286-7171 ext. 240 to schedule a pick up. Donations may also be dropped off at Springbrook’s Administration Building on State Highway 28, just south of Portlandville. Donations are tax deductable.
Springbrook established HELP in 2005 in an effort to assist individuals with developmental disabilities who had needs but did not have the resources (financial or otherwise) to meet their needs. HELP is an employee-run committee that serves to identify needs, coordinate employee fundraising efforts, pool resources and make grants to individuals with disabilities. Every year HELP raises over $40,000 through its Duck Derby, Yard Sale and other fundraising endeavors. Funds are distributed to individuals served by Springbrook who are in need through HELP’s mini-grant program.
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June 30th, 2010
Autism and other developmental disabilities do not disappear once a child turns 18. Yet, although there are many heartwarming stories about children, it is harder for families to find stories about what happens when their child grows up. One family hopes to provide some answers. After all, who better to share stories of struggles and triumph than a Springbrook family?
In the new blog, Mission of Complex: Our Journey Through Hyperlexia, follow the Katz family as they chronicle the life of their 20-year-old son, Nate, and share their observations on hyperlexia (which is on the autism spectrum) both during Nate’s childhood and today, in order to provide other parents with hope and guidance.
As the blog’s first entry reveals,
“”Mission of Complex? That’s typical Nate word play on “Mission Accomplished,” and one of our favorite bits of Nate-speak. What I hope this blog can do is give help and solace to parents struggling with younger kids posed with similar challenges. I know that when Nate was 9 or 10, we were desperate for stories, any stories, of a 20-year-old like Nate. There weren’t many, let only ones that ended up with a kid in college! How we got here from there is a fascinating story, at times frustrating, at times funny, at all times rewarding.
Our family has never presented ourselves as inspirational people, or as experts in autism or hyperlexia. Yet, we find ourselves living in the midst of an inspiring story, with much to offer. The Mission of Complex blog will share stories, memories, paths taken and, hopefully, serve as a sounding board for families and professionals who are looking for fellow travelers who are a bit further on up the road.”
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June 25th, 2010
The New York State Legislature has officially passed a bill to remove the words “Mental Retardation” and similar terms from the government lexicon. This long awaited bill will change the name of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) to the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The legislation also removes “Mental Retardation” from State statutes and regulations, specifically the New York Mental Hygiene Law.
OMRDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter will formally announce the name change in the coming weeks.
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June 22nd, 2010
On Wednesday, June 30th, Springbrook will honor employees celebrating 10 years or more of service at the 12th Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon.
Employees who have worked at Springbrook for 10+ years are invited to bring a guest and attend the luncheon, which will be hosted at the Otesaga Resort Hotel (60 Lake Street, Cooperstown, NY). A Milestone Years Hors D’oeurves Reception will begin at 11:30am, at which time photographs will be taken of milestown employees. The luncheon will last from 12:30pm-2:30pm.
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June 18th, 2010
Corinn (center) receives her certificate, accompanied by Carl Letson (DDSO Director) and Carol Krueger (Lead RN)
Congratulations to Corinn Parsons, LPN, who recently participated in the Extraordinary Caregiver Recognition Program! Nominated by the School at Springbrook, Corinn was one of only 25 candidates from across the state selected to participate in the program.
The Extraordinary Caregiver Recognition Program, sponsored by the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University, recognizes and supports caregivers like Corinn, who provide hands-on care to individuals with developmental disabilities. Often these caregivers, who come from diverse cultural backgrounds, are the people on whom many individuals with developmental disabilities rely for meeting their basic human needs. Although many of these frontline caregivers provide compassionate care above and beyond the call of duty, they rarely receive recognition and attention for their exceptional service — until now!
The Extraordinary Caregiver Recognition Program allows the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities’ stakeholders — like Springbrook – to recommend frontline caregivers for this program. The Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare has designed a comprehensive education and training program that helps direct caregivers and co-workers cope with the stress of a demanding job.
During this program, Corinn had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of subjects, including family relationships, health, finance, diversity and multicultural issues. Upon completing the program, Corinn was honored in a presentation and certificate ceremony held at the Broome Developmental Center Theater.
Congratulations, Corinn! Thank you for all of your hard work at Springbrook!
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June 14th, 2010
You can help the School at Springbrook give back to the community — Join the Pre-Wages 1 class as they host Alex’s Lemonade Stand on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 from 10:00am-1:00pm in the School at Springbrook.
All proceeds from the Lemonade Stand will go toward Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, to raise funds for childhood cancer research.
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June 11th, 2010
On Thursday, June 10th, family, staff, classmates and friends gathered in the School at Springbrook gymnasium to celebrate the 9 graduates’ accomplishments. Friends and teachers honored each student, recounting stories from their years at the School at Springbrook and bestowing upon them awards in Adaptive Physical Education, Certificates of Achievement and diplomas from their home school districts. Congratulations to the Class of 2010! We are all so proud of you. We look forward to hearing about your new adventures in the years to come.
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May 10th, 2010
The New York State Assembly will celebrate Disability Awareness Day on Monday, May 17th in Alb
any. The annual event educates Members of the State Assembly and staff about disability issues and recognizes the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities. The program, which includes an Opening Ceremony, seminars on disability issues, passage of key disability-related legislation and exhibitor fair, will begin at 10:00am in the Legislative Office Building.
The event is free and open to the public.
For additional information and to “register” groups over 20 individuals, please contact the Assembly Task Force on People with Disabilities at (518) 455-4592 or visit http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Disability/20100421/.
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May 5th, 2010
Springbrook is hosting the upcoming Otsego County Chamber Business After Hours. Join us at the School at Springbrook on Thursday, May 20th from 4:30pm-6:30pm.
Network with other local businesses, enjoy good food and learn about Springbrook and our upcoming Coming Home Expansion Project. Tours of the School will be available. See how we have grown and explore our plans for the future!
For more information or to RSVP, contact Pam at (607) 432-4500 ext. 201 or pam@otsegocountychamber.com.
Directions are available by visiting the Springbrook website.
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