From the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

An anonymous author once wrote, “Scrapbooks bind together memories to warm our hearts.” There are so many heartwarming memories at Springbrook; it is hard to pick only a few to share with you.

It is true that this past year has not been easy for everyone. But when I look back, I only remember Springbrook’s many accomplishments. I see our friends gathered to help us support the Kids Unlimited Preschool Program – raising over $130,000 at the 2009 “What Do You Dream?” Gala, our most successful event yet! I think of the beautiful new house currently under construction in Norwich and the four young men who will soon call it home. I recall the Springbrook Scorpions basketball team’s gold medal win at the 2009 New York State Special Olympics Summer Games. 

If you ask our participants, employees, or families what is their favorite memory of Springbrook, they will talk about the magic of starting their first job, how it felt to meet their Mom again for the first time in 30 years, or the overwhelming joy of knowing that after many long years of waiting, their son was coming home.

These are the memories that make me the happiest to be a part of Springbrook. But none of them would have been possible without the boundless generosity of our friends, like you. You have shown that even in the midst of economic adversity, you are more willing than ever to help Springbrook’s cause.   

As we go into 2009-2010, I ask you to lend your support again. Forced to send their child to school out of state, too many families are missing the experience of watching their children grow up and sharing in their victories. But through Springbrook’s Coming Home expansion project, we can help fix this situation. By creating more classroom and residential space, we can bring children like Drew home to New York, to Springbrook, and to their families.

Thanks to the continuing generosity of Tom Golisano, every gift we receive toward the Coming Home Campaign before March 31, 2010 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. That means that your donation is effectively doubled!  Every child, every family, deserves to make memories together. Thanks to your support, every day we are closer to making this a reality.