We have a lot to be proud of as we recently celebrated our graduation with another fourteen students moving on from our campus program. It is the little things at the graduation ceremony that reflected the steps that we have made:

• Mary’s singing her song which she wrote;
• The students providing the entirety of the music for the ceremony;
• The evident expression of pride of each graduate for accomplishment a major goal in his/her life; and
• The recognition of students and staff in the success of our Community of Caring program which focuses on our five core values of Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Fairness, and Respect.

We also have a lot to be proud of as we look back at our accomplishments as a Network of Services. We continue to expand our community network – now having four adults in supported apartments, as well as 54 adults in nine IRA’s. On Friday we are closing on a new home in Saugerties for five men, making this our 10th IRA, with another home projected for next Spring.

Providing stability for each of our residents and students is a value that we cherish. Accordingly, it is very encouraging to note that our staff turnover is at the lowest level ever – at just barely over 20%. Within our type of services, that is extremely noteworthy. We are also about to sign a renewal for our lease for our Devereux Millwood Learning Center for autistic children in Westchester County – thereby providing long sought stability for that program as well.

And most of all, we are pleased that the interaction between our staff and the parents of those we care for continue to be positive, supportive, and helpful in many ways: financially with donations; emotionally with words of encouragement and support; and programmatically with suggestions for improvement. It is this interaction that assists us to better serve their son or daughter. We are very grateful for those supportive actions and continued involvement.