Friends & Supporters,
Ever vigilant in our data collecting, tracking and safety policies, as the temperatures dipped and COVID-19 cases rose, here at The Center for Discovery we had to pivot again.
And yet, in the midst of all that – we have found renewed strength, passion, compassion, and devotion. We ended November celebrating Thanksgiving with a depth of gratitude previously unimaginable. Every one of our residents, students, and colleagues are brilliant lights gently guiding us forward in a dim, challenging time. We know that we are blessed.
Here’s a brief look at the highlights of our collective month’s work
A Recent COVID – 19 Update with Dr. Terry Hamlin
In a recent bi-weekly family webinar, TCFD’s Associate Executive Director, Terry Hamlin, updated loved ones on both the status of the schools and plans for the holidays.
With cases rising in Sullivan County and all surrounding areas, and an average of 50-60 staff members calling out sick each day with exposures and potential COVID-19 symptoms, it was decided that the community school program would return to remote learning into mid-December – at which time the situation will be reevaluated. The residential school program remains fully operational at this point.
“Our staff saves lives,” Dr. Hamlin said as she described how staff worked double shifts and did not float their locations to contain outbreaks in two homes. Luckily, everyone is now COVID-19 negative and symptom-free. Rapid testing, face shields, and surgical masks were critical, she explained.
Several dozen families decided to take their loved ones home for the holidays. Those who stayed for Thanksgiving were treated to feasts made by chefs in our Department of Nourishment Arts® and took part in festivities planned by our endlessly caring and enthusiastic residential associates. We are so grateful to all of them!
New Partnership with the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
We are so excited to announce a new research and development partnership with the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council with a specific goal of analyzing and reducing the use of restraint and seclusion practices in our community and across the state.
With this new partnership and others including the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, the New York state Office of Children and Family Services, the New York State Office of Mental Health and the New York State Education Department, The Center is advancing its research and best practices way beyond its Sullivan County borders.
Now More than Ever, We Need Your Support
The holiday season is upon us! And now more than ever, we need your support.
As you make your lists and check them twice, and see relatives at socially-distanced gatherings and on Zoom, please remember our Annual Appeal.
Any contribution will allow us to continue keeping our residents and staff safe and healthy through this tough pandemic time, and provide the world-class care, education, and enrichment we are increasingly known for across the globe. We thank you in advance for your kindness and compassion. It strengthens us and moves us forward.
Giving Back with The Center for Discovery’s Thanksgiving Society
If long-term investing in The Center is possible for you, we ask you to consider our new Thanksgiving Society for our friends who have included TCFD in their estate planning. It is a wonderful way to keep our beautiful community growing and flourishing for years to come. For more information, please contact StrategicOutreach@tcfd.org.
An Amazon Gift & A TCFD Smile
If Amazon is your go-to superstore this holiday season, please take one moment and set-up your Amazon account to link to The Center for Discovery. With just a few quick clicks at https://smile.amazon.com, you can designate The Center as the beneficiary of your purchases. Amazon will then donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to TCFD. There is no extra cost to you!
Thank you for making this small adjustment that will help support our mission.
Go LOCAL…for the Personal Touch in Gift Giving
At the end of a very tough year, we agree that this may be the season to go with gifts that come with a lot of meaning. There is no place better to get the personal touch than the shops along Main Street in Hurleyville, New York.
At the Hurleyville General Store, you will find a wide array of gifts that support the environment and all individuals with a disability. BONUS: some of them were made right here at The Center! The same is the case at Fiber on Main where some of the wool came from the sheep who graze the land on our campus.
Not sure whether to get a hat, a puzzle, fabulous organic tea, or felted soap? No worries – both stores offer gift certificates for your convenience.
Missed Our First Ever Virtual Conference? Tune In at your Convenience!
If you haven’t had time to watch our virtual conference on COVID-19, our community and The Center, we now have captioned videos and a playlist available at: https://bit.ly/TCFDConferenceYT2020.
It is worth your time to witness the compassion and dedication of our staff as evidenced in the presentations.
Harvesting Gratitude and Fun Month – TCFD Style
No one is more creative than the staff at The Center! November’s Integrated Arts “Harvesting Gratitude & Fun” selections continued to expand on an already rich fabric of art, music, dance, and movement videos and projects available to every educator, residential associate, student, and parent.
They included reading on the big screen, stress-busting techniques like sound healing and yoga breathing, history lessons on American Indian Heritage, a virtual field trip to the first Thanksgiving, honoring veterans with cards and poppies, a virtual Turkey Trot and Perky Turkey contest, dancing, and so much more!
“We are deeply grateful of our Center communities’ commitment to grabbing joy and gratitude in the little moments,” said Jim Cashen, Assistant Chief of the Integrated Arts Department, “We remain committed to implementing creative programming and continue to draw positive energy from our inspiring co-workers in our daily walk with the children and adults we safely care for and love.”
Showing Gratitude to our Tireless and Dedicated Staff
For most of us, 2020 has been one of the most difficult years of our lives. Here at The Center, it is our residents, students, staff, and many small, golden moments with them that have lit our way through a dim tunnel. At a recent (virtual) Thanksgiving Conference held annually for our Education staff, we shared our gratitude with a special tribute video. To view it, visit: https://vimeo.com/483163306/2c08347d8b.