Friends and Supporters,
It was an incredibly busy February here at The Center. Our work has come to the attention of a U.S. Congressman. We have received a major grant from New York State and Sullivan County. And in our classrooms, residences, and wide-open spaces, we have been learning, growing, and expressing ourselves through art, music, dance, exercise, recreation, and food.
Here’s a few brief highlights from this past month:
Rep. Mondaire Jones Visits The Center
First term U.S. Congressman, Rep. Mondaire Jones, toured our campus this month and expressed a genuine interest in our community and related issues. He represents the 17th District which under new redistricting, now includes Sullivan County.
Rep. Jones walked the South Campus and was impressed with the new Discovery Dreams Play Park. He visited the Life Center, drove through The Ridge, and went to the Thanksgiving Farm & Community School campus. He even stopped in Hurleyville to see the revitalization of the hamlet – visiting the General Store and Fiber on Main, and spending some time with one of TCFD’s residents, Tommy, who was working at The Sentinel office.
In a tweet to his followers, Rep. Jones called The Center “incredible.” “From art classes to job training, The Center finds creative and fulfilling ways to provide the care its residents need. I look forward to partnering with them,” he said.
“It was a wonderful visit,” said our CEO Patrick H. Dollard, “We are looking forward to building a great working relationship with Rep. Jones.” Rep. Mondaire Jones is up for re-election in November.
TCFD Receives a $2 Million Grant to Improve Air Quality & Safety
The Center has received a $2 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from New York State and Sullivan County to improve the safety of our residences and buildings across campus.
Included in the grant was 600 Tri-Kleen 500 UV HVAC units and hospital-grade filters for cleaner air everywhere. “The diffuse airborne nature of the COVID-19 virus made it clear that we need to focus attention on our air quality, not only for this continuing pandemic, but for general health and the prevention of other viruses to come,” TCFD CEO Patrick H. Dollard said in the press release, “We are so grateful to Sullivan County for understanding the medical frailties of the 350 children and adults in our residential community as well as our 1700 staff members. The Center will be in a stronger place for future infectious diseases thanks to the foresight of our great county.”
Children’s Specialty Hospital Update
We are full speed ahead at Rock Hill on the development of our Children’s Specialty Hospital.
Weather-permitting, March will be a big month. Expect to see plumbing and electrical work progressing, as well as framing in the ASD “neighborhoods” or wings, and the lobby. The roof is also slated to go up this month.
Learn How to Use Music to Improve Your Health!
No one knows how to improve your health through music more than our amazing Integrated Arts Team.
Their much anticipated 2nd Annual Virtual Conference is now scheduled for May. Please be on the lookout for an update and plan on inviting family and friends. “Enhancing Emotional Health and Wellness through Music Therapy” is a topic for everyone.
2022 Integrated Arts Virtual Training Series
Beginning this Spring, we are excited to host our third virtual training series hosted by the Integrated Arts team. Deeply focused on an individual’s personal potential and possibilities, rather than a disability, The Center for Discovery strives to create better care and unique and challenging opportunities for the most vulnerable populations. It is our hope to inspire and educate others about our creative programs and therapeutic practices through this collection of training videos centered around health and wellness. As we like to say, What Happens Here, Matters Everywhere.
A Busy Month Around Campus!
The weather never deters us here at The Center. We began tapping our maple trees to make our famous syrup. We had fun exploring our new Discovery Dreams Play Park. When it snowed, we held our own Olympics. And when we ventured indoors, we made music, art, and food. We knitted, we exercised and so much more.
Support Us All-Year!
You can be a part of our magic and miracles at The Center for Discovery every month of the year.
There are many ways to give. Please visit https://thecenterfordiscovery.org/ways-to-give/ for more details. For any questions, reach out to StrategicOutreach@tcfd.org.