A MONTH OF DISCOVERY AUGUST 2025

Dear Friends,

As summer turns to fall, we’re reflecting on the incredible impact and experiences happening across The Center for Discovery. From groundbreaking research and statewide recognition to joyful moments on the Hudson River and championship wins at the county fair, this season has been filled with milestones that remind us of the strength of our community.

We’re excited to share just a few of the highlights with you – thank you for being part of this journey with us.

We’re Making an Impact – $3.1 Billion and Growing

We are proud to share the results of our latest Economic Impact Study, which highlights the difference The Center for Discovery is making across our community and throughout New York State.

Over the past 15 years, The Center has generated $3.1 billion in economic activity, strengthening local and statewide economies while continuing to provide groundbreaking care, education, and opportunities for individuals with complex conditions.

Here are a few highlights from the report:

In 2024, The Center generated $243 million in economic output for New York State.
With more than 1,700 employees, we are Sullivan County’s largest employer. Staff at The Center meanwhile earn, on average, 34% more than the county’s private-sector average.
Our workforce is projected to grow to 2,000 employees by 2026, supporting not only the individuals in our care, but also their families and communities.

This study shows that while our mission is always centered on the health and well-being of the students and residents we serve, The Center also plays a vital role in strengthening the region where our staff live, work, and raise their families.

Read the full Economic Impact Study here.

NYS Assemblywoman Paula Kay Visits The Center for Discovery

We were delighted to welcome NYS Assemblywoman Paula Kay and her Chief of Staff, Rachel Steingart, for a comprehensive tour of The Center for Discovery with President & CEO, Dr. Terry Hamlin and Michael Rosen, our EVP of the Office of Strategic Outreach and Partnerships. The visit included stops at the Washbarn, where our students and residents help harvest fresh vegetables, as well as our South Campus, LIFE Center Dayhab, and Ridge Campus.

Thank you, Assemblywoman Kay, for your support and for taking the time to get to know The Center and the incredible work happening across our campuses!

Senator Schumer

Our SynergE6 Healthspan Model is Making Headlines!

The Center for Discovery was recently featured in the Sullivan County Democrat for our SynergE6 Healthspan Model – a holistic approach to living healthier, longer. Read more to learn how the six pillars within the model work together to transform health and wellbeing.

Read the full article here!

Family Car Rally Brings Smiles Across Campus

One of our residential families recently hosted a fun and heartwarming car rally with friends of TCFD! Drivers cruised around our South Campus, waving hello and spreading smiles with a lineup of classic and new cars. The rally concluded with a special tour of the Children’s Specialty Hospital, where attendees learned about the innovative care happening across the facility.

A big thank you to TCFD family member Dr. Jordan Glaser for leading the rally – and to Keith Rico, Chief of Training and Program Development, for providing the tour and sharing insights about the Specialty Hospital – it was a memorable morning for everyone involved!

Summer Concert Series

Setting Sail on the Impossible Dream

Once again, The Center for Discovery took to the water aboard the Impossible Dream, a fully accessible catamaran designed to make sailing possible for everyone. Under blue skies, with cool temperatures and the perfect breeze, we set sail on the Hudson River with some of The Center’s most medically complex residents.

This extraordinary voyage was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of our clinical, nursing, and day habilitation teams, working hand in hand with our recreation therapy team. Together, they created an experience that was not only safe and supportive, but also filled with laughter, smiles, and pure joy.

The day was a reminder of why we go to such great lengths to create opportunities like this – because the joy and freedom our residents feel on the water is truly life-changing.

Sweet Hill Farm @ The Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville!

In August, the Sweet Hill Show Team had another incredible weekend at The Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville! A few of The Center’s adult residents wowed the crowd with their goat-handling skills and knowledge, while students and graduates shined alongside their 4-H club, The Sullivan County GOATgetters, a group made up of TCFD students and other goat-loving kids from across the county. The Sweet Hill goats brought home multiple grand championships – with Pebbles winning Best in Show!

Congratulations to all – including TCFD staff members – for this incredible accomplishment!

Center Gifts that Spark Learning, Movement, and Imagination

Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of Will, a nonprofit organization led by the Schupler family, our students are now enjoying three exciting new additions:

Shade Structures and a Picnic Table – Creating safe, welcoming, and comfortable spaces for outdoor fun at Discovery Dreams Play Park.

BEAM Pro Mobile Interactive Projector – Transforming any space in the Learning Center into an immersive world of play and learning.

Kinevia Duo Active Passive Trainer – Promoting movement, strength, and active engagement.

We are deeply grateful to all the donors who contributed to the Friends of Will for making these innovations possible—sparking joy, imagination, and growth every day.

The South Campus Farmer’s Market – a Succulent Success!

This summer, the Friendships & Foundations (F&F) and residential Community & Technology (C&T) classes teamed up with all pediatric South Campus houses to host a lively Farmer’s Market filled with food, crafts, and fun. Students sold their handmade merchandise, danced to live music, made art with mini horses, played lawn games, posed in the photo booth, and even tried their hand at a Build-A-Bouquet workshop.

Throughout the session, students worked hard on a wide variety of projects – from tie-dye t-shirts and dog treats to sensory toys and refreshing watermelon “mock”-itos.

Although the weather cut the event short, the teamwork, joy, and creativity on display made it a memorable day. Everyone walked away with a sense of pride, new skills, and a few tasty treats to share.

Visitors were excited to learn more about The Center for Discovery and diving into a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunities to thrive.