A MONTH OF DISCOVERY JANUARY 2025 – The Center for Discovery

Dear Friends,

There’s never a quiet moment at The Center for Discovery, and this month has been no exception. From major milestones to community celebrations, we’re excited to share the latest updates with you.

First, we express our deep gratitude for the incredible support of our 2024 Annual Appeal, which helps sustain and grow our transformative programs. We’re also thrilled to announce the official opening of our Children’s Specialty Hospital, a groundbreaking facility providing critical care for children with complex disabilities.

Adding to the excitement, our Discovery Dramatic Arts program is bringing the beloved musical CATS to life in a unique and inclusive production featuring both live performances and multimedia elements.

And mark your calendars—our Evening of Discovery Gala returns on April 29, a special night dedicated to celebrating our mission and those who make it possible.

Thank You for Supporting our 2024 Annual Appeal

On behalf of the Office of Strategic Outreach and Partnerships at The Center for Discovery, we want to extend our genuine thanks for the incredible support you’ve shown during our 2024 Annual Appeal campaign. Because of your generosity, this year’s campaign – our most important of the year – was an overwhelming success, helping to sustain and grow the transformative programs we offer.

To give you a closer look at the impact of your contributions, we’ve created a short video highlighting some of the programs your donations help support. We hope you will watch and see firsthand the difference you’ve made.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Together, we are changing lives.

Big News for our Children’s Specialty Hospital

In case you missed it, TCFD is breaking boundaries and making news! Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Charles Schumer announced the official opening of our Children’s Specialty Hospital in Rock Hill, NY in a joint press release. This first-of-its-kind facility provides specialized care for children and young adults with complex disabilities like autism, offering short-term inpatient care to increase healthy outcomes and keep families together. Thanks to this groundbreaking project, children will have access to the comprehensive care they need, while reducing the need for long-term residential placement.

A special thank you to Senator Schumer, Governor Hochul, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Empire State Development, and all of our other partners and community members for supporting families across New York and advocating on behalf of TCFD.

News of The Center’s Specialty Hospital was also featured in the Times Union and on Spectrum News Hudson Valley. To read the full press release and an article, click here.

A special thank you to the Children’s Specialty Hospital team who was instrumental in getting the facility up and running!

Save the Date – Evening of Discovery Gala on April 29!

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our annual Evening of Discovery Gala this April 29^th at Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York City.

This year, we are proud to honor Nelly Bly Arougheti, Family Member and Board Member at The Center for Discovery. During the event, we will pay special tributes to both Nelly’s mom, Jimmie Ritchie, and Elaine Corrington who was such an integral part of The Center community.

The Evening of Discovery Gala is The Center’s most important fundraising event of the year, with proceeds benefiting some of TCFD’s most transformative programs including: organic farming and nutrition, the Animal Assisted Intervention and Education program, the Integrated Arts program including recreation and music therapy, assistive technology, and capital improvements across TCFD’s campuses. Monies raised from the event also support our 1,700 staff members with benefits such as daycare and summer camp for their children, and tuition reimbursement and scholarships.

Click here for tickets and sponsorship information!

Did You Catch Dr. Terry Hamlin’s Feature on Hope is My Middle Name?

In case you missed it, TCFD President & CEO, Dr. Terry Hamlin, joined Kate Tucker Music on the Hope Is My Middle Name podcast to talk about our holistic and lifestyle medicine approach – the HealthE6 model. Listen on your favorite podcast platform here.

We Certainly Know What Happiness Is Here at TCFD…Announcing CATS!

Well…the cat’s out of the bag!

We’re beyond thrilled to share that this year’s Discovery Dramatic Arts program will present our very own version of the classic musical, CATS.

In January, auditions were held over two days, filling the Big Barn theater space with 45 students and adults from across TCFD – what a showing! Those who auditioned were led through acting and dance/movement exercises, while also learning one of the songs from the show.

This year especially, it was incredible to see so many new students and adults audition. One of the young adults from The Center’s program came to watch auditions on the first day – solely to watch his peers – and then decided to come back the next day to try out himself! Overall, there were many surprises as everyone proudly showcased their talents.

We’re excited that this year’s cast of 29 will feature many new faces, as well as returning favorites.

And now for our “very own version” of the show. This year, it’s being designed so that many will have the chance to participate – some will appear live on stage, while others will participate through prerecorded video excerpts.

TCFD’s Senior Director of Music Therapy, Conio Loretto, said of the show, “We are really leaning into the use of technology to aid in our storytelling. We’ve got singers, dancers, and actors – and many doing all three! All of this will come together as a loving homage to the original Broadway show.”

More to come!