A MONTH OF DISCOVERY FEBRUARY 2025
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TCFD: A Month of Discovery Dear Friends, In this edition of our newsletter, we’re thrilled to highlight additional press coverage of our recently opened Children’s Specialty Hospital, recognition of The Center for Discovery as the Best Place to Work, a call to action for your support to help protect Medicaid funding, and so much more. We hope you enjoy our monthly newsletter! |
Tickets on Sale for The Center’s Annual Evening of Discovery Gala!
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Join us on Tuesday, April 29th for our largest fundraising event of the year – tickets are on sale now! Proceeds benefit initiatives such as organic farming and nutrition, Animal Assisted Intervention and Education, Integrated Arts—including recreation and music therapy—assistive technology and innovation, and critical capital improvements across TCFD’s campuses. This year’s event will honor Nelly Bly Arougheti, Center for Discovery, Family Member and Board of Directors Member. Adding to the excitement, Gayle King renowned broadcast journalist, author, and co-host of CBS Mornings will serve as the emcee and actress and comedian Susie Essman, best known for her role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, will make special appearances throughout the evening. |
The Children’s Specialty Hospital Featured in the Press
Now open for business, our new Children’s Specialty Hospital is transforming care for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Recently profiled in the Sullivan County Democrat, the Specialty Hospital features sensory rooms, therapeutic spaces, and family support programs – providing a holistic to approach to care.
Read more about it, including success stories we’re already seeing here.
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Protect Medicaid – Your Support is Needed Medicaid funding is essential to the care of individuals we serve here at The Center, with 90% of our funding coming from Medicaid. Cuts to this program could have a major impact on the services children and adults in our care rely on every day. With a proposed $1.5 trillion cuts in the House budget, critical care and support systems are at risk – and it’s not a partisan issue – it’s about protecting your loved ones. How can you help? You can start by contacting your Senators and Representatives today to reject Medicaid cuts and support people with intellectual and development disabilities. Every voice matters, and we need all hands on deck to preserve these essential services. Take action here. |
In Case You Missed It: TCFD VOTED BEST PLACE TO WORK!
We’re thrilled to share The Center for Discovery has once again been voted Best Place to Work in the River Reporter’s Readers’ Choice Awards— a huge accomplishment, and it’s all thanks to each and every one of our incredible staff members here at The Center.
The BEST awards encourage friendly competition, but also celebrates and uplifts the community by highlighting the amazing organizations and locally-owned businesses that make our area special. We are so proud to be a part of that and even prouder to be recognized as the BEST.
This recognition demonstrates the hard work, positive energy, and teamwork that our nearly 1,700 staff exemplify each and every day. We should all thank them for making TCFD such an incredible and inspirational place to work!
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Our Very Own Director of Music Therapy, Conio Loretto, recently gave a keynote address at the annual Music Therapy Conference at SUNY Fredonia – his alma matter! Thank you, Conio, for sharing the incredible work of our Music Therapy team!
Shaping up to be a Purr-fect Production
With auditions complete and the cast set, rehearsals for the Discovery Dramatic Arts production of CATS (this Spring!) are in full swing. Our Integrated Arts team quickly discovered that this classic score is probably the most intricate they’ve tackled yet—but the cast of talented singers are rising to the occasion and exceeding expectations. Their dedication and hard work are shining through and we can’t wait for our audiences to hear them bring this music to life.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, work is underway on the sets and costumes. Students from our education program and members of our adult program are once again lending their creative skills to these essential elements of the production.
We can’t wait to share more with you!
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The Spotlight’s On Our Culinary Team! Congratulations to The Culinary Team at TCFD on being named our February Center Spotlight – our version of employee of the month! The Culinary Team is an integral part of the Department of Nourishment Arts, translating the bounty of the farm into delicious meals that provide The Center’s residents and staff with optimal nutrition. We are so thrilled to recognize the incredible chefs that help to fulfill one of TCFD’s foundational principles, Food Is Medicine®. Next time you visit your loved one, please take a moment to thank the chef that prepares food for your child. |
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Innovation Labs Bringing the fun of Art with Spirographs February was certainly a chilly month at The Center, but Innovation Labs brought warmth and creativity to the Dayhab groups with a Valentine’s Day-themed twist! The switch-adapted Spirographs have brought endless joy, allowing individuals to design intricate and colorful patterns. Each person selects their favorite colors and designs, creating beautiful works of art. While the device was initially introduced for fun in the Dayhab and classroom settings, it’s also a valuable tool for therapy sessions, sensory relief, and vocational activities. This initiative provides a meaningful way for individuals to express themselves and share in the collective joy of artistic creation. |
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Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with Pawsability Dog Club’s 3rd Annual Virtual Silent Auction, April 7-10 Pawsability is more than just a dog daycare and grooming facility; it’s a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing meaningful job training and employment opportunities for autistic adults in New York City. Driven by their personal connection to The Center For Discovery, co-founders Jillian and Justin Forman envisioned a space where autistic adults facing significant employment barriers could thrive. Your participation in their silent auction directly supports this vision, with 100% of proceeds fueling the mission. Pre-register today for the auction at pawsabilityauction.org and follow them on Instagram @Pawsabilitydogclub! If you have questions, please contact Jillian at jillian@pdcbk.com. |
Invaluable Research from TCFD and Clifford Lab at Emory University and Georgia Tech
Researchers from the Clifford Lab at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology in collaboration with The Center for Discovery research team, recently published an article in the journal of Physiological Measurement entitled, From Motion to Emotion: Exploring Challenging Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder through Analysis of Wearable Physiology and Movement. In this study led by Dr. Ali Bahrami Rad, we evaluated the efficacy of using machine learning and biosensors to detect high-risk behaviors utilizing data collected through our Discovery Lab School program. We are interested in the automated detection of behaviors as this technology could reduce the burden of data collection for classroom staff, allowing them to focus on student performance and progress.
Read it here.
The Inaugural Round of Seed to Belly Battles at TCFD
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The wait is over – our Seed to Belly Battle is officially underway, and the first two rounds have already wrapped up! TCFD’s Seed to Belly Battle is a fun, friendly cooking competition inspired by Chopped, where cooking enthusiasts from across TCFD are showcasing their culinary skills in 3 exciting rounds to determine who The Center’s top chefs are! Here’s how it works:
For a sneak peek into the culinary creativity & fun, check out this teaser video. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to the grand finale! |
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Maple Syrup Season Sure is Sweet!
Around The Center
