A MONTH OF DISCOVERY NOVEMBER 2023

What a month it was! We can tell you one thing – at TCFD, there is so much to be grateful for every day. We enthusiastically launched our end-of-year campaign with our biggest goal to date, hosted an inspirational dental clinic alongside NYU, shared new research on AI and Autism in partnership with RPI, and much more that we are all so proud of at The Center.

Here’s a look back at the month of November and all that we accomplished.

Our 2023 year-end campaign is now live. Each year, this campaign provides vital support to our innovative recreational and therapeutic activities; organic and biodynamic farming and nutrition program; capital improvements to our school and residential buildings; and transformative benefits to our incredible workforce who make what we do, possible.

The theme this year is “Today is the day to change a life.” So much of what we do here, in our care for individuals with complex conditions, is driven by passion and love. Together, we provide life-changing educational, residential, recreational, and medical services to more than 1,200 children and adults. Through this incredible work, we unlock potential and witness so much joy, and so many achievements.

Please help us share this year-end campaign widely with your network of family and friends. Direct them to make a tax-deductible donation by clicking this link.

TCFD and NYU’s College of Dentistry Join Forces for an Incredible Dental Experience

A huge shout-out to a team from NYU’s College of Dentistry who recently visited The Center as part of an outreach program designed to promote inclusive oral health care practices for those with complex disabilities. Thank you to the incredible team for providing cleanings, screenings, and preventative dental services, all while accommodating the unique needs of all individuals who received services. We’re looking forward to the next clinic!

“In our final debrief/reflection huddle, our participants were in tears because they were so full of love and admiration for the work you all do at The Center,” Eddie Rosenbaum, Director of Global Outreach and International Initiatives at New York University – College of Dentistry said. “It is true, what happens here, matters everywhere!”

Read more about it on The Center’s blog.

Advancing Research and Supporting Interns with Cornell University

We were thrilled to host a team from Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology at The Center. Dr. Nancy Wells (Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education, College of Human Ecology) and Dr. Joshua Felver (Extension Associate of the ILR School’s Yang Tan Institute and a Visiting Scholar of the College of Human Ecology’s Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research) were joined by a post-doctoral fellow, doctoral student, and undergraduate student. This visit follows a multi-year collaboration to support Nutrition and Human Ecology interns from Cornell, as well as a growing research partnership focused on the benefits of nature-based education and related areas of study.

2023 Annual Passages Conference at the Big Barn

TCFD recently hosted the annual Passages Conference presented by the student organization of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association. Seventy-five music therapy students and new professionals from all around the region attended the conference, which included presentations on a number of diverse topics. In addition to hosting, TCFD music therapists were well represented in the conference program.

BONUS: Our Songs of Discovery for Music Therapy songbook was also available for sale to the attendees. Holiday shopping? Get your copy here.

A Pawsitive Meeting with Our Friends at Pawsability!

Michael Rosen, Executive VP of Strategic Marketing and Communications had a great visit to the Pawsability HQ in Brooklyn, where we learned all about their mission to create employment opportunities for adults with autism. We always love to share the work of our dear friends and like-minded organizations who also have the goal of providing vocational foundations for people of all abilities. BIG bonus if there are dogs involved. A special shout out goes to Jillian Forman, the co-founder and Executive Director of Pawsability. Thanks for having us!

TCFD Wins Big at the NYC Marathon

A tremendous thank you to TCFD family member, Emily Palermo, who raised $10,000 during this year’s TCS NYC Marathon on November 5^th. Emily trained tirelessly for months and completed the race with dedication and passion on behalf of her two cousins who live here, Hugh and Grace. In her own words, Emily shared “I am so thankful for the care, support and growth that Hugh, Grace, and all the residents are experiencing at TCFD and my family. I would be so grateful if you would consider making a contribution to support the tremendous work that happens there.”

Emily, we thank you for commitment to our cause and for raising funds and awareness on behalf of TCFD. We are so grateful and impressed that you tackled the NYC Marathon – congrats!

5^th Annual Friends of Will Raises Over $100,000 for TCFD

Each year, the Friends of Will (FOW) 24 hour walk raises money on behalf of The Center for Discovery. This year, the annual walk held during the weekend of November 18^th raised more than $100k!

Posted on the FOW GoFundMe, Will’s Father, Robert, shares: “Including checks and direct contributions to The Center for Discovery, we achieved our goal of raising $100,000+!!!! Truly incredible and all because of your generosity, compassion and support of our son, Will and his school.”

Thank you – from the bottom of our hearts – to the Schupler Family for not only raising funds, but for spreading awareness and the impact of the work we do. Congratulations on exceeding this year’s goal!

Holiday Shopping in Hurleyville + New Store Opening!

Thanksgiving came and went and now we are full speed ahead into a busy but joyful holiday season and it’s a good thing we can shop local! Head on over to Hurleyville for all of your holiday food & gifts needs at the Hurleyville General Store, La Salumina, All That Glitters is Old, Morgan Outdoors, and more!

And, have you heard the news? Forage & Gather has opened a second location in Hurleyville. Stop in for more Hurleyville fun!