A MONTH OF DISCOVERY MAY 2026

TCFD: A Month of Discovery

Dear Friends,

Summer is off to an exciting start at The Center for Discovery! From celebrating a transformative $10 million capital grant for our Transitional Living Community to inspiring moments at the Adventure Team Challenge, community partnerships, and unforgettable experiences for those we support, there’s so much to celebrate. Read on for the latest news and highlights from across TCFD.

$10 Million Capital Grant Supports Transitional Living

We are excited to share that the FY27 New York State Budget includes a $10 million capital grant to support construction of The Center for Discovery’s newest project, the Transitional Living Community (TLC), which will be located on the third floor of our Rock Hill building.

This innovative 40-bed community is designed to address a growing need for aging adults with complex disabilities and medical fragility who require increased specialized medical care and support.

For more information on the TLC and to read the press release, click here.

In case you missed it… The TLC was recently featured in The Sullivan County Democrat. The article highlights this first-of-its-kind facility, its potential to transform care, and the impact it will have on the individuals and families we support, as well as the Sullivan County community. Read the full story here.

Adventure, Determination, and Teamwork Take Center Stage

Our annual Adventure Team Challenge New York was a spectacular three-day event hosted by The Center for Discovery and Frost Valley YMCA.

This 16th annual event, sponsored by the Dolber Family Foundation and World TEAM Sports, featured 12 remarkable young athletes from TCFD who brought joy, determination, and teamwork to every challenge while participating in a variety of sporting events and ceremonies alongside our incredible TCFD staff and World TEAM Sports volunteers.

The adventure kicked off on our South Campus at Discovery Dreams Play Park with biking, obstacle courses, relays, and a spirited “floor is lava” challenge before transitioning to Frost Valley YMCA. There, participants enjoyed biking, hiking, campfires, singing, and time together in the beautiful Catskill Mountains before a heartfelt closing medal ceremony.

“Witnessing the Yellow Jackets, Red Tide, and Blue Steel teams lovingly guided on a challenging hike by their coaches and incredible support staff was one of this year’s highlights,” commented Jim Cashen, Assistant Chief of Integrated Arts. “The team spirit, encouragement, and sheer determination of our enthusiastic athletes to reach new heights was inspiring throughout our three-day event.”

After each exciting day, the teams returned to camp to enjoy sound healing, delicious food, campfires, and beautiful live music before settling into their cozy cabins for the night. When one TCFD athlete was asked what his favorite part of the experience was, his answer said it all: “Making a new friend.”

A special thank you to our recreation, education, residential, clinical, and nursing teams, who partnered with our friends from World TEAM Sports to make this extraordinary event possible once again.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s adventure!

Sullivan 180 Superintendent Roundtable Hosted at TCFD

The Center for Discovery recently welcomed school superintendents, food service leaders, and community partners to the Alemany Learning Center in Rock Hill for a Superintendent Roundtable hosted by Sullivan 180 – a local organization dedicated to supporting community efforts to improve the health of all county residents.

The event focused on advancing nutrition, wellness, and healthy food access in schools and communities throughout the region. TCFD’s Jennifer Franck, Chief of DNA – Nutrition, Health, and Research, and Keith Rico, Chief of Training and Program Development, shared insights into The Center’s innovative SynergE6 model of care, Food is Medicine approach, and health outcomes.

The roundtable also highlighted regional school nutrition initiatives, community partnerships, and upcoming opportunities to support healthier futures for children and families.

TCFD Featured in the Democrat’s School Scene

The Center for Discovery’s Education program was prominently featured in the Spring 2026 edition of the Sullivan County Democrat’s School Scene, highlighting the innovative programs that help students at The Center learn and thrive. The special section showcased everything from TCFD’s SynergE6 Healthspan Model and assistive technology to creative clubs, hands-on learning experiences, and the dedicated staff who make it all possible.

Click here to view the full issue.

What a day at Yankee Stadium!

Yankees Outing

Several TCFD residents recently enjoyed an exciting Yankees vs. Guardians game at Yankee Stadium, cheering on the Yankees to a win and creating memories along the way.

A special thank you to Friends of Will (the Schupler family) for making this experience possible, and to the New York Yankees for their generous donation of tickets!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is Now Streaming

Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

The full production of our live performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is now available to watch!

More than a musical, this annual production is a remarkable example of what makes The Center for Discovery so unique. Months of planning and preparation brought together students, residents, clinicians, educators, recreation therapists, creative arts staff, volunteers, facilities teams, production crews, families, and supporters from across the organization – each playing an important role in creating an unforgettable experience.

From the excitement of rehearsals to the standing ovations on opening night, the production was filled with heartwarming moments that celebrated creativity, confidence, teamwork, and the incredible talents of our performers.

Thank you to everyone whose passion, creativity, and collaboration helped bring this extraordinary production to life.

Watch the performance here.

Clinicians Explore Low-Cost, High-Impact Solutions Through Adaptive Design Training

Adaptive Design

In May, clinicians from The Center for Discovery participated in an immersive, hands-on training experience at Adaptive Design Hudson Valley (ADHV) focused on adaptive design. Guided by the ADHV staff, participants explored how cardboard and other affordable, easily sourced materials can be transformed into low-cost, high-impact adaptive solutions that support individual needs.

Through creative problem-solving and collaborative design, clinicians practiced building practical adaptations that promote access, independence, and participation. The experience made such a strong impact that they have since established their own adaptive design workstation within their office building, allowing them to continue developing their skills and creating custom cardboard adaptations for the individuals they serve.

You’re Invited to TCFD Parent – Cris Spinner’s One Woman Show!

On Saturday, July 25th 8:00pm at the beautiful Hurleyville Performing Arts Center in Hurleyville, NY – TCFD parent, Cris Spinner is performing a one woman show titled “I Have Eras Too!” Accompanied by a six-piece band, Cris is performing an evening of all original stories and songs.　

Tickets can be purchased here.