Birch Family Services

At the end of a very challenging year, a wonderful mom of a preschool student at our Pelham Bay Early Childhood Center in the Bronx shared her appreciation for the work of Birch teaching staff. Next to seeing students "light up" when they learn something new, it's recognition like this that makes all the work worthwhile. I want you to know that you are seen and you are valued. Click the link to read the complete letter. https://birchfamilyservices.org/3268-2/

The shocking words and violent actions on display in Washington, DC, on Wednesday have stunned us all. Parents may be struggling to talk to their children about events that they themselves are still grappling with. To help adults process their own feelings and communicate effectively and compassionately with young people, the Child Mind Institute has prepared a piece on "Helping Kids Understand the Riots at the Capital." The takeaways: *Four younger kids, stay calm and empha...size that they're safe, even if what they're seeing is scary. *For school-age kids, give kids a chance to tell you what they saw and ask questions. *For teenagers and young adults, discuss appropriate ways to channel their emotions and fight for what they believe in. *For kids of all ages, use the opportunity to have an honest, age-appropriate discussion about how these events fit into our nation's history. https://childmind.org//helping-kids-understand-the-riots-/

Thank you to everyone who answered our call and brightened the lives of the more than 2,000 people and families we support each day during this holiday season. Your contributions to our Year-End Campaign took us over the top, and we couldn't be more thrilled! In 2021, we look forward to keeping you informed and updated on our work ahead at Birch Family Services. Through your generosity, we are partners in providing critical services in our schools and at our residential and employment programs. Together, we empower people with autism and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

Now hiring Direct Support Professionals, Entry, Mid and Senior Managers & Coordinators in Residential Programs, RNs, and Behavioral Intervention Specialists! What: Virtual Job Fair! When: Thursday January 21, 2021 Session 1: 12:30 PM | Session 2: 1:00 PM... www.birchfamilyservices.org/virtual-job-fair-join-our-team-

As we look back at 2020, we’re incredibly thankful for the generosity that made it possible for us to remain open and available to support people with autism and developmental disabilities. No one could have imagined the devastating challenges we’ve faced. Many special needs services have suffered tremendously this year, and some are closed for good. While our services were altered, we never stopped, and for that we are profoundly grateful. Whether in our schools or at our residences, we’ve worked hard to share their uplifting stories with you. Despite these challenging times, there is still a lot of good happening in the world. And we can't do it without you! Please consider a gift to Birch Family Services as we bring in the New Year. Thank you. birchfamilyservices.org/holiday

It’s not too late to make a REAL difference! Through this trying year, our corporate partners have rallied in support of Birch Family Services. Shout out to the Junior Analysts at JP Morgan Chase who secured $9,000 for people in our CS programs! We rely on the generosity of our partners including YOU who are committed to our mission of empowerment. 2020 is coming to a close, and now is the time to make your tax-deductible contribution to support some of the most vulnerable people in New York City. birchfamilyservices.org/holiday

See you Monday at 6:45pm for Celebrating Today, Building Tomorrow HONORING BIRCH@45. Registration is free and open to all, and will be available up until, and through, the event. Invite your friends, family and colleagues and join us! bit.ly/31vnX9a #BIRCH45

As part of our 45th Anniversary Campaign, we sat down with Sue Miller, a founding teacher at Birch's first school who went on to serve as as our Chief Operating Officer from 1995 until 2014, to discuss her career and to describe some of the Birch programs that she feels made a difference to the lives of the people with autism and developmental disabilities and their families we support. Read the Article: bit.ly/35m8Xvm #Birch45

Cooley LLP has been a critical supporter of Birch Family Services for many years now. As founding partners of our Corporate Advisory Network and New Frontier programs and key supporters of our annual galas, and other programs, we couldn't ask for a better Corporate Sponsor. Here, Cooley Communications Specialist -- and longtime friend of Birch -- Marie Stone, speaks about why her firm supports Birch Family Services and the comes out each year in support of our annual fundrais...ing galas, virtual or otherwise. And why you should too! Join us next Monday, October 26th, for our FREE virtual community gathering! Register Here: bit.ly/2T5mwcK #Birch45 youtu.be/aqh8ooYc_5E

WOW! Our supporters raised OVER $70,000 for the BIRCH@45 5K CHALLENGE - thank you to everyone who helped us SMASH our goal! Shout out to our CHALLENGE winners Elana Margulies-Snyderman, Jim Pastore, and Jackie & Alan Goldberg! Up next is Birch Family Services’ Celebrating Today, Building Tomorrow virtual community gathering is on Monday, October 26 with an e-reception beginning at 6:45pm ET. The program will begin at 7:00pm ET. Registration is free and open to all: my.demio....com/ref/P18YI2Ir0Ptfo1Bz The evening will include everything that you’ve come to expect from our annual event in a free, virtual format. It will be a night to remember, including the wonderful Linda Schmidt from FOX 5 NY as host, a video showcasing a day in the life of Birch Family Services, and honoree acceptances from Scott Simon and Dr. Ronald and Jean Rawitt. #Birch45

David Carlucci thanks Birch Family Services for 45 years of commitment to and passion for people with autism and developmental disabilities. Even through the COVID pandemic, Birch has remained a pillar of the community thanks to our amazing DSPs and staff. Thank you Senator Carlucci for your support! #Birch45 youtu.be/Wrqk9dtYAkM

Sandra Austin, Senior Operations Coordinator for Birch residences in Brooklyn, speaks about the establishment of our Children’s Residential Project, which works closely with participants and their families to provide them with the support and understanding necessary for a successful placement and ultimate transition to adult services. https://youtu.be/0RseTUP9kt0

Longtime supporter and Board Member George wishes Birch Family Services a happy and glorious 45th Anniversary. George's ringing endorsement means a lot to us, because he knows the quality of our services first hand. Not only has he served on the Board since 2010, his son, Georgie, is a graduate of our Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children. youtu.be/HOTYod3ve3k

Congratulations to the 2020 Suellen Galbraith Award Winners: Lori Kress - Dungarvin Inc., Mark Matulka - Mosaic, and our very own CEO, Matt Sturiale! ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources, the leading voice in Washington for providers of community-based services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced last week the recipients of the association’s 2020 awards for public policy and advocacy. We are honored to be listed along side of such inspirational people and organizations.

We hope you’re the BIRCH@45 5K CHALLENGE! It’s not too late to register or fundraise for the race - we’re less than $3,000 away from reaching our goal. Monday is the last day to run so get out there and hit the pavement! All racers are invited to join the Finish Line Event on Thursday, October 15, at 5:30pm ET. https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/birch #Birch45 #5kforBirch45

The Leaderboards are Live! Head over to our BIRCH@45 5K CHALLENGE page to check your times! app.mobilecause.com/vf/birch If you haven's signed up, don't worry - we're running until Monday! Register Now! #Birch45 #5kforBirch45

New York State Sen. Robert Jackson of District 31 in upper Manhattan congratulates Birch Family Services on its 45th Anniversary -- and gives a big shout out to our Washington Heights Education Center. Sen. Jackson has been a longtime supporter of Birch and its staff, so this one means a lot to us. Our 5K CHALLENGE is running NOW through October 12, so you still have time left to join! Register here: bit.ly/3jlQAwk #Birch45 #5kforBirch45 ... https://youtu.be/UCIWKeRiX1c

Check it out! Our Development Manager, Jack Costello, just completed the BIRCH@45 5K CHALLENGE! We're running until October 12, and it's not too late to sign up! bit.ly/3jlQAwk #5kforbirch45

Perry of Diet Delights & Justin Prepare Cranberry Energy Balls for the Birch 5K Challenge Every day, Diet Delights partners with staff from Birch Family Services Community Services program to develop well-balanced, nutritious meals for the people we support. Now he's here to get you ready for our BIRCH@45 5K Challenge, a virtual run/walk to raise critical funds to make sure we can continue providing the same high-quality services Birch is known for. Register here: app.mobilecause.com/vf/BIRCH #Birch45 #5KforBirch45 youtube.com/watch?v=rpEusLQSesc

Today’s the day. The BIRCH@45 5K CHALLENGE virtual race is live! If you’ve already registered, you should have received your virtual racer kit. Still haven’t registered? Registration will remain open throughout the entire race - sign up now! #5kforbirch45 https://bit.ly/2DMbgOn