This Independence Day, the more than 55,000 children and adults with special needs who rely on the programs and services provided on our campuses urgently need your support.
Your gift today will help these individuals – and so many others – lead more independent lives.
“In five months…her body is noticeably stronger, and her speech is starting to take off!
Jalani, born several weeks early, was one of the hundreds of children placed on the waitlist for Early Intervention (EI) services in Monroe County. While waiting, her family discovered the monthly EI Playdates at Rochester Hearing & Speech Center (RHSC). There, Jalani could take part in activities led by occupational, speech, and physical therapists, as well as special education teachers. That is where they met Sara, a physical therapist who answered their questions and suggested more activities to try at home.
Shortly after Jalani turned two, a space opened in RHSC’s EI Developmental Group. At the time, she was developmentally 6-8 months. Now, she is closer to 15-18 months and is quickly becoming more independent. After starting to use a pediatric walker, she was so proud of herself the first time she met her mom at the door after class, with Sara at her side.
“The things I like most…are the camps because I get to meet new people and make friends.”
Charlie is a senior at Pittsford Sutherland High School. His favorite subject is military history and he would like to work at a museum one day. Charlie enjoys watching TV with his dog, Lloyd. He also likes cars and anything retro. He’s participated in bowling, golf, and Wildlife Wonders through Rochester Rehabilitation’s SportsNet.
His parents appreciate the safe, autism-friendly environment SportsNet’s Summer Program offers while they’re at work. Charlie, enjoying his growing independence, looks forward to camp every day.
“When I didn’t have transportation, I couldn’t go places. I had to stay home all the time.”
Junior has many friends at CP Rochester. His smile widens sharing how he was crowned King of the Snow Ball last January or talking about his favorite weekly classes. But it wasn’t long ago that Junior’s family wasn’t sure where to turn. After he finished school, his family wanted a caring environment with a personalized approach. The search took over a year as they visited several agencies looking for the right fit. As someone who thrives on routine, this was a difficult time for Junior.
Another challenge was that his family members either worked or didn’t have a car, so he didn’t have reliable transportation. “That was a real problem,” he recalls. Now, thanks to Medical Motor Service, Junior is picked up at his home each morning by the same driver, Jose, and driven home each afternoon by Eric. He jokes and laughs with friends who live on the same route. Having found access to the right supports, Junior looks forward to each day, working on the skills to become more independent.
“I realized that I can help others learn more about epilepsy. I can help others not go through the bullying that I experienced.”
Gianna just completed her first year as a nursing student at Keuka College. A 2024 Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) scholarship recipient, Gianna was diagnosed with epilepsy during her senior year at a small rural high school.
She remembers when her friends found out that her license would be revoked until she had been seizure-free for a year. “I just wasn’t invited to things any more,” she says. Along with feeling excluded, Gianna also experienced bullying.
“When I had a seizure at school on a bus, somebody took a video of it, and they were all laughing,” she recalls. After that, “people would look at me and mimic a seizure.” That was when Gianna found out about EPI, and was able to connect with other young people living with epilepsy. Since then, she has shared her story to help raise awareness and create a positive impact for others.
“One of the most wonderful things…was that Chaya had a space to dream, talk about what she wanted to do, and make her vision come to life.”
Chaya, now 27, began exploring her vision for the future while taking part in the program, “Creating a Life After High School” at Starbridge. Chaya always had big dreams, but more than anything she wanted a future where she could pursue her passions and continue to learn. That was when Chaya realized that while she might reach her goals differently as a young woman with Down syndrome, they were still within her reach.
Taking part in several transition programs with Starbridge, she explored different careers as an intern and worked in various roles. Yet her heart remained set on working with children. Nearly two years ago,
Chaya interviewed for a position at CP Rochester. She got the job. Now, she works in a Pre-K classroom at the same program she once attended as a child. Every day, she brings joy and understanding to the children she supports, helping them learn just as she did.
“I began my career as a computer programmer at IBM. After 25 years, I was placed on Disability due to MS. I realized that we ‘take’ all our lives, but now I could give back.”
An avid cyclist, in 1987 Warren’s neighbor suggested he check out a bike tour fundraiser benefiting the National MS Society (NMSS). Three weeks after he took part in that event, Warren was diagnosed with MS. He had experienced bouts of numbness in his arms and legs for years but the problem worsened after a fall from his bike. His physical therapist referred him to a neurologist; an MRI confirmed the diagnosis.
When he began to research MS, he realized NMSS, the nonprofit that hosted his recent ride, offered programs across the region. He joined the bike tour committee, raising funds to help those living with MS and raising awareness about the disorder, which can impact mobility, balance and memory. He continued to ride, logging 100 miles or more over multi-day events, for many years. Today, he continues to take part in fundraising events, to help others living with MS find solidarity and support, including those newly diagnosed.
You Can Help!
Your gift today will help celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals, and to encourage thousands more.
Donate Now
Your support provides critical help for our seven Member Agencies and the children and adults they serve here in our community.
Thank you!