Respite Center provides permanent home to several programs |
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It's been a year since The Summit Center opened its Respite Center in Amherst to provide a permanent home for its afterschool respite, adult respite, S.T.A.R. (Support, Training, and Respite) intensive, and S.T.A.R. skill building programs.
The space features activity stations for fitness, arts and crafts, board games, and puzzles. Individuals can enjoy playing video games, relaxing in the cozy corner, or spending time alone in a "calm space." There is also an outdoor area where children and adults can play basketball or cornhole or relax at a picnic table. “It’s such a beautiful space and it can be so adaptive,” said Ashlee Bronson, Assistant Director of Community Services.
Prior to the Respite Center opening, afterschool respite was held in space shared with Summit Academy.
“We were very lucky to do that for so long and it worked, but there’s just something different about having your own space, your own supplies, having everything you need, and being able to adapt that space to families' respite needs,” Ashlee said.
One benefit of having a dedicated center for respite is that students can transition to a different environment once the school day is over. This has positively impacted students like Melanie. Melanie would sometimes resist transitioning from her classroom at Summit Academy's Creekside location to after school respite that was being held down the hall. Now she successfully transitions to the van to be transported to the Respite Center.
Additionally, the Respite Center now offers adult respite during the day, providing a space for adults and seniors with developmental disabilities to socialize and participate in leisure activities. To learn more about the adult respite program, download the flyer here or contact Laura Shepherd at 716-629-3437 or Ashlee Bronson at 716-799-8156.
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S.T.E.P.S. program looks to expand,
searches for new locations |
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The Summit Center is planning to expand its S.T.E.P.S. (Success Through Engagement and Positive Supports) program, a day habilitation “without walls” for adults (ages 21 and up) with developmental disabilities. In operation since 2014, S.T.E.P.S. provides a high level of support for participants as they spend their day learning new skills, volunteering in the community, and engaging in leisure activities. |
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We are looking for a church or other community space for two new S.T.E.P.S. locations. Ideally, one space will be located in North Tonawanda and the second will be in Williamsville, Clarence, Bowmansville, or around the Buffalo Airport. The space will serve as a home base for 12 individuals plus staff. To date, we have successfully partnered with churches in Tonawanda, North Tonawanda, and Eggertsville. They offer active communities and opportunities for engagement and volunteerism.
Do you know of a church or other facility in one of the areas listed above that might be a great fit for S.T.E.P.S.? If so, please contact Wendy Loverme, Director of Community Services, at wloverme@thesummitcenter.org or 716-799-8152. |
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Summit boards elect new members |
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The Summit Center’s Operating Board of Directors is excited to welcome David Flynn as its newest member. David is a partner at Phillips Lytle specializing in environmental law. He serves as the Board Chair of the Buffalo Zoo as well as the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. His experience and skills will be a tremendous benefit to our mission. The Summit Foundation also welcomed two new board members. Yolanda Morris, a longstanding supporter of The Summit Center, is the Senior Director of Enrollment Events and Experience at Daemen University. Yolanda earned her master’s in Higher Education Administration from Buffalo State University. Her son recently graduated from Summit Academy and his twin brother received services as a young child.
Bethann Roehling-Flynn is a retired teacher and the owner of Alpine Sweets Bakery. Beth has extensive nonprofit experience, including President of the Board of Trustees at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village. She has a master’s in Art Education from Buffalo State University and has worked with students with special needs. Thank you to David, Yolanda, and Beth for their commitment to advancing The Summit Center’s work! |
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Celebrate Dr. Stephen Anderson at An Enchanted Evening with Summit |
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An Enchanted Evening with Summit will honor Summit CEO Stephen Anderson, Ph.D. as he prepares to retire at the end of the year. The event is taking place at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 3 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew.
The evening will feature a special tribute to Dr. Anderson, celebrating his accomplishments and contributions to the community during his 28-year tenure. Guests will also enjoy silent and live auctions, dinner and drinks, and an afterparty hosted by DJ Primo. |
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Win a John Hardy 14K Yellow Gold Necklace!
In conjunction with An Enchanted Evening with Summit, we're holding our All That Glitters Raffle. Raffle tickets are $20 each or three for $50. The winner doesn’t need to be present at the drawing.
Get your tickets at www.PartyForSummit.com. Click on Tickets & Sponsorships and scroll down to Items for Purchase.
An Enchanted Evening with Summit is presented by Reeds Jewelers, Tammy and Steve Nicholson, and Missy and Gerry Cornish. Event tickets are available at www.PartyForSummit.com. |
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Thank you to our sponsors! |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Alexa Riegle!
What is your role at Summit?
My role at Summit is an employment specialist with the P.A.C.E. (Prevocational and Community Experience) program. I am working with individuals who have expressed interest in becoming employed in the community. During their time at P.A.C.E., they learn the soft and social skills they need to be successful.
Describe what your day might look like.
On a daily basis I meet with my students to do a short lesson plan based on employability skills, from there we work in the largest kitchen on the University at Buffalo's campus, preparing items to be shipped out to dining halls.
What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?
I am extremely proud of my family and their love of Halloween. Professionally I am proud of my students. I enjoy being able to see their progress through the program. My students start at the beginning needing my support daily, to becoming independent and working together with their co-workers.
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Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York?
My favorite place to eat is Pita Gourmet. I will never say no to eating there. Name someplace on your bucket list.
I would love to visit Dollywood. My family and I greatly enjoy going to different amusement parks. |
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November 3 - An Enchanted Evening with Summit: An Enchanted Evening with Summit will be held on Friday, November 3, at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. Join us in honoring CEO Stephen Anderson, Ph.D. who is retiring after 28 years of service. Party goers will enjoy a sit-down dinner and open bar, live and silent auctions, dancing, and more.
Visit www.PartyforSummit.com for ticket information. The event is presented by Reeds Jewelers, Tammy and Steve Nicholson, and Missy and Gerry Cornish. |
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Stephen R. Anderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, has served as Summit’s CEO since 1995 when the agency was known as the Language Development Program. During his tenure, the agency's annual revenue has grown from $4.5M in 1995 to $32.5M expected in fiscal year 2023. Under his leadership, Summit expanded from one program primarily focused on education, to more than 20 programs. They include: day habilitation and vocational services for adults, a behavioral pediatrics clinic, and, most recently, a severe behavior program called Summit Academy Enhanced.
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Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges. |
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