Summit Academy expands,
welcoming new students, families, and staff |
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On February 1, The Summit Center expanded its school age program to include two former Autism Services, Inc. schools located at 30 Hazelwood Dr., Amherst and 124 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo. With this expansion, Summit Academy now supports nearly 450 students with autism and other developmental disabilities. The move increases the total number of employees to approximately 600 across The Summit Center’s four divisions.
In 2023, Autism Services, Inc. (ASI) approached People Inc. for administrative support due to ongoing financial and operational challenges. A strategic assessment revealed these challenges could not be overcome. People Inc. reached out to The Summit Center to begin discussions on operating ASI’s school program. The transition process is nearly complete, with ASI’s two former schools under The Summit Center brand.
“Given our familiarity with the student population, their needs, and the alignment with our mission, this expansion is an incredible opportunity for The Summit Center. It allows us to serve more individuals across Western New York, fulfilling one of the key objectives in our strategic plan,” said Summit CEO Lisa A. Foti, CPA. “It also reinforces our position as a leader in autism assessment and treatment in our community.” Mary Bennett is serving as the head of educational services, overseeing all Summit Academy schools.
She shared, “I’m excited about the future of Summit Academy. In expanding our school program to include Summit Academy-Hazelwood and Summit Academy-Elmwood, it allows us to do what we do best for more students and families: provide highly personalized support.”
Chrissy Ray has taken on the role of assistant principal at Summit Academy-Hazelwood. She began her career with The Summit Center in 2014 and is inspired by the expansion.
“My goal is to instill a passion of learning and growth into students, staff, parents, and caregivers,” Chrissy said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to be a part of a school with such resilient students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the employees at Summit Academy-Hazelwood so we can provide the highest quality educational services.”
Summit Academy now has five locations under its umbrella: Summit Academy-Stahl, Summit Academy-Creekside, Summit Academy-Hazelwood, Summit Academy-Elmwood, and Summit Academy Enhanced. As a special education school, Summit Academy provides individualized support for students whose instructional needs cannot be met by their local school district. Students reside in 47 school districts across Western New York. |
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S.T.E.P.S. expands to serve more people |
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In late January, The Summit Center’s S.T.E.P.S. (Success Through Engagement and Positive Supports) expanded its reach into Clarence Center with the opening of its newest location at Zion Lutheran Church.
The location was chosen based on the needs of families in the Clarence and East Amherst area. S.T.E.P.S. has four other locations in Eggertsville, Amherst, and Tonawanda.
“We wanted to create a location more central to these families,” said Cate Piersa, supervising life skills trainer. “Zion Lutheran Church has been an absolutely lovely host for our program.”
S.T.E.P.S. is a day habilitation program that provides meaningful opportunities for the adults we serve to volunteer or engage in activities in the community. While program participants spend most of the day in the community, each location serves as a communal place where they can start and end their day while working on important life skills. The other S.T.E.P.S. locations are currently filled. The Clarence location is serving four individuals, but Cate said she expects the number of people served at Zion will grow to full capacity over the next several months..
For more information about Summit’s S.T.E.P.S. program, visit www.TheSummitCenter.org. |
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Transition students start Pizza Fridays |
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Pizza is a staple food in the Western New York community, and Summit Academy students are helping provide cheesy slices to employees every Friday. Shawn Scibetta, transitional coordinator at Summit Academy, said this initiative is beneficial to both students and staff.
“It provides students with an opportunity to learn transitional and vocational skills, and it’s something fun the staff can participate in every week,” he said.
Each week, staff place their orders by Wednesday and the transition team orders the pizza on Thursday. Students help pick up the pizza, place slices in boxes, determine where each order needs to go, and deliver the orders to the right classrooms. |
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“Students are sorting orders, practicing proper hygiene procedures, counting the number of slices for each order, and making deliveries,” Shawn said.
The team partners with John and Mary’s to get the pizzas ordered and ready Friday morning for pickup so students can fulfill and deliver staff orders that day.
“They’ve gone above and beyond to help us get the pizzas ready before they even open,” Shawn said. “We have partnerships with several local businesses that our students roll and sell silverware to, including John and Mary’s, so it was a perfect fit.”
Pizza Fridays began on February 2 and is limited to Summit Academy-Stahl for now. The goal is to expand this program to other Summit Academy buildings in the future. |
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Registration for The Summit Center 2024 Autism Walk opens March 1 |
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At The Summit Center, we believe in every individual’s potential. The 2024 Autism Walk will celebrate our belief in our children and adults, our families, our staff, and our community. Join us on Saturday, May 11 at 150 Stahl Road, Getzville for a fun-filled day to raise funds for Summit and help people reach for the stars.
Registration will open on March 1 at SummitAutismWalk.org. There is a $10 registration fee. Children under 18 are free and do not need to register. Be sure to join our Facebook group, The Summit Center 2024 Autism Walk, for updates, contest details, and more!
The Autism Walk, presented by West Herr, is a community-wide effort to raise funds for critical programs that help people reach their full potential. Last year’s event raised more than $312,000 to support the Early Autism Program, respite care, vocational training, and more. The fundraising goal for the 2024 Autism Walk is $325,000.
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Thank you to our sponsors! |
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Summit families enjoy evening out
at Sabres game |
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Several Summit families were treated to a fun evening cheering on the Buffalo Sabres on February 13. Sabres player Alex Tuch hosted the families in his suite. Kids were provided with Buffalo Sabres shirts and had a chance to help Sabretooth with his drum roll and “Let’s go Buffalo” chant. They high-fived players as the team headed onto the ice, and cheered the Sabres on to a 7-0 victory over the L.A. Kings.
We are so grateful to Alex and the Buffalo Sabres for providing this exciting opportunity for Summit Academy families. Alex is known for his support for children facing challenges in life. His AT9 Foundation is focused on helping children with cancer and those with special needs. |
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Stephen R. Anderson Endowment to support Summit's commitment to excellence |
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Last November The Summit Center’s operating and foundation boards jointly established the Stephen R. Anderson Endowment. Named after former CEO Dr. Steve Anderson, the fund honors his visionary leadership in launching high quality autism services in Western New York.
Endowments provide financial stability for nonprofits, particularly during periods of economic volatility. The principle remains intact while investment earnings are used as perpetual income for the organization. |
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The Stephen R. Anderson Endowment will strengthen The Summit Center's capacity to serve individuals and families. Annual investment income will be used for: - Evidence-based programs such as the Early Autism Program and the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic
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Professional development opportunities for faculty and staff
- Research studies
- Other initiatives that promote a culture of continuous improvement
The Summit Center is actively raising funds to grow the Stephen R. Anderson Endowment. Recently, donations to the Endowment surpassed $100,000. Our goal is to double these funds by the end of the year.
To support the Stephen R. Anderson Endowment, or to make a gift in Dr. Anderson’s honor, go to www.TheSummitCenter.org/AndersonEndowment. |
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WNYRCASD Annual Conference
set for March 19 |
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The Summit Center and the WNY Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders will host the virtual conference Expanding Supports to Children with Autism Who Demonstrate Problem Behavior from 8:20 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19. The conference is geared toward teachers, therapists, other helping professionals, and parents. Sessions will provide participants with a broader perspective of essential elements of effective and compassionate interventions for children who present developmental and behavioral challenges. |
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March 1 - 2024 Autism Walk Registration Opens: Sign up for The Summit Center 2024 Autism Walk starting March 1 at www.SummitAutismWalk.org. This year's event will take place on Saturday, May 11, at 150 Stahl Road, Getzville, NY 14068. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.
March 19 - WNYRCASD Annual Conference: The Summit Center and the WNY Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders will host the virtual conference Expanding Supports to Children with Autism Who Demonstrate Problem Behavior from 8:20 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19. Registration costs $25 and Continuing Education Units are available for $15 each. For more information or to register, download the flyer.
June 6 - Transition Fair: The Summit Center will host Transition Fair 2024: Planning for the Future on Thursday, June 6. Additional details will be available soon. |
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Interacting with pets, particularly dogs, can be beneficial for children with autism. Dogs can help reduce stress and challenging behaviors as well as promote social skills. However, families should consider their child's sensitivities and the family dynamic before considering pet ownership. (National Institutes of Health) |
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