Birch Family Services

Congratulations to our President & CEO Matt Sturiale for being named on the City and State NY Responsible 100 Alumni list. Originally recognized in 2019, Matt joins other deserving leaders once again on the Responsible 100 Alumni list. “Our accomplishments can be attributed to patience, perseverance, compassion, the support of public and private partners, the input of our individuals and families and the generosity of our donors,” he says. “It's exciting to approach our 50th year with a focus on a new strategic plan that ensures nimbleness, responsiveness, and sustainability to those we support.” https://lnkd.in/ex7BfMtn

Lottery winners for the #UnitedNYCHalf were announced yesterday, but if you didn’t get in—or didn’t enter—this is your golden opportunity for guaranteed entry to one of the year’s most popular races. We’re thrilled to announce that Birch has once again been awarded five charity spots in the 2025 United Airlines New York City Half Marathon, taking place on March 16, 2025. This is your chance to secure a spot in this iconic event while supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in NYC. What Team Birch Offers: ? Fundraising resources to help you rally your network ? Birch merchandise to wear on race day Fundraising goals: ? $2,000 for Birch parent runners ? $3,500 for individual runners ? $5,000 for corporate runners If you’re interested in joining Team Birch, please email [email protected]. Be sure to include your connection to Birch Family Services and any additional details about why you’d like to run with us. Spots are limited, so don’t wait—secure your spot today! We can’t wait to run together in March 2025! #nychalfmarathon #halfmarathon #birch #NYC #running #NYCRuns

Students from our Long Island City Early Childhood Center took a storybook adventure to their local library this week! ?? From exploring the shelves to enjoying storytime and diving into books on their own, students spent time having fun through reading. As an added bonus, they even learned how to check out books on their own so they know exactly how to grab a new book on their next trip to the library! #SpecialEducation #developmentaldisabilities #birchfamilyservices #literacy #Reading #birch

Birch was proud to attend yesterday’s rally at the state capitol with New York Disability Advocates! Two buses of Birch self-advocates and staff joined over 300 people to make their voices heard and support better wages for DSPs and a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase. Thanks to all who joined us! #Birch #autism #DevelopmentalDisabilities #DSP #directsupportprofessional #investinme

Join our Young Professionals Board Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:30PM at Sugar Mouse NYC for an exciting evening of live music while helping to raise essential funds for Birch Family Services. Featuring performances by Luke Buck and Our Lady Orange. https://lnkd.in/e5tQE5Fw #Birch #autism #DevelopmentalDisabilities #nyc #concert #fundraiser

Don't forget to join us for this month's Parent and Family Training Session tomorrow at 10 AM! Food Glorious Food will provide participants with the tools needed to identify, understand, and accommodate the often unusual or limited involvement children with Developmental Disabilities and Autism have with food and eating. Click here to RSVP and join! https://lnkd.in/ei5-V5gR #birchfamilyservices #SpecialEducation #nyc #developmentaldisabilities #FreeTraining #parenting #specialneedsfamily #specialneeds

Today, Birch, in partnership with NFW Marion, celebrated the recent opening of its first supportive housing program in the Bronx. This innovative program will serve as a vital resource, providing housing for ten individuals with autism and developmental disabilities who can live independently with minimal support. Funded by the NEW YORK STATE OPWDD and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development, the Marion-Creston buildings offer a pathway for individuals to transition from living with their families or supervised residential settings to more independent, community-integrated living. Thanks to this program, individuals like Jonathan and Willy will now live more independently and be able to spend their first holiday season in their own homes. #bronx #AffordableHousing #nyc #my #housing #nychousing #autism #developmentaldisabilities #birch #birchfamilyservices

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s a time for giving and bringing smiles to those in need. This year, we are launching our Birch Family Services Holiday Giving Campaign, and we need your help to make it a success! We are collecting new, unwrapped toys and new and gently used warm winter clothing(coats, hats, gloves, scarves) for children and families in our community who are facing hardships. Birch operates with purpose in New York City’s most underserved communities, and some of our families could use some extra help this holiday season. Your donation will help us ensure that every child experiences the joy of opening a gift and stays warm this winter. How You Can Help: ? Donate Toys: Please consider donating new toys for children of all ages. You can shop from our curated holiday wish lists and have your items shipped directly to us. ? Donate Winter Clothing: Warm clothing, especially for children, teens, and adults, is greatly needed. ? Donate: Every donation to our Holiday Giving Campaign can help provide the resources needed to enhance our services, expand our reach, and ensure that everyone in our care enjoys a joyful and enriching holiday season. Click the link in our bio to see purchase items off our Amazon Wish List! https://lnkd.in/ehBqzkPc #birchfamilyservices #birch #holiday #toydrive #coatdrive #holidaydrive

??Our students are buddying up for storytime! The Book Buddy program at our Pelham Bay Early Childhood Center brings stories to life and neighbors together, one page at a time. Partnering with the nearby Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School, students team up to learn about each other, build literacy, and share a love for books together! #birch #PelhamBay #literacy #books #birchfamilyservices #specialeducation

A week ago, we celebrated with supporters, staff, and stakeholders at our annual Soirée where we recognized three amazing honorees. One of them was William Fitzgerald , a neurodivergent actor, for his performance in the film Ezra. Although William was surprised to find two of his friends presenting his Voices of Hope award, Tony Spiridakis and Bobby Cannavale , he was even more surprised to see two more of his dear friends - Tony Goldwyn and Robert DeNiro - congratulate him for his achievement virtually. Here is the video we happily shared with William on the night of the event. Thank you to all our special guests!