Celebrating 50 Years
of
Advancing Abilities, Unlocking Potential.

Founded in 1975, Birch Family Services began as a single education program dedicated to ensuring children with developmental disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education. Over the years, Birch has expanded its impact through quality education, employment, residential, and other community programs to meet the needs of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

Today, Birch Family Services supports more than 2,000 individuals and their families through a network of programs in 35 locations across New York City.

Follow Our Legacy From 1975 to Today

1975

Phyllis L. Susser establishes the Herbert G. Birch School for Exceptional Children operating six special needs classrooms funded by the NYS Education Department (NYSED) and NYC Board of Education in Queens. This same year the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), was passed by Congress mandating all states provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities.


In 1979, Birch establishes its first community residence for children moving out of the Willowbrook State School in Brooklyn. Located at E. 53rd Street, Birch responded to the need of children with disabilities to live in their communities. This program was funded by the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD), now OPWDD.

1980

Birch opens its first early childhood program in 1982 providing pre-school special education and clinical services, for students 3-5 years old with identified delays or disabilities. Initially located in the Hillcrest section of Queens, the school would later move to Springfield Gardens to respond to the increased need for services in this underserved community.


1985

Birch opens two additional preschools serving children in the Riverdale section of the Bronx (RECC) in 1985 and the Midwood section of Brooklyn (BECC) in 1986.


Birch opens 2 additional residences, and in 1989, the E 53rd Street Residence is renamed the Henry Marquit Children’s Center.

Birch expands Brooklyn residential opportunities with the opening of three new residences.

A new family support initiative gets underway with the Birch Family Camp supporting children and families with complex health needs directly impacted by HIV/AIDS.

1990

Birch begins its Early Intervention Program offering services funded by the NYS Dept of Health in Queens. The center-and home-based services for infants ages 0-3 years old focuses on early identification, clinical intervention, special education, therapeutic services, and family support. The services would expand to 3 other locations.


1995

Birch opens two pre-school programs; Mill Basin in Brooklyn and Washington Heights in Manhattan. Birch becomes an approved Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver provider through OPWDD, offering case management, habilitation, respite, and other services for those living with their families and transitioning from education services.


In 1996, Birch collaborates with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services Early Learn initiative in the Soundview section of the Bronx. This program integrated day care and integrated classes.

In 1997, Birch opens its first integrated classroom under the Federal Head Start Program. In addition, Birch opens 2 new early childhood centers: East Flatbush (Brooklyn) and Long Island City (Queens).

2000

Birch expands residential services to Queens with the establishment of three Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRA), in the Far Rockaways.

2005

In 2007, Herbert G. Birch Services officially incorporates as Birch Family Services. In 2008, Birch expands HCBS Waiver Services with new Day Habilitation Programs established in Brooklyn and Queens.

2010

In 2010, Birch establishes the Children’s Residential Project (CRP) a comprehensive education and residential program for students ages 10-21 on the autism spectrum with the need of a highly structured home environment.


In 2012. Birch launches New Frontier to address the growing needs of young adults on the autism spectrum, transitioning from secondary education.

Life Skills Family Support Birch Family Services

2015

Residential services continue expansion in Queens with 2 new residences supporting 12 individuals.


In 2016, Birch receives the NYC Council Autism Awareness Grant, supporting initiatives that support individuals with autism and their families.

Birch opens its preschool program in Pelham Bay, Bronx, to serve 72 students with special needs.

Birch expands residential opportunities into Manhattan. These 4 new residences serve as homes for 38 individuals in Harlem and Washington Heights.

2020

In 2021, Birch opens 2 new programs in Ozone Park, Queens, supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and those with complex medical needs.


Addition of 7 early childhood special education classrooms in Queens; and Brooklyn; to serve 52 students on the autism spectrum in 2020.

Through a transfer of auspices, Birch adds 3 additional residences, expanding our capacity to support 33 more individuals within our Residential Services program.

In 2024, the Riverdale Early Childhood Center relocates with the opportunity to expand.

Birch opens the doors to its new supportive housing project in the Bronx that supports 10 people with autism and developmental disabilities to live in integrated housing.

2025

Birch is expanding affordable housing opportunities with new projects underway in the Bronx and Staten Island.


Development of 3 new supervised residences to support 20 individuals.

New Frontier expands its footprint in the areas of transition and employment, increasing opportunities to young adults with autism and developmental disabilities seeking employment and affordable housing.