News

Dear Friends, March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). This was established in 1987 to raise awareness about the need

Some great things are cooking at New Frontier! New Frontier participants have been taking cooking classes to help them navigate their way around the kitchen, develop basic cooking skills, and learn about nutrition.  

Dear friends, As another extraordinary year comes to an end, we have an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact

While many of the people living in our 24/7 care residences receive support from staff and their families, they also strive to achieve as much independence as possible. When James, a person we support at our 52nd Street residence, recently told staff about his desire to learn how to travel on his own, they immediately started putting together a plan to make it happen. 

Congratulations to our very own Director of Education, Espa Sergiou, for being named one of City and State NY's Responsible 100 of 2022. Each year, City & State puts a spotlight on 100 exceptional individuals who are putting in the time and effort to help address and overcome challenges and crises in New York.

When Dave F. was searching for a new job, he looked to Birch’s New Frontier program for help. However, he did not have to look for long thanks to a friend in the New Frontier program making strides at his current place of employment.

The Birch Family Services Soirée: Honoring Everyday Achievements was held on November 3, 2022 at the Midtown Loft & Terrace.

Former Birch Family Services student Jefferson Williams graduated from Springfield Gardens Education Center two years ago and now he is

Monday, September 12, 2022 To All of Our Direct Support Professionals – Thank You for All that You Do! This

When Amir Bascom started his journey at Birch Family Services over three years ago, he was not talking very much

Contributions Will Provide Needed Back to School Supplies for New York City Students with Autism & Developmental Disabilities  

One of our residences has a beautiful new backyard thanks to the generous work of some of our Young Professionals Board volunteers! 

“They are happy to be home.” That is what Birch Family Services Resident Manager Maurice Coles said when asked how the individuals he supervises feel about their newly renovated home.

From the desk of Birch CEO and President Matt Sturiale, a message to recognize and honor National Disability Independence Day and Disability Pride Month.

Birch Family Services’ 10th annual 5K: Fast Track to Empowerment race was held in Central Park on July 9, 2022, bringing hundreds of children, families, staff, volunteers, partners, and Board members to help raise funds to support people with autism and developmental disabilities. The event was an overwhelming success, exceeding Birch’s fundraising goal of $100,000!  

Students, teachers, and families were buzzing with excitement this past month as students across Birch Family Services finished another rewarding

Ryngin has always been passionate about food and hospitality. So, when he heard there was a job available involving both of those things, he went for it. Now in a new position at Shake Shack, he is happy to be a part of the team.  

From the desk of Birch CEO and President Matt Sturiale, Birch Family Services is proud to observe Juneteenth as a holiday, but also as a day of remembrance.

When New Frontier participant Kasean Robinson found out he landed a new job, he was thrilled. When he found out he would have a familiar face from the Birch Family Services New Frontier program joining him, he couldn’t believe it!

We are happy to announce that our 10th Annual Race, 5K Forward: Fast Track to Empowerment will be held on July 9, 2022, in Central Park and registration is now open! 

As spring flowers continue to show, students across Birch Family Services are learning about how and why they blossom.  

When classroom 202 Phyllis L. Susser School at our Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children heard about what was happening in Ukraine, they knew they had to do something to help. Taking a break from their studies, the students came together to think of a way to raise money for those in need. And what better way to raise money and have some fun doing it than a bake sale!

From the desk of Birch CEO and President Matt Sturiale, a message of gratitude and appreciation to Birch Family Services teachers and educational staff.

For Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, Birch Family Services hosted a series of free educational workshops that fostered an environment promoting knowledge, inclusion, and acceptance of autism and individuals on the autism spectrum.

During National Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month, our students at Birch Family Services had the chance to meet two amazing authors!  

Our friends at the InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies (IAC) made a video spotlighting some amazing individuals for Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month. The video includes two Birch Family Services New Frontier Program Participants, Alex and Ajuwon who took time to read to pre-schoolers at the Pelham Bay Early Childhood Center in the Bronx.

Almost every employer I speak with these days is hiring and has been hiring for months as companies struggle to cope with major shifts in the labor market during the pandemic. The numbers speak for themselves: there were approximately 1.7 job openings for every unemployed worker in December, the highest rate in two decades.

Lisa Sterrantino, our Director of Community Services and Director of New Frontier, was recognized in City & State NY’s 2022 Above & Beyond this past week. The annual awards ceremony highlights 50 remarkable women, all of whom are making gains in a wide array of fields such as politics, business, and the nonprofit sphere.

It has been a challenging year for us all, but our community came through it stronger than ever. We hope you will join us in celebrating our resilience and accomplishments on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at The Press Lounge in New York City.

Birch Family Services is very excited to announce two informative webinars scheduled for the month of  November presented by Emily Holl, Director of the Sibling Support Project, a national advocacy and support network focused on sibling matters

This week, September 12-18, 2021, is National Direct Support Professionals Week. This is part of a national movement to bring attention to the critical role of DSPs supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to lead the lives that they want as contributing members of their communities.

Thank you for your extraordinary efforts in supporting our students and families. It continues to be a source of motivation and inspiration. I will continue to work on behalf of our students, families, and YOU to ensure we have the tools we need to provide great learning experiences for our students. Let’s continue to come together for what we do - provide a quality education for those who need us.

Alexander and Ajuwon use their voices as self-advocates and mentors to read to preschoolers at our Pelham Bay Early Childhood Center.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion was the focus at our recent Corporate Advisory Network symposium. Attendees heard from Anthony Pacilio head of JP Morgan Chase’s Global Autism at Work about the future of neurodiverse employment through the lens of the pandemic.

Birch Family Services is proud to observe Juneteenth as a holiday, but also as a day of remembrance.

Hundreds of families, students, and companies joined the virtual race by running, walking, or rolling in their own neighborhoods, raising an unprecedented $134,000 (and counting) for Birch Family Services.

Now hiring for Direct Support Professionals, Entry, Mid and Senior Managers and Coordinators in Residential Programs, RNs, and Behavioral Intervention Specialists! 

Preschoolers at our Early Childhood Centers in Mill Basin and Pelham Bay have been learning about recycling this week. Now they're ready to save the planet!

A message of appreciation to all Birch Family Services nursing staff from CEO & President Matt Sturiale.

A message of appreciation to Birch Family Services teachers and teacher assistants from CEO & President Matt Sturiale.

Birch Family Services applauds New York State lawmakers for prioritizing vital services for thousands of New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities as part of the 2022 state budget.

When six young men preparing to graduate from our Children's Residential Program (CRP) and their families expressed the desire to continue to receive residential services from Birch, we were honored to accommodate them with a new residence in Ozone Park.

When his employer of six years laid him off last year, this "go-getter" didn't let a little thing like a pandemic keep Dave from staying focused on his employment goals.

Sameer Gadre Brings Considerable Personal, Business, and Financial Expertise to Leading Nonprofit Organization Serving Individuals with Autism & Developmental Disabilities

At the end of a very challenging year, a wonderful mom of a preschool student at our Pelham Bay Early Childhood Center in the Bronx shared her appreciation for the work of Birch teaching staff. Next to seeing students "light up" when they learn something new, it's recognition like this that makes all the work worthwhile.

Birch Family Services is hiring for Direct Support Professionals, Entry, Mid and Senior Managers and Coordinators in Residential Programs, RNs, and Behavioral Intervention Specialists! Join us on January 21 to learn more about the services we provide and how we can support YOUR professional growth.

Like many of participants in our New Frontier employment program, Ronell was furloughed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, that's not where Ronell's employment journey ends.

Learn how Jennifer, with the support of her care team at Birch, got her smile back and is dancing again.

Scarlett joined our Pelham Bay Early Education Center (PBEC) pre-school program in July. While she was assigned to Ms. Camille's Room 6, a 10-student special education class with 2 teaching assistants, instruction was conducted remotely on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not that this was a problem for Scarlett.

While we are aware of the Mayor's order to close New York City Public Schools due to an increase of COVID-19 infections across the city, all Birch Family Services school programs will REMAIN OPEN as per regular blended schedules until further notice.

Hundreds of Birch families and supporters from across the country and the New York region joined our Birch@45 virtual celebration to raise critical funds to support critical educations, employment, and community services for people with autism and developmental disabilities.

The gang from our Grasmere Terrace residence in Queens got into the spirit of the season with a little pumpkin picking at Schmitt’s Family Farm!

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been a wonderful and supportive friend to Birch Family Services, particularly when it comes to our frontline Direct Support Professionals who have worked tirelessly during this pandemic. Recently, in honor of our 45th Anniversary, we were again honored by the congresswoman with these kind words.

As part of our 45th Anniversary Campaign, we sat down with Sue Miller, a founding teacher at Birch's first school who went on to serve as as our Chief Operating Officer from 1995 until 2014, to discuss her career and to describe some of the Birch programs that she feels made a difference to the lives of the people with autism and developmental disabilities and their families we support. 

With support from a dedicated classroom team and a heavy dose of family involvement, this high-energy “doer” from the Bronx finished his first year of pre-school with Birch Family Services engaged and motivated to learn about whatever the world has to offer.

September 13-19, 2020, is National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. To those frontline staff, we thank you for tirelessly providing assistance and training to the people we support and supporting those individuals in achieving their dreams.

Inspired by her teacher and mentor, Herbert G. Birch, M.D., Phyllis Susser established the Herbert G. Birch School for Exceptional Children in 1975 with 28 students and 11 staff members. Learn more >>

With New York City in Phase 4 of its reopening strategy and public schools set to reopen, we would like to take this opportunity to update the Birch Family Services community on how we are continuing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and how we are moving forward as an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

NYSED COVID-19 PLAN FOR REOPENING SCHOOLS (UPDATED: February 16, 2021) The Birch Family Services (Birch) Plan is based on the

The event will be hosted by our Education Leadership on Thursday August 20, 2020, and is open to the public.

Since the mandatory closure of schools and programs went into effect across the state, Birch Family Services residential staff have had their hands full making sure that everyone they support remains engaged, calm, and safe during this difficult time.

For a second year in a row, participants in Birch Family Service's New Frontier program were invited to a presentation and workshop by a corporate partner to learn the Dos and Don’ts of interviewing for a job.

Birch Family Services Celebrates the 2020 graduates of our Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children.

Thirty-six families joined teachers and staff from our Springfield Gardens Education Center in Queens for a second end-of-year Wave Parade!

What we are seeing across our city and the country is that people are sad, angry, and demanding change. Many of us may be experiencing those feelings as well.

Our Springfield Gardens Early Childhood Center in Queens held its first "Wave" parade, inviting parents to drive over to the school and wave and see their children's teacher friends!

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Birch Family Services will be offering NYS Mandated Training live via Zoom Meetings.

In recognition of National Nurses Week, it is an honor to celebrate you – our nursing staff – and take a moment to recognize all nurses and health care staff within our community.

Birch Family Services Education program leadership send a note of appreciation to our teachers and teacher aides in recognition for all that they do with diligence and commitment, even in the most difficult of times.

To show their heartfelt appreciation for truly heroic work during an extraordinarily difficult time, a group of Birch Family Services volunteers surprised direct support professional and residential staff with "Hero Banners" and a party. 

Birch Family Services response to the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of the individuals and families we support. This health crisis has brought out the best of who we are and what we do.

The goal of the Challenge, which begins on April 22, 2020, and ends on May 5, 2020, on #GivingTuesdayNow, is to help raise awareness and critical funds necessary to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through a remote learning activity that encourages hands-on learning exercise on how we depend on community workers, one preschooler from Birch’s Washington Heights Education Center was moved to get Thank You cards into the hands of some of the city’s essential worker heroes.

Arlene Evans, the residence manager of Birch's 45th Street residence, talks about how her team came together in a spirit of courage and mission around the people they support in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Direct Support Professionals and Residential staff at all of our residential homes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx received

Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Birch teachers, teaching assistants, and related services staff, students can still look forward to seeing and hearing their teachers each morning, from the safety of their computer screens. 

Birch Family Services is actively recruiting for essential positions within our Community Services Residential Program.

Birch Family Services Direct Support Professionals have gone above and beyond the call to service since the very beginnings of the health crisis in New York City.

Teachers at all Birch Family Services schools are providing remote learning plans that that students can follow along with at home.

We're all trying to adjust to homeschooling these days, but Daniel from our Riverdale Early Childhood Center is making it look easy.

With the closing of schools and daycare centers, some of you may be struggling to balance your childcare needs with your work schedule. The NYC Department of Education (DOE) has launched a new program which may provide some relief in this area.

While Birch Family Services school principals, teachers, and other Education staff are Providing Remote Learning Plans for students at home, we've Birch Family Services Education staff is compiling a number of additional resources that may help everyone get through the day. Updated regularly.

In response to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Birch Family Services will postpone its Annual Spring Gala and 45th Anniversary celebration, originally scheduled for May 7, 2020. We will let you know when we have confirmed a new date.

In response to the impact of the Covid-19 virus, we have decided to postpone our Annual Spring Gala. We will update you when we have a new date.

As more is learned about COVID-19 and how it is affecting New Yorkers, we are making every effort to keep our community informed about how Birch Family Services is responding to changing circumstances and maintaining services for the more than 2,000 people we support each day.

In line with the NYC public schools closures announced today by Mayor de Blasio, all Birch Family Services preschool and school-age programs will be closed to students beginning Monday, March 16, 2020.

As is the case every day, the health and safety of our staff and the people we support continue to be our number one priority. Birch Family Services is taking the situation very seriously across the organization and following all guidelines from authorities to best protect our staff and individuals in our programs.

On March 4, members of Birch Family Services' New Frontier program hosted its second annual Night of Recognition dinner event, where we celebrated the accomplishments of the members of our program as well as the extraordinary support from our professional partners.

Every year, Birch's eight preschool and three school-age programs participate in the national Read Across America campaign, a celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday, and literacy.

Due to water damage at our Soundview Early Childhood Program, the school will be closed for repairs until further notice.

Join us on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at the Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan as we Celebrate Our History and Imagine Our Future. Cocktail Hour: 6:30 p.m. | Dinner: 7:30 p.m.

Join us on February 27, 2020, in Flushing, Queens, and learn all about our school-age program that builds literacy, numeracy and communication into every aspect of learning, and offers experiences with music, the arts and technology, so that students can develop new skills, take risks, and achieve a strong sense of self-worth.

Samantha Nottingham joins the organization with 15 years of experience advocating for youth programs.

Whether heading out with a pair of binoculars to bird watch in front of the school or combining state-of-the-art technology and historic methods of stone polishing to create jewelry from stones found on a Queens beach, Dorreta Poris’s art class at the Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children is anything but typical.

Come visit our new school-age program and sit down with the Birch Team to discuss what we can offer, such as Small class ratios, smartboards, iPads, sensory materials, full-sized gym, separate lunch room, full-time nurse, and the following related services.

Students, families, and staff at Birch Family Services' Pelham Bay Early Childhood Center (PBECC) in the Bronx learned first hand what the Spirit of Giving is all about -- with a little help from the St. Theresa's School, Kris Kringle, and the United States Marine Corps.

We’re thrilled to announce that Birch Family Services President & CEO Matt Sturiale has been named to City & State New York’s Responsible 100 list .

When Luis became too sick to attend last year’s holiday party at his residence in Washington Heights, his friends made sure the party came to him.

Last week, students at Birch Family Services' Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children participated in the Flushing, Queens-based program's annual Science Fair.

With support from Birch Family Services Special Education Preschool program, this new kindergartener on the autism spectrum transitioned to a general education public school classroom at his local public school.

Birch Family Services’ recent Fall Food Drive provided a bounty for New York City students and their families over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Meet Dylan, a nineteen-year-old student at Birch Family Services' Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children with multiple diagnoses who never fails to bring a smile that lights up a room.

While he completes his degree, Jason, who is on the autism spectrum, works as a sales associate three to four days a week at Uniqlo in midtown Manhattan, a position he was able to acquire and keep with the support of his job coaches Deborah and Juliette at Birch Family Services’ New Frontier program. 

Our school-age program for children ages 5-11 focuses on the development of students’ abilities and uses a strengths-based approach in a supportive environment.

Put a smile on your face and help Birch Family Services empower people with autism and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives when you shop on AmazonSmile!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we invite you to help us double our impact! Look out for a post from us every Tuesday leading up to 2020 to learn about the people we empower all year round and how you can help!

Since 2017, volunteers from Lloyds Bank have partnered with the Birch Family Services New Frontier program to provide valuable interviewing skills and workplace-readiness advice to young adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

The 7th annual Birch Family Services 5K Halloween Fun Run and Walk was an amazing success, but much remains to be done. That’s why we’re still accepting contributions until Friday, November 15!

News 12 New York was on the scene at Birch's Pelham Bay Early Childhood Center in the Bronx yesterday morning to capture the program's Read for the Record festivities, just one of the many held at all of our nine early childhood and school age education programs.

Every year, Birch staff, Board members, friends, and volunteers have a blast participating in Jumpstart's Read for the Record. This year was no exception!

Justin Bachman, Sameer Gadre and Nicholas X. Jerez Bring considerable nonprofit marketing and financial expertise to the organization.

Students around Birch Family Services's Early Childhood Education and School-Age programs celebrated Halloween and the harvest moon with a whole lot of fun and just enough scary.

VOLUNTEER AT BIRCH: Each year, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record brings together millions of adults and children around the world each year to read the same book on the same day in order to raise awareness about the critical importance of early literacy.

This year's Birch Family Services 5K Halloween Fun Run and Family Day raised more unrestricted funds than any of our previous 5Ks, exceeding our goal of $100,000 and all of our wildest expectations.

Birch's own Nicole Hilalgo hosted a wine glass painting party in Brooklyn in support of the 7th Annual Birch Family Services 5K Run and Family Day to be held on Sunday, October 27th in Manhattan's Hudson River Park.

Today, CAN members are engaged at various levels from securing “buy-in” for supporting employees with disabilities at their companies to considering volunteer or paid internships to creating full-time job opportunities to significantly impact the lives of young adults we support through our employment programs.

Residents from our 53rd Street house getting into the season on Saturday at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Harvest Festival.

Each year, Jumpstart's Read for the Record brings together millions of adults and children around the world each year to read the same book on the same day in order to raise awareness about the critical importance of early literacy.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month was enacted in 1945 by Congress to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities and highlight the fact that many Americans with disabilities are capable of making meaningful contributions to the workforce.

Acing the interview is essential for anyone searching for a new job. While a strong resume may spark an employer’s

Award-winning Jamaican-Canadian author Olive Senior and acclaimed Bronx illustrator Laura James visited preschoolers at Birch's Soundview Early Childhood Center to read from their books critically acclaimed children's books.

We are seeking volunteers to help manage specific Race Day task as we raise critical funds to support children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities!

Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This is what a Direct Support Professional does every day. Every time you embrace one of the Core Competencies you are living your most authentic life by serving others.

September 8-14, 2019 is National Direct Support Professionals Week. This is part of a national movement to bring attention to the critical role of DSPs supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to lead the lives that they want as contributing members of their communities.

It's been a long six months of hotel living, but after six months of renovations, the folks from Birch's 183rd Street residence in the Bronx are happy to be home!

Recently, Birch Workforce Training and Development Coordinator Margaret Chiara conducted a workshop devoted to incorporating STEM-based learning across early childhood curriculum.

We invite you to join us at this important event as individuals we support, their families, our staff, board members, and community partners run or walk to raise critical funds to support our mission of empowering people with autism and developmental disabilities lead fulfilling lives.

Yesterday at the July meeting of our New Frontier program's Monthly Employment Group, NYPD Sergeant Omar Velez paid a visit to our offices to discuss safety in the community, what to do if you find yourself in an unsafe environment or situation, and how to best to interact with law enforcement.

Birch Family Services staff, board members, and friends joined about 800 others from the New York City disabilities community last night to celebrate the 2019 Sapolin Accessibility Awards.

Birch Family Services staff, board members, and friends joined about 800 others from the New York City disabilities community last night to celebrate the 2019 Sapolin Accessibility Awards.

Since 2008, this dedicated and compassionate employee has worked tirelessly with students at the Riverdale Early Childhood Center in both our early childhood and structured teaching classrooms.

On Saturday, individuals from Birch’s Burnett Street, Flatlands, East 53rd Street, and 94th Street residences; staff; friends; and families turned out for music, games – and food – for the Birch Family Services annual BBQ at Canarsie Park in Brooklyn.

Since 2008, this dedicated and compassionate employee has worked tirelessly with students at the Riverdale Early Childhood Center in both our early childhood and structured teaching classrooms.

With nearly 25 years at Washington Heights Education Center, this Early Education teacher represents everything we aspire to at Birch Family Services.

On May 9, 2019, we came together at the Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan to celebrate our many achievements over the past year and to help build a meaningful future for the people and families that we support.

This Mill Basin Early Childhood Center veteran and "life-long learner" eagerly shares what she's learned over 18 years of Special Education knowledge with her colleagues.

The teacher and teaching assistants at Birch's Long Island City Early Childhood Education Center received a wonderful note from a

Join us on May 9 at the Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan, as We Honor Long-Time Friends and Supporters at our Annual Spring Gala: Empowering People. Building Futures.

On April 16, guest speakers, Eric J. Felsberg, Esq. and Craig S. Roberts, Esq., of Jackson Lewis P.C., presented on Ensuring Successful Diversity and Inclusion Practices in the Workplace, with a focus on people with disabilities.

But it hasn’t always been easy for this “kind” and “determined” preschooler on the autism spectrum.

This professional development training session offered both ASHA CEUs for Speech Therapists and CTLEs for Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and Educational Leaders.

During the evening, we will recognize individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership, and endeavors are central to our Gala focus — Empowering People. Building Futures.

Before and After pictures of the much-needed renovations to our Springfield Gardens Education Center in Queens...

Matt Sturiale called on the NYS Assembly and Senate to add to each of their house bills a 2.9% Cost of Living Adjustment to this year’s budget.

Birch staff, families, board members, and volunteers from Lloyds Bank and Cooley LLP read their favorite Dr. Seuss books to students in honor of the beloved children’s writer’s birthday.

Since attending East Flatbush Early Childhood Center, Ava has shown a new enthusiasm for learning.

This school-age science leader helps younger classmates make the leap into the unknown.

President and CEO Matthew Sturiale welcomes visitors to the new Birch Family Services website.